How Do I Get a Library Card?
All you need to do to get a library card is to come to the library or sign up online by clicking here and selecting “My Account”. Either way, you will need to come into the library to get a physical card and to verify your residency. Please see “Renewing a Library Card” below.
All new cards are active for 21 days, during which time you will be able to check out 6 physical items at a time.* New card holders will also be able to check out digital materials immediately. After 21 days, if all physical items have been returned and there are no lost or damaged items, please come to or call the front desk to have your library card upgraded to unlimited borrowing privileges for 2 years. After 2 years, you will be able renew your card online.
*Checkout limits for DVDs, hotspots, launchpads, and seeds still apply.
What Do I Do If I Lost My Card?
Contact the library at (865) 425-3455 as soon as possible to inform us of a lost card. You are responsible for all items checked out on your card until you have reported a lost card to us.
Replacement Cards are $4.
Do Library Cards Have Age Restrictions?
There are no age restrictions for library cards.
Minors can either use there own documentation (if they are old enough for a driver’s license or learning permit) or their parent/guardian may co-sign for them, using the parent’s/guardian’s documentation instead. If a parent/guardian is co-signing for a minor, both the parent and the minor must be present at the time the card is issued.
What Do I Need to Get/Renew a Library Card?
What you will need in order to get a physical library card will vary on a few factors, such as whether you live in the Oak Ridge city limits. To see what you will need, use the tables below. To get a digital card, please see the “How Do I Get a Library Card” section for more information.
| Classifications: | |
| Residents: | Anyone living within the official city limits. |
| Property Owners: | Anyone owning a property within, but not living within, the official city limits. |
| Non-Residents: | Anyone not living within or owning property within the official city limits. |
| Required Documentation: | ||
| Residents: | Photo ID with Current Oak Ridge Address | |
| -OR- | ||
| Photo ID + Proof of Address (certified mail, rental agreement, etc.) | ||
| Property Owners: | Photo ID + Current Tax Receipt | |
| Non-Residents: | Photo ID | |
| Cost: | |
| Residents and Property Owners: | Free¹ |
| Non-Residents: | $45 per year |
¹Fees are already paid through your property taxes.
How Do I Renew My Library Card?
We check in with you periodically to make sure that we still have good contact information for you.
If you are a resident patron in good standing who has had their card for more than 21 days, you can renew your library card and make any changes to your contact information online.
If you are a new patron finishing your initial 21-day period or a non-resident, please stop by the front desk with all required documents to have your privilege upgraded.
If you registered for a library card online, please come into the library with all required documents to pick up your physical card and to verify your residency.
Do Library Cards Have Age Restrictions?
There are no age restrictions for library cards.
Minors can either use there own documentation (if they are old enough for a driver’s license or learning permit) or their parent/guardian may co-sign for them, using the parent’s/guardian’s documentation instead. If a parent/guardian is co-signing for a minor, both the parent and the minor must be present at the time the card is issued.
What Do I Need to Get/Renew a Library Card?
What you will need in order to get a physical library card will vary on a few factors, such as whether you live in the Oak Ridge city limits. To see what you will need, use the tables below. To get a digital card, please see the “How Do I Get a Library Card” section for more information.
| Classifications: | |
| Residents: | Anyone living within the official city limits. |
| Property Owners: | Anyone owning a property within, but not living within, the official city limits. |
| Non-Residents: | Anyone not living within or owning property within the official city limits. |
| Required Documentation: | ||
| Residents: | Photo ID with Current Oak Ridge Address | |
| -OR- | ||
| Photo ID + Proof of Address (certified mail, rental agreement, etc.) | ||
| Property Owners: | Photo ID + Current Tax Receipt | |
| Non-Residents: | Photo ID | |
| Cost: | |
| Residents and Property Owners: | Free¹ |
| Non-Residents: | $45 per year |
¹Fees are already paid through your property taxes.
How Do I Renew My Library Card?
We check in with you periodically to make sure that we still have good contact information for you.
If you are a resident patron in good standing who has had their card for more than 21 days, you can renew your library card and make any changes to your contact information online.
If you are a new patron finishing your initial 21-day period or a non-resident, please stop by the front desk with all required documents to have your privilege upgraded.
If you registered for a library card online, please come into the library with all required documents to pick up your physical card and to verify your residency.
Do Library Cards Have Age Restrictions?
There are no age restrictions for library cards.
