FAQs

Library Cards & Accounts
How do I get a library card? How much does it cost?
PINES library cards are FREE to all residents of Georgia. Bring a government-issued photo ID with your current address to get started. If your ID doesn't have your current address, bring it and paperwork bearing your name and current Georgia address (mail, lease, check stub, etc.) to the library and fill out an application. Children must be present with their parent or guardian to sign up for a card.

Acceptable forms of government-issued photo ID are:

Valid driver’s license
Valid passport
Valid US Military ID
Valid matricula consular
Valid Georgia Weapons Carry License
What do I do if I've lost my library card?
Contact your local library as soon as you notice your card is missing, so our staff can mark your card temporarily inactive and make a notation on your account. If you locate the card, staff can reactivate it with proof of identity.

To have it replaced, you will need to provide your government-issued photo ID and proof of current address. You'll need to be prepared to pay in full any outstanding bills on your account, however, the replacement card is free.
What if I do not live in Georgia but want to obtain a PINES library card?
Out-of-state cards are available for a $25 annual fee, payable at the time the card is issued. A temporary out-of-state card is available for $12.50 and is valid for 6 months.
Can I access my PINES account from home?
Yes. Visit gapines.org, click "My Account" in the upper right corner, then enter your library card number and your PIN. Once in your account, you can change your login information and password.

PINES also has a free app available for iOS and Android to enable access to your account.
How do I obtain a PIN number?
You must present your library card in person to a staff member to obtain your PIN. Your PIN can be reset by phone if you provide library staff with the library card barcode number, your full name, date of birth, and either address or phone number of record on the account.

If you registered for your library card with a valid email address, you may visit gapines.org and enter your library card number and email to request a password reset link.
How much are fines? How do I find out how much I owe?
Fines are $0.20 per day on most materials. 

Youth print materials, and materials checked out using the PLAY card issued through some local county school systems, do not accrue overdue fines. Materials without fines still have a due date and patrons remain responsible for the cost of lost or damaged items.

State passes, Chromebooks, Launchpads, and similar items have larger fines.

Your bills are tracked on your library card account, which is accessible at gapines.org, or through the PINES free app for iOS and Android. You may also call your local library and provide your library card number to ask about your bills.
How many items can I check out at one time?
You may check out up to 50 items simultaneously on one regular library card, however, audiovisual materials (DVDs, audiobooks, etc.) are limited to 15 total at any given time.

Other types of library cards, such as temporary or digital only, may have different limitations due to the type or database accessed.
How long can materials be checked out?
Most library materials circulate for two weeks at a time. They may be renewed twice for 2 weeks at a time in person, by phone, online at gapines.org, or in the PINES app, as long as the material(s) are not reserved for someone else. 

Lucky Day books check out for 1 week and may be renewed twice for a total of three weeks. They do not have hold requests because it is your "Lucky Day" when you find one on display.

Other items such as state passes and electronics have different checkout limits also.
What if another library has a book I want to check out?
Your PINES library card allows you to borrow books, audiobooks and DVDs from any PINES library in Georgia. You can request a title via the PINES website at gapines.org, the PINES app for iOS or Android, or by calling or visiting your local library.
How do I request/reserve new library materials?
You can reserve a new title owned by the Middle Georgia Regional Library System via the PINES website at gapines.org, the PINES app for iOS or Android, or by calling or visiting your local library with your library card number.

If the Middle Georgia Regional Library System or PINES doesn't own a copy of a title you're interested in, contact your local library in person, by phone, or by email to recommend it for purchase consideration.

Depending on the popularity of the book or author, wait times can vary.
What if I need more time with materials I've check out?
Most materials may be renewed twice for 2 weeks at a time in person, by phone, at gapines.org, or in the PINES app, as long as the material(s) are not reserved for someone else.

Some materials such as Lucky Day books, state passes, and electronics have different lending times with restrictions on renewals.
Library Services
How do I use the library's e-book system(s)?
You will need your Middle Georgia Regional (MGRL) library card number to access e-books. The Georgia Download Destination source for e-books, provided through Overdrive and the Libby app, may use any PINES library card since it's a statewide initiative. However, other resources offered through MGRL are coded to our library cards.

