Using Library Materials

Renewing Materials

If you need more time with an item you have already checked out, there are several ways to renew it:

  • Online - use My Account. If others are waiting or your items are overdue, they may not renew.

  • Automated Phone - the library's automated phone renewal line at 507.328.2311

  • Phone library staff - call the Public Service desk at 507.328.2304 (Available only during open hours)

  • In Person - ask staff at the Public Service or Children's desks of the library

Items may only be renewed twice.

Items with holds can not be renewed. 

Interlibrary loans may only be renewed (when possible to renew) by calling the library at 507.328.2309.

If items are already overdue, your library card privledge has expired, or your library fees total $10.00 (or more), please call the circulation desk at 507.328.2304 for help (as you will not be able to renew items online or on the automated phone).

Returning Materials

Return library materials twenty-four hours a day. 

  • Drive through and pedestrian returns are located on the west side of the building on First Avenue S.E.  

outside drop

  • There are two inside returns, one in Childrens and one at the Public Service Desk.
  • Items can also be returned on the bookmobile and other SELCO public libraries in the region. 


Video: See how our Book Return works!

 


 

Reserving & Requesting From Other Libraries

Reserves

Anytime a title is owned but unavailable at the Rochester Public Library, you can put yourself on a waiting list. This is called "placing a reserve". You can place reserves on titles of all types of material when all copies are checked out and even on titles that are on order. Users may have a maximum of 30 reserves at one time.

You can place a reserve in one of three ways:

  • In the online catalog, call up the title you would like to reserve and click on the PLACE HOLD button on the left side of the page.
  • For adult and young adult material, call the Adult Services Reserves Department at 507.328.2314 and ask staff to place the reserve for you. For children's material, call the Children's Department at 507.328.2303 and ask staff to place the reserve for you.
  • Ask for help at any public service desk in the library.

Note: Reserves you make today on available items will not be pulled from the shelves until tomorrow. (Any reserves placed on Saturday or Sunday will not be pulled until Monday).

Interlibrary Loan

The Rochester Public Library can obtain material from other libraries in southeast Minnesota, greater Minnesota, and even other parts of the country. There is no charge for this service.

Typically magazine articles are photocopied and other types of materials (books, videos, etc.) are sent to us in their entirety. The owning library may restrict the amount of time that material is borrowed, and you must follow their guidelines.

You need the following to place an interlibrary loan:

  • a valid library card
  • specific information regarding the material. You need author, title, and publication information. If you do not have all the information, please ask for assistance.

You may place an interlibrary loan in one of the following ways:

  • Check at MNLINK for the title you want.
  • Complete the Interlibrary loan form for books not found in the MNLINK gateway or for photocopies
  • Ask for assistance. Staff can assist you in placing the ILL. During library hours, contact the reference desk at 328.2309.

How long does it take to get an Interlibrary Loan?

The time varies considerably depending upon whether the material is currently available and where the material is owned. If the material is owned and available in theSELCO region, you will usually get the item in one week. Material that comes from other parts of the state or from another state can take weeks to arrive. Please plan accordingly.

 

 

updated 8/26/11