Minors can either use there own documentation (if they are old enough for a driver’s license or learning permit) or their parent/guardian may co-sign for them, using the parent’s/guardian’s documentation instead. If a parent/guardian is co-signing for a minor, both the parent and the minor must be present at the time the card is issued.
What Do I Need to Get/Renew a Library Card?
What you will need in order to get a physical library card will vary on a few factors, such as whether you live in the Oak Ridge city limits. To see what you will need, use the tables below. To get a digital card, please see the “How Do I Get a Library Card” section for more information.
| Classifications: | |
| Residents: | Anyone living within the official city limits. |
| Property Owners: | Anyone owning a property within, but not living within, the official city limits. |
| Non-Residents: | Anyone not living within or owning property within the official city limits. |
| Required Documentation: | ||
| Residents: | Photo ID with Current Oak Ridge Address | |
| -OR- | ||
| Photo ID + Proof of Address (certified mail, rental agreement, etc.) | ||
| Property Owners: | Photo ID + Current Tax Receipt | |
| Non-Residents: | Photo ID | |
| Cost: | |
| Residents and Property Owners: | Free¹ |
| Non-Residents: | $45 per year |
¹Fees are already paid through your property taxes.
How Do I Renew My Library Card?
We check in with you periodically to make sure that we still have good contact information for you.
If you are a resident patron in good standing who has had their card for more than 21 days, you can renew your library card and make any changes to your contact information online.
If you are a new patron finishing your initial 21-day period or a non-resident, please stop by the front desk with all required documents to have your privilege upgraded.
If you registered for a library card online, please come into the library with all required documents to pick up your physical card and to verify your residency.
Do Library Cards Have Age Restrictions?
There are no age restrictions for library cards.
Minors can either use there own documentation (if they are old enough for a driver’s license or learning permit) or their parent/guardian may co-sign for them, using the parent’s/guardian’s documentation instead. If a parent/guardian is co-signing for a minor, both the parent and the minor must be present at the time the card is issued.
What Do I Need to Get/Renew a Library Card?
What you will need in order to get a physical library card will vary on a few factors, such as whether you live in the Oak Ridge city limits. To see what you will need, use the tables below. To get a digital card, please see the “How Do I Get a Library Card” section for more information.
| Classifications: | |
| Residents: | Anyone living within the official city limits. |
| Property Owners: | Anyone owning a property within, but not living within, the official city limits. |
| Non-Residents: | Anyone not living within or owning property within the official city limits. |
| Required Documentation: | ||
| Residents: | Photo ID with Current Oak Ridge Address | |
| -OR- | ||
| Photo ID + Proof of Address (certified mail, rental agreement, etc.) | ||
| Property Owners: | Photo ID + Current Tax Receipt | |
| Non-Residents: | Photo ID | |
| Cost: | |
| Residents and Property Owners: | Free¹ |
| Non-Residents: | $45 per year |
¹Fees are already paid through your property taxes.
How Do I Renew My Library Card?
We check in with you periodically to make sure that we still have good contact information for you.
If you are a resident patron in good standing who has had their card for more than 21 days, you can renew your library card and make any changes to your contact information online.
If you are a new patron finishing your initial 21-day period or a non-resident, please stop by the front desk with all required documents to have your privilege upgraded.
If you registered for a library card online, please come into the library with all required documents to pick up your physical card and to verify your residency.
Do Library Cards Have Age Restrictions?
There are no age restrictions for library cards.
Minors can either use there own documentation (if they are old enough for a driver’s license or learning permit) or their parent/guardian may co-sign for them, using the parent’s/guardian’s documentation instead. If a parent/guardian is co-signing for a minor, both the parent and the minor must be present at the time the card is issued.
What Do I Need to Get/Renew a Library Card?
What you will need in order to get a physical library card will vary on a few factors, such as whether you live in the Oak Ridge city limits. To see what you will need, use the tables below. To get a digital card, please see the “How Do I Get a Library Card” section for more information.
| Classifications: | |
| Residents: | Anyone living within the official city limits. |
| Property Owners: | Anyone owning a property within, but not living within, the official city limits. |
| Non-Residents: | Anyone not living within or owning property within the official city limits. |
| Required Documentation: | ||
| Residents: | Photo ID with Current Oak Ridge Address | |
| -OR- | ||
| Photo ID + Proof of Address (certified mail, rental agreement, etc.) | ||
| Property Owners: | Photo ID + Current Tax Receipt | |
| Non-Residents: | Photo ID | |
| Cost: | |
| Residents and Property Owners: | Free¹ |
| Non-Residents: | $45 per year |
¹Fees are already paid through your property taxes.