Visit our online resources page to learn more about e-book access.
Does the library offer notary services?
Yes. Learn more about our notary services here.
Does the library serve as a proctoring site for exams?
Yes. Proctoring is available by appointment at the Washington Memorial Library. Call the Reference Desk at 478-310-2130 for more information.
Computers & Technology Services
How do I use a computer at the library?
Bring your library card with you to your local library to sign in on a computer. Sessions may be extended as long as no one is waiting.
Does the library have wireless internet access?
Yes. Learn more about wireless internet here.
Can I print something out at the library? How much does it cost?
Yes.

Bibb County Libraries:
Black and white printouts are $0.20 per page. Full-color printouts are $0.40 per page.

Baldwin County Libraries (Twin Lakes Library System):
Black and white printouts are $0.25 per page. Full-color printouts are $0.50 per page.
Scanning services are $1.00 per 25 pages.
If I bring my own paper can I print something on it?
Only the paper provided at the library may be used.
How much are photocopier services?
Bibb County Libraries:
Black and white printouts are $0.20 per page. Full-color printouts are $0.40 per page.

Baldwin County Libraries (Twin Lakes Library System):
Black and white printouts are $0.25 per page. Full-color printouts are $0.50 per page.
Scanning services are $1.00 per 25 pages.
What do I need to do to take a free computer class? How much do they cost?
Computer classes are 100% free! Arrive at the library 10-15 minutes prior to the beginning of a class to sign in. 

Some classes may require registration and instructions for registration are provided in the description on the class calendars.
What if I don't know anything about computers?
For beginner-level classes, you don't need to know anything about computers. For intermediate and specialized courses, the knowledge needed is taught in beginner-level classes.
What should I bring to class with me?
Some people like to bring pen and paper for taking notes or annotating the provided hand-outs.
Where are classes held?
Click here to learn more.
Do you provide one-on-one computer lessons?
Yes.  The following libraries offer one-on-one computer lessons:

Charles A. Lanford, M.D. Library: Reserve-A-Librarian
Call or visit the library to set an appointment.

Shurling Library: Book-A-Techie
Call or visit the library to set an appointment.

Washington Memorial Library: Ask-A-Librarian
Call or visit the library to set an appointment.

Mary Vinson Memorial Library: Tech Tutorials
Call or visit the library to set an appointment.
How do I suggest a class?
You may mention your ideas to any library staff. They will make sure your suggestion makes it to the appropriate librarian.
What is the library's current GALILEO password?
GALILEO Virtual Library now uses single sign-on (SSO) authentication through your PINES library card or
your PLAY Card when you log in to your PINES account at gapines.org. The link to the GALILEO Virtual
Library is at the top middle of the page.
How do I use Mango Languages?
Mango Languages is accessible via GALILEO Virtual Library when you log in to your PINES account at gapines.org. The link to the GALILEO Virtual Library is at the top middle of the page.

You can also ask for one-on-one assistance with getting started using Mango Languages.
Can you recommend computers/devices I should purchase?
We do not provide consultations on which computer could be best for your personal needs.
I have an issue with my personal device, can I bring it in to see if you can fix it?
We do not provide computer repair services and are unable to make adjustments to your personal equipment. We can, however, show you how to research repair shops/technicians in the area. We are not responsible, however, for the business you conduct with them.
Patron Conduct & Responsibilities
The Library Board of Trustees has established Rules of Patron Conduct and Responsibilities so that library users and staff have a clean, pleasant, and safe environment. We need your cooperation to reach this goal.

The following are prohibited at all Middle Georgia Regional Libraries:

  • Engaging in any activity that would violate local, state, or federal criminal law, ordinance, or regulation
  • Activities or behavior that may result in damage/theft of library property
  • Animals, except for guide and service dogs
  • Loud or disruptive noises or behavior
  • Soliciting
  • Use of tobacco products, alcohol, or illegal drugs
  • Food or drinks
  • Littering
  • Loitering
  • Rudeness, sexual misconduct, obscenities, or harassment
  • Sleeping or bathing
  • Not wearing a shirt or shoes
  • Posting/distributing unauthorized materials
  • Entering unauthorized areas or being in the library during closed hours
  • Leaving a child under 13 years of age unattended by an adult 18 years of age or over
  • Library personnel may ask persons who are exhibiting inappropriate behavior to modify their behavior. Noncompliance with the Library’s Patron Conduct and Responsibilities may result in an individual being required to leave the library premises or in arrest and prosecution for criminal trespass pursuant to the Official Code of Georgia 16-7-21.
Other Questions
What payment methods does the library accept?
Middle Georgia Regional Library System branches accept cash, checks, debit and credit cards.