Frequently Asked Questions

Visit PPLC's website. Residents of Pinellas County only need a picture ID showing their current address. New Pinellas County residents who do not have their current address on their ID can bring any document that displays their name and current address, such as a utility bill, a lease, etc. Applicants under the age of 16 need a guardian’s signature.

Yes. A list of PPLC libraries is available here.

You should notify the library immediately at (727) 562-4970 to have the card deactivated.

Yes. Every three years. To renew a library card, patrons must go in person to any PPLC library with their picture ID showing their current address or a picture ID with any document that displays their name and current address, such as a utility bill, a lease, etc.

Yes. PPLC has reciprocal borrowing agreements with many local library systems. The patron must bring a picture ID and current active card from their home library in order to register with a PPLC library. Check with your local library to see which libraries have reciprocal agreements with PPLC.

A combination of up to 50 items, detailed here. This resource also lists library fees. The total number of requests allowed for all materials is 25.

In digital collections, patrons may check out 10 items per month from Libby (formerly OverDrive) and Hoopla and place up to seven requests per month with Libby. Kanopy users get 30 tickets per month to stream various films. Visit the Help tabs for more detailed information about digital services.

Yes. The library has several services for downloadable materials, including Overdrive and Hoopla.

Patrons may check out 10 items per month from Libby (formerly OverDrive) and Hoopla and place up to seven requests per month with Libby. Kanopy users get 30 tickets per month to stream various films. Visit the Help tabs for more detailed information about digital services.

No. PPLC member libraries are fine free effective October 1, 2021. Some libraries assess fines on specialty items due to limited availability and popularity. Fines on accounts prior to October 1, 2021, have been eliminated. Charges for lost and damaged items remain. If items are not returned by the 10-day grace period, borrowing privileges are locked until items are returned in good condition. If not returned, borrowers will be charged for the replacement cost of the item(s) plus fees.

Go to the catalog website, click on the drop-down menu in All Libraries and select Large Print.

To renew items and check due dates:

1. Go to the PPLC website or click "Search the Catalog" on the library's homepage.
2. Click on My Account.
3. Click login.
4. Sign in using your username and PIN/password.
5. From here, you can renew items and check due dates.

To place a hold:

1. Click "Search the Catalog" on the library's homepage.
2. Search for your desired title and click on the title you would like.
3. Click "Place Hold" and enter your library card number and PIN/password
4. Choose your pickup library, and click "Place Hold(s).
5. You will be notified when your item is ready to pick up.

The PPLC renewal line is (727) 286-6894. Eligible items will be renewed automatically up to two times before their due date. Patrons may also renew materials online:

1. Go to https://www.myclearwaterlibrary.com
2. Click on My Account.
3. Click login.
4. Sign in using your username and PIN/password.
5. Select the items you would like to renew.
6. Click Renew.

Yes. The library may purchase up to twelve (12) items per year requested by any single patron if it aligns with the library’s “Materials Selection Policy”. Purchase suggestions may be submitted through the library’s website.

Yes. The branches maintain the most recent 12 issues of a variety of popular magazines. The current issue is restricted to in-library use only. The older issues may be checked out. Holds may not be placed on Clearwater periodicals. The Main Library maintains an in-library-use-only archive of select titles. Call (727) 562-4970 for titles.

Yes, if you opt in.

The library does not maintain records of borrowing history. If you want to keep a reading list, proceed as follows:

1. Click My Account on the PPLC website.
2. Click Login.
3. Under Personal Information, click Preferences.
4. Click the check box next to Show My Checkout History.
5. Click Update.

Patrons may disable this feature at any time.

No. We do not purchase textbooks, but we do have a small number that have been donated.

You need a library card or Computer Use Only Card. A photo ID is required to obtain a Computer Use Only Card. Express Computers, which may be used for 15 minutes without a card, are available at each Clearwater location except East. Express Computers have the same software as non-express computers and are connected to a printer.

You will receive an hour upon logging in. Near the end of your session, if there is no waiting list, you will be offered additional time in 15-minute increments. There is a daily limit of four hours. All computers automatically shut down 15 minutes before closing.

• Main: 32
• Countryside: 25
• East: 41
• North Greenwood: 29
• Beach: 4

Yes. You may also save a document to a thumb drive/memory stick/flash drive/USB drive.

No. 

1. In your device’s Wi-Fi settings, click on the ClearwaterLib network
2. Go to www.myclearwaterlibrary.com in your browser
3. Click the box to accept the library’s Terms of Service

After four hours of use or a period of inactivity, you may be prompted to reconnect.

From Apple devices, yes. Use Air Print to see the available printers; from Windows and Android devices, you may be required to download a free app. Please visit a service desk for assistance.

Yes. All five Clearwater libraries offer computers that children may access with their library card. These computers have access to the Internet and have Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

No. They are first come, first served.