How Do I Renew My Library Card?
We check in with you periodically to make sure that we still have good contact information for you.
If you are a resident patron in good standing who has had their card for more than 21 days, you can renew your library card and make any changes to your contact information online.
If you are a new patron finishing your initial 21-day period or a non-resident, please stop by the front desk with all required documents to have your privilege upgraded.
If you registered for a library card online, please come into the library with all required documents to pick up your physical card and to verify your residency.
Do Library Cards Have Age Restrictions?
There are no age restrictions for library cards.
Minors can either use there own documentation (if they are old enough for a driver’s license or learning permit) or their parent/guardian may co-sign for them, using the parent’s/guardian’s documentation instead. If a parent/guardian is co-signing for a minor, both the parent and the minor must be present at the time the card is issued.
What Do I Need to Get/Renew a Library Card?
What you will need in order to get a physical library card will vary on a few factors, such as whether you live in the Oak Ridge city limits. To see what you will need, use the tables below. To get a digital card, please see the “How Do I Get a Library Card” section for more information.
| Classifications: | |
| Residents: | Anyone living within the official city limits. |
| Property Owners: | Anyone owning a property within, but not living within, the official city limits. |
| Non-Residents: | Anyone not living within or owning property within the official city limits. |
| Required Documentation: | ||
| Residents: | Photo ID with Current Oak Ridge Address | |
| -OR- | ||
| Photo ID + Proof of Address (certified mail, rental agreement, etc.) | ||
| Property Owners: | Photo ID + Current Tax Receipt | |
| Non-Residents: | Photo ID | |
| Cost: | |
| Residents and Property Owners: | Free¹ |
| Non-Residents: | $45 per year |
¹Fees are already paid through your property taxes.
How Do I Renew My Library Card?
We check in with you periodically to make sure that we still have good contact information for you.
If you are a resident patron in good standing who has had their card for more than 21 days, you can renew your library card and make any changes to your contact information online.
If you are a new patron finishing your initial 21-day period or a non-resident, please stop by the front desk with all required documents to have your privilege upgraded.
If you registered for a library card online, please come into the library with all required documents to pick up your physical card and to verify your residency.
Do Library Cards Have Age Restrictions?
There are no age restrictions for library cards.
Minors can either use there own documentation (if they are old enough for a driver’s license or learning permit) or their parent/guardian may co-sign for them, using the parent’s/guardian’s documentation instead. If a parent/guardian is co-signing for a minor, both the parent and the minor must be present at the time the card is issued.
What Do I Need to Get/Renew a Library Card?
What you will need in order to get a physical library card will vary on a few factors, such as whether you live in the Oak Ridge city limits. To see what you will need, use the tables below. To get a digital card, please see the “How Do I Get a Library Card” section for more information.
| Classifications: | |
| Residents: | Anyone living within the official city limits. |
| Property Owners: | Anyone owning a property within, but not living within, the official city limits. |
| Non-Residents: | Anyone not living within or owning property within the official city limits. |
| Required Documentation: | ||
| Residents: | Photo ID with Current Oak Ridge Address | |
| -OR- | ||
| Photo ID + Proof of Address (certified mail, rental agreement, etc.) | ||
| Property Owners: | Photo ID + Current Tax Receipt | |
| Non-Residents: | Photo ID | |
| Cost: | |
| Residents and Property Owners: | Free¹ |
| Non-Residents: | $45 per year |
¹Fees are already paid through your property taxes.
How Do I Renew My Library Card?
We check in with you periodically to make sure that we still have good contact information for you.
If you are a resident patron in good standing who has had their card for more than 21 days, you can renew your library card and make any changes to your contact information online.
If you are a new patron finishing your initial 21-day period or a non-resident, please stop by the front desk with all required documents to have your privilege upgraded.
If you registered for a library card online, please come into the library with all required documents to pick up your physical card and to verify your residency.
Do Library Cards Have Age Restrictions?
There are no age restrictions for library cards.
Minors can either use there own documentation (if they are old enough for a driver’s license or learning permit) or their parent/guardian may co-sign for them, using the parent’s/guardian’s documentation instead. If a parent/guardian is co-signing for a minor, both the parent and the minor must be present at the time the card is issued.
What Do I Need to Get/Renew a Library Card?
