Frequently Asked Questions

Obtain & Use a Public Library Card

You will need to present a photo id and proof of current address to apply for a library card. Acceptable proof of current address includes:

• Mail postmarked within the last 10 days.
• Utility bill, rental agreement, or electronic bill.
• If a document with current address is not available, visit the Library and ask for a postcard to be sent. Once you receive the postcard, it can be used as proof of current address.

Additional Information About Library Cards:

• A parent or guardian must accept responsibility for cards issued to their children under the age of 18.
• Leavenworth Library cards can be used at Lansing Community Library and other Next Search Catalog libraries.
• Library reserves the right to postpone circulation. All DVD, CD, and audiobook borrowing must be completed 15 minutes before closing.
• Library cards require renewal every year.

Fort Leavenworth

Fort Leavenworth residents have access to all Library services, including borrowing, programs, e-content access and more.

NEKLS & Next Search Catalog

The Leavenworth Public Library is part of the Northeast Kansas Library System (NEKLS), which includes the Next Search Catalog consortium, a group of 51 libraries working together to provide material to patrons across northeast Kansas. The Next Search Catalog contains material from all consortium libraries that patrons of any consortium library may access.

Access Account Online

Use the Log in to My Account link at top of the Library’s website to log in with your full card number and password. Once logged in items can be renewed, view guarantee’s checkouts if applicable, place holds and access digital content. If you have fees on your account, you can pay them over the phone with a credit or debit card. A 2.5% transaction fee will apply.

Returning Material

Patrons may return items inside the Library, in the book and media returns at the main desk, outside the Library via the book drop in the parking lot or the main entrance. Leavenworth Library materials can be returned at any Next Search Catalog consortium library, including Lansing Community Library.

Holds

A hold is a reservation placed on an item in the Next Search Catalog. When the item arrives at the Library you will be notified based on your account preferences: email, phone or postcard. The item remains at the main desk for 7 days allowing time to pick it up. Holds are the best way to get the newest items in the catalog faster, and to access items from other consortium libraries. For instructions on how to place a hold ​view the How to Use the Library page.

Authorized User

Patrons can grant account access and circulation privileges to another person. An authorized user can pick up holds, check items out, inquire about the account and pay fines but is not permitted to use the card for library computer access. Authorized users must show a photo ID or their Library card to confirm identity before staff will perform any transaction on the authorized account. Staff may ask for details, like date of birth or address, on the authorized account to confirm the proper account is being accessed.

Interlibrary Loan

Interlibrary loan (ILL) requests can be made for items not found in the Next Search Catalog. For more details visit the Interlibrary Loan page.

Kansas Library eCard

The State Library of Kansas offers residents of Kansas access to databases, ebooks and other content funded by the State of Kansas. Home access to these resources require a Kansas Library ecard. To obtain a State Library ecard see Reference staff.

Computer & Internet Access

Leavenworth Library and Next Search Catalog cardholders are granted six hours of access each day on library computer terminals. You will need your library card number and associated password. If you forgot your card number or password, please check with library staff.

Guest Pass

Visitors who do not have a Leavenworth Public Library card or card from a Next Search Catalog library may request a one hour computer guest pass. Adults must show a photo ID with birth date to receive a guest pass. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to receive a guest pass.

WiFi

Free WiFi is available throughout the building. No password is required.

Copy & Print

The Library offers black and white copy and print services at 10¢ per page, color copy and print services at 25¢ per page. Wireless printing is also available. The coin operated machine accepts nickels, dimes, quarters, one and five dollar bills. You can also pay with a credit or debit card. A 2.5% transaction fee will apply to credit/debit payments.

Fax

The Library offers faxing services, send and receive, at $1 per page, paid with either cash, check, credit or debit card. A 2.5% transaction fee will apply to credit/debit payments. To send a fax at the Library, go to the main desk and speak to staff. A library-provided cover sheet is required when sending a fax, no charge for this page. To receive a fax at the Library, have the fax sent to 913-682-1248. When you come to the Library to pick up the fax a photo ID or library card is required to confirm the person retrieving the fax is the proper recipient. Payment for all pages received, minus any cover page, will be required before the fax is released.

Scan

The Library offers a scanner for public use. Staff will guide patrons through the scanning process.

Meeting Rooms

The Jahn, East and Board rooms are available for public use. The meeting rooms are available at no charge to individuals, groups, or organizations engaged in educational, civic, and cultural activities.

Expected attendance cannot exceed the capacity of the room:

• Jahn Room capacity: 75
• East Room capacity: 45
• Board Room capacity: 12

Donations

Bring all donations inside the building – book drops are only for returning Library material. For large donations, call ahead to schedule a time to meet staff at the dock.

Gifts or donations of material in these categories will be accepted:

• Books, except textbooks and encyclopedias
• Magazines published within the last 12 months
• DVDs
• Music CDs
• Audiobooks in CD format
• Video Games for current player/devices
• Board Games
• Donation of other items will be considered on a case-by-case basis

The Library will not accept any material or other items that are moldy, foul smelling or otherwise in damaged or poor condition. All accepted donations will be used or disposed of as the Library determines is appropriate, using the same criteria set forth in the Collection Development policy.

Monetary and material donations to the Leavenworth Public Library are tax deductible under section 170(c)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code. Valuation of the material donation is the responsibility of the donor. The Library will provide documentation acknowledging accepted donations.

Tax deductible monetary donations may also be made to the Leavenworth Public Library Foundation.