Circulation Services

InterLibrary Loan Policy

Interlibrary loan requests: Materials from the collections of other public, academic, and special libraries may be borrowed through Interlibrary Loan. Patrons may request that the library attempt to locate books or copies of journal or periodical articles that are not available in the Mineola Memorial Library.

Libraries rarely lend rare or fragile items, audio-visual materials or items in high demand. Most libraries do not lend genealogy, microfilm or items designated as reference in their catalog. Libraries are under no obligation to lend materials.

Due to funding cuts, beginning October 1, 2011, a fee of $4.00 per item requested will be charged and due at the time of the request.This fee is refundable only if the item is unavailable.

Interlibrary loan materials cannot be renewed and those materials returned late will be assessed a fine of $5.00 per item per day. Patrons who fail to return materials borrowed on their behalf will be charged the cost of the item (as determined by the lending library), plus a $25.00 processing fee. All fines and fees must be paid within 10 business days or ALL borrowing privileges will be suspended. Patrons are responsible for any fees or fines whether or not patron chooses to use requested material.

Patron must have a local, working phone number where he/she can be reached during business hours.

Patron agrees to comply with the Copyright Law of the United Sates (Title 17, United States Code.)

Children and Youth  Services

The southeast corner of the library is dedicated to patrons under the age of 12.  These collections contain fictional and non-fictional books.  Movies for children (rated G) and families (rated PG for a variety of reasons) can be found in this area, too.

Easy books may be found beneath the windows.  Juvenile and more advanced readers are found in the middle area.  A newly created Teen Alley contains books for middle and high school students.    

We have recently begun to identify books on the Accelerated Reader program.  We do not administer the tests but rather provide a way for parents to help their readers select books for this program.  These reading levels assigned by ARbookfind may also be used to help a child challenge their reading skills.

Reference Assistance

The library has many resources to assist in your research, or to help you find answers to your questions, and or to help you gain new skills.

These resources include:

1. Online Resources that include computers with internet access and several databases that may help you.  Here are just a few examples:

• HeritageQuest has research materials to trace family lineage.

• EBSCO MasterFILE Premier has more than 1,700 general reference, business, health, and education resources.
• Resume Maker can help you in developing a resume.

 2. The Genealogy Room contains books, microfilm, and a selection of folders containing items from local families that may be of value to your research.

3. Books & Movies, our collection contains lots of books and educational movies that could be of reference value to you.

4. Computers, we have computers that you can search the internet on to find information that may help you in answering your questions.

The library is here to help you, so don't be afraid to ask our staff for help!

Outreach Activities

We visit both nursing homes and the Assisted Living facility when conditions allow us to safely visit.  We also visit Lone Star Learning Academy for a story time once a month.

During Summer School, we visit both the Primary and Elementary campuses for a short program and opportunity for children to check out books.