What you will need in order to get a physical library card will vary on a few factors, such as whether you live in the Oak Ridge city limits. To see what you will need, use the tables below. To get a digital card, please see the “How Do I Get a Library Card” section for more information.
| Classifications: | |
| Residents: | Anyone living within the official city limits. |
| Property Owners: | Anyone owning a property within, but not living within, the official city limits. |
| Non-Residents: | Anyone not living within or owning property within the official city limits. |
| Required Documentation: | ||
| Residents: | Photo ID with Current Oak Ridge Address | |
| -OR- | ||
| Photo ID + Proof of Address (certified mail, rental agreement, etc.) | ||
| Property Owners: | Photo ID + Current Tax Receipt | |
| Non-Residents: | Photo ID | |
| Cost: | |
| Residents and Property Owners: | Free¹ |
| Non-Residents: | $45 per year |
¹Fees are already paid through your property taxes.
How Do I Renew My Library Card?
We check in with you periodically to make sure that we still have good contact information for you.
If you are a resident patron in good standing who has had their card for more than 21 days, you can renew your library card and make any changes to your contact information online.
If you are a new patron finishing your initial 21-day period or a non-resident, please stop by the front desk with all required documents to have your privilege upgraded.
If you registered for a library card online, please come into the library with all required documents to pick up your physical card and to verify your residency.
Do Library Cards Have Age Restrictions?
There are no age restrictions for library cards.
Minors can either use there own documentation (if they are old enough for a driver’s license or learning permit) or their parent/guardian may co-sign for them, using the parent’s/guardian’s documentation instead. If a parent/guardian is co-signing for a minor, both the parent and the minor must be present at the time the card is issued.
What Do I Need to Get/Renew a Library Card?
What you will need in order to get a physical library card will vary on a few factors, such as whether you live in the Oak Ridge city limits. To see what you will need, use the tables below. To get a digital card, please see the “How Do I Get a Library Card” section for more information.
| Classifications: | |
| Residents: | Anyone living within the official city limits. |
| Property Owners: | Anyone owning a property within, but not living within, the official city limits. |
| Non-Residents: | Anyone not living within or owning property within the official city limits. |
| Required Documentation: | ||
| Residents: | Photo ID with Current Oak Ridge Address | |
| -OR- | ||
| Photo ID + Proof of Address (certified mail, rental agreement, etc.) | ||
| Property Owners: | Photo ID + Current Tax Receipt | |
| Non-Residents: | Photo ID | |
| Cost: | |
| Residents and Property Owners: | Free¹ |
| Non-Residents: | $45 per year |
¹Fees are already paid through your property taxes.
How Do I Renew My Library Card?
We check in with you periodically to make sure that we still have good contact information for you.
If you are a resident patron in good standing who has had their card for more than 21 days, you can renew your library card and make any changes to your contact information online.
If you are a new patron finishing your initial 21-day period or a non-resident, please stop by the front desk with all required documents to have your privilege upgraded.
If you registered for a library card online, please come into the library with all required documents to pick up your physical card and to verify your residency.
Library Use
Can I bring my dog into the library?
You may bring your H.A.B.I.T. or service dog into the library. Other dogs are not permitted inside.
If I don't have a card, can I still use the library?
Of course! If you do not have a library card with us, or do not live in the City of Oak Ridge, you are still welcome to use our services. You can use our Wi-Fi, attend our programs, schedule a reference appointment, and read books, magazines, and newspapers inside the library. We even have “On-Your-Honor” books that you can take home and bring back when you are done.
Can I bring food and/or drink?
You can bring drinks that have a tightly fitting lid into the library, but no food. We also ask that you do not take your beverage with you into the stacks, next to the computers, or into the Oak Ridge Room.
What ages do the Children's Room/Main Library serve?
You can check out any library materials from the Children’s Room and the Main Library, no matter how old you are. The Children’s Room provides books written for younger readers, from babies to middle schoolers. The Main Library houses books for teens and up.
Computers, Internet, and Wi-Fi
Do you have free Wi-Fi?
Yes! Our Wi-Fi is called Lib_public-vcell and is accessible at the library, in our parking lot, and in A. K. Bissell Park.
Do you have computers I can use?
We have public computers that are available to anyone coming into the library. If you have a library card, there is no time limit. If you do not have a card, you can use our public computers for free for up to 2 hours.
For more information about our computer use policy, click here.
Do you have mobile hotspots that I can check out?
We have mobile hotspots that check out for up to one week. Hotspots are in high demand, so make sure to plan ahead if you think you’ll want to check one out.