Yes, to a certain extent. The amount of technical assistance staff can provide depends on the activity level of the library and the skill level of the individual staff member.

Staff can assist patrons with the following technology tasks:

• Sign in for a computer.
• Open and close a program.
• Open and save a file.
• Send a job to be printed.
• Troubleshoot library hardware and software.
• Provide basic reference materials and handouts.
• Get you started on filling out online forms or applications.
• Get you started using electronic materials services like Overdrive, Zinio and Hoopla, etc.

Staff cannot assist patrons with the following technology tasks:

• Physically type a document
• Provide in-depth training on computers or software.
• Make a website work when it is down or busy.
• Type online forms or applications, especially those requiring personal information.
• Understand all websites and how they work.
• Demonstrate games, chat rooms, and other online programs.
• Troubleshoot personal hardware and software.

Check the calendar. There are different offerings at each Clearwater library location. You can also find online classes sponsored by the library here.

Yes. There is a copy machine at each location.

Black and white copies are 15 cents each, and color copies are 50 cents each.

No. Local alternatives are located on Clearwater's Parks and Recreation website and through the Special Events Department.

Please call (727) 562-4970 for closures or check the following page for city holidays and library branch hours. 

• Clearwater Adult Education Center
• Literacy Council of Upper Pinellas
• UMCM Suncoast

Yes. Only at the Main Library, on the third and fourth floors. The Main Library also maintains a small collection of local newspapers on microfilm.

Yes. Go to this page to make a research request.

It takes at least four weeks to process the obituary.

Yes, during open hours. Please do not leave donations outside the libraries or in the book returns. The library accepts donations of books, CDs, VHS tapes, and DVDs in good condition on behalf of the Friends of the Clearwater Library. A Quit Claim receipt will be issued upon request. The library will refuse materials that are outdated, in poor condition, dirty, buggy, moldy, etc. Large donations cannot be received at the East Community Library, the North Greenwood Library, the Beach Library, or the Countryside Library. If patrons wish to donate a large number of items or items other than those listed above, please contact the Friends of the Clearwater Library at (727) 562-5234.

Yes. Check the calendar - there are different offerings at each Clearwater Library location. In addition, the library offers, free, live, online tutoring for all ages through Brainfuse HelpNow.

No, not through Clearwater libraries. But area libraries and agencies do.

Mentoring:

• Pinellas County School Tutor Mentor Program: www.pcsb.org, volunteers@pcsb.org, (727) 588-6405, (727) 588-6484
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Pinellas County: www.bbbspc.org, 1-888-841-3568, (727) 518-8860

Proctoring:

• East Lake Library
• Oldsmar Library
• Safety Harbor Library
• St. Petersburg College: (727) 341-4772

Interlibrary loans:

• Dunedin Library
• Gulf Beaches Library
• Largo Library
• Palm Harbor Library
• Safety Harbor Library
• Seminole Community Library
• Tarpon Springs Library

No. Possible options:

• Clearwater Parks and Recreation at (727) 562-4803
• Crisis Center of Tampa Bay at 211

No. The following PPLC-member libraries offer these services:

Fax:

• Dunedin
• East Lake
• Gulfport
• Largo
• Oldsmar
• Palm Harbor
• Safety Harbor
• St. Petersburg

Notary:

• Dunedin
• East Lake

Yes, all Clearwater libraries have scanners. The library’s photocopiers can scan documents to a flash drive. Patrons may bring their own or borrow one from the library. Scanning is free.

However, Clearwater libraries no longer have functioning typewriters for patron use. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Yes, you may apply in person at the library or online at VotePinellas.com. The library will mail the application for you or you may choose to do so yourself. You will receive your card in the mail from the Supervisor of Elections.

The Talking Book Library of Pinellas County offers audiobooks through the mail. Contact them at (727) 441-9958, or online. All Clearwater libraries offer large print books, books on CD and downloadable books and audiobooks for checkout.

The Deaf Literacy Center of the Pinellas Public Library Cooperative is located at the Safety Harbor Library and can be reached by phone at (727) 724-1525 x4120 or online. The Main Library offers equipment for videoconferencing for deaf and hard-of-hearing patrons. Ask at the third-floor Reference Desk.

Go to this page to reserve a meeting room and then follow these steps. 

1. Choose “Select a Room to Reserve” or “Select a Day and Time”.
2. Choose your room.
3. Fill out a short form.
4. Click "Submit."

Meeting rooms must be booked online at least four (4) days prior and up to six months in advance and are only available for non-profit groups. All meetings must be open to the public, free of charge, and organizers may not require registration or collection of attendees’ information.

Go to this page to Reserve a Room.

1. Choose “Select a Room to Reserve” or “Select a Day and Time”
2. Choose your room.
3. Fill out a short form.
4. Click "Submit."

Yes. Adults, please visit the Adult Volunteers section of our website for more information and to download an application. Teens, please visit the Teens Volunteers section of our website for more information and to download an information packet.