Frequently Asked Questions

Library Cards

What do I need to get a library card?

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.

Can I use my Clearwater Library card at any of the Pinellas Public Library Cooperative (PPLC) member libraries?

What should I do if I lose my library card?

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

Do library cards expire?

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.

Can I check out materials if I have a Hillsborough library card?

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.

Borrowing

How many DVDs, books, Blu-rays, etc., may I check out?

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.

Can I download books to my Kindle, iPad, or Nook?

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.

 

Does the library charge overdue fines?

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.

How can I find large print books in the catalog?

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

How do I login to my account online?

  1. Go to the PPLC website.
  2. Click on My Account
  3. Click login
  4. Sign in using your username and PIN/password

From here, you can renew and request items and check due dates.

How can I renew my items online or over the phone?

The PPLC renewal line is (727) 286-6894. Eligible items will be renewed automatically one time 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

May I suggest that the library purchase items which are not in the collection?

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.

Do you have back issues of magazines available?

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.

Is there a way to view the titles of items I have checked out in the past?

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.

Do you have textbooks in your collection?

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

Computer and Internet Services

What do I need to use a computer?

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.

How long may I use a computer?

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.

How many computers are there at each branch?

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

Can I download documents on the public computers?

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

Can I download programs on the public computers?

No. 

How do I connect to the library Wi-Fi?

  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.

Can I print from my laptop?

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.

Do you have computers available for children?

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.

Can I reserve a computer?

No. They are first come, first served.

Can staff help me on the computer?

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.

Where can I take computer classes at the library?

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

Library Services

Do you have a photocopier?

Yes. There is a copy machine at each location.

What is the cost for copies?

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

Can I rent the Main library rooftop for an event?

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

Is the library going to be closed?

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

Where can I take classes to prepare for the USCIS citizenship exam?

Does the library have a microfilm/microfiche reader?

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.

Can the library help me find an obituary?

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

It takes at least four weeks to process the obituary.

Does the library receive donations?

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.

Do you have homework help?

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.

Do you have mentoring, proctoring assistance, or Interlibrary Loans?

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

Mentoring:

Proctoring:

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

Interlibrary loans:

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

Can I do court-ordered community service hours at the library?

No. Possible options:

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

Does the library have fax or notary services?

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

Does the library have a scanner?

Yes. 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.

Do you have a typewriter for public use?

Only at the Main Library. You must provide your own paper and correction materials. Paper is also available at the Reference Desk for $0.15 per sheet.

May I register to vote at the library?

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.

What services do you offer for blind and visually impaired patrons?

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.

What services do you offer for deaf and hard-of-hearing patrons?

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.

How do I reserve a meeting room?

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.

How do I reserve a study room, multimedia room or digitization station?

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."

Can I volunteer at the library?

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.