Printing Faxing, and Scanning
Can I print something at the library?
Yes, our computers are connected to a printer behind the Main Desk. Prints are $0.10 a page for black and white and $0.40 a page for color. We can only print one-sided prints.
Can I fax something from the library?
We currently cannot fax at the library, but our business center has a scanner that will send scanned documents via email. Scanning is free!
Is there a way to print from my personal device?
We do offer mobile printing for $0.10 a page for black and white or $0.40 a page for color. You can send something from your phone, tablet, laptop, or even from your home computer. Just pick up your prints within 1 week!
Can I make copies at the library?
Our copy machine is located in the library’s business center right as you walk into the main library. Copies are $0.10 a page for black and white or $0.40 a page for color. We have a money box mounted on the wall to the right of the copy machine.
Can I get my documents scanned and emailed to me?
Yes! Our business center has a scanner that will send scanned documents via email. There is no charge for scanning a document.
Library Services
What materials/services does the library offer?
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Do you have a notary public available?
We do not offer notary public services at this time, but we can point you to somewhere that does.
Do you have/can you print tax forms?
We have the 1040 and 1040-SR form and instruction books freely available. You can get them at the main desk, or from one of the form-holders we place near the outside book-drop and library entrance during tax season. If you need any other forms, we can print them off for you for $0.10 a page.
Do you offer any tax assistance?
While the library does not offer tax assistance, we can point you in the direction of organizations that do.
Do you have voter registration forms?
We have Voter Registration forms available at the Main Desk for patrons to fill out, mail in or drop off. Library staff will mail forms, but please be aware of registration deadlines.
Library Programs and Events
What programs and events does the library host?
You can find the following programs and events at the library:
-
- Storytime
- Mother Goose
- Wise Water Wednesdays
- Teen Space
- World Wise Wednesdays
- Technology Thursdays
- Technology Labs
- Book Sales
- Ruff Reading
- Career Coach
- Our annual Summer Reading Programs
When is the next Book Sale?
Book Sales usually happen once a season. We post the dates of any upcoming Book Sales as soon as the Friends of the Oak Ridge Public Library let us know that they will be having a sale (usually 1 month before the sale). The dates will be announced on our social media pages and will be listed on our event calendar.
Rooms and Display Cases
Can I reserve the auditorium?
To rent out the Library’s Auditorium, please contact our Administrative Associate, Lexie Roland, at (865) 425-3456.
Can I sign up to use a display case?
Do you have private, meeting, or study rooms available?
While we don’t have private rooms or study rooms, we do have a glassed-in meeting room available to be reserved in two-hour blocks not more than seven days in advance. This room is located in the back of the main library. Speak to the desk staff to reserve the room. For more information about the meeting room, click here.
*The Meeting Room is unavailable to be reserved on the first and third Thursday of each month due to library programming.
We also have study carrels with power outlets and tables out in the main library that you can use.
Library Cards and Materials
How old do you need to be to get a library card?
You can get a library card at any age.
Click here for more information about signing up for a library card.
Where do I return my items?
We have two book drops: one inside and one outside.
The inside drop is located in the Main Library in our business center, between the two bulletin boards. The outside book drop is a drive-up drop located on the access road as you are leaving the library parking lot.
The outside book drop is closed on federal holidays and Summer Sundays.
Do you have books in languages other than English?
Paying Fines and Fees
Does the library charge for overdue materials?
Beginning July 1, 2023, we no longer charge overdue fees for materials that are returned late. Additionally, the library will automatically renew eligible items that have not been returned if the item does not have a hold. Patrons will still be charged for lost or damaged items.
Can I replace lost or damaged materials?
We are no longer able to accept replacement copies for items that are lost or damaged. When a book is lost or damaged, the patron will be charged the cost of the original item plus a processing fee.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We currently only take cash or check.
Can I pay my fees online?
We don’t accept online payments at this time.
Donations
Do you accept book donations?
We do accept book donations. Click here to learn how to donate your books.
Can I get a receipt for the books I donated?
Receipts for your donations are available at the Main Desk upon request. Your receipt will only include the number of books you donated and the date we received the donation.
Public Notices and Advertising
Can I hang up a flyer in the library?
We do have public bulletin boards located in the library’s business center. Please bring your flyers to the front desk to be submitted for approval.
Can you post about my business/event on social media?
The singular purpose of the Oak Ridge Public Library social media sites is to promote library programs, services, events, and city-sponsored content that may be of interest to library users.