FAQ

JMRL has a single catalog with two different interfaces to access and experience the entire collection.

Classic is the base interface provided by the catalog vendor.  It is a simplified experience for users who do not wish to see a lot of additional content.

Find It is a modernized interface built in an open-source application.  It is an updated experience similar to more current catalog websites with large book covers, carousels, and full integration in JMRL's website

Read more and see FAQs about the catalog on the page Findit.

Fill out and print a library card application (in English or en Español) and bring it into your local branch or apply online for a temporary card and instant access to ebooks, audiobooks, databases, and more.

Learn more about JMRL's Specialty Cards

Connect to the printing system from your device and pay for printing just like you do when printing from Library computers. Wireless printing is available at all branches, just choose your branch to get started.

All of our library locations offer free public meeting rooms available to a group representative with a valid JMRL library card. To book a room, fill out a  Meeting Room Registration Form and mail, fax, or email it to the appropriate branch. Otherwise, you must visit the library branch in person. If you or your group wish to use library-supplied microphones, projectors, or other A/V devices also fill out the Audio-Visual Equipment Use form and submit to branch staff.

Check room availability at all the branches in MRBS and Request a Room.

JMRL has 24hr Contactless Hold pickup lockers at the following branches: Crozet, Gordon, Greene, Louisa, Nelson, and Scottsville. To use the outdoor lockers select "(Branch) Locker" as your hold pickup location in the online catalog. Library staff will place the items in the locker and you’ll receive an email notification that the items are ready. (Due to limited locker space, your holds may be available sooner if picked up inside the branch.)

At the locker kiosk, scan your library card and follow the onscreen instructions. The corresponding locker door will automatically pop open with the items checked out and ready to go.

Check out our blog post featuring an instructional video for more information.

You can check out and return materials (books, audiobooks, music, even knitting needles) from any branch, to any branch.  You can also access the Digital Library, where you will find everything from ebooks to streaming video to comic books.  Check the Services page for the full range of what's available from JMRL.

• All residents of and/or real property owners in the City of Charlottesville, and the counties of Albemarle, Greene, Louisa and Nelson are eligible to obtain free library cards.
• An individual not meeting the above criteria may purchase a library card on an annual basis for $30. The annual fee must be paid with cash or check. These patrons are also welcome to apply for a free "In-House Use Only" card, which gives access meeting room keys and Chromebooks, as well as use public computers and any database used on the library network (NOTE: Libby and Kanopy are not accessible with In-House Use Cards).
• Institutional cards are not issued.
• There are no age requirements for obtaining a library card. Materials charged out to minors are considered to be the responsibility of parents or guardians.

Yes! JMRL welcomes library card holders to use its laptops for civic, creative, cultural, educational, personal, or business activities. Library laptops and peripheral equipment are available at JMRL branches for use during hours when the Library is open on equal terms to all card holders in the community. Laptops are provided on a first come, first served basis. More than one laptop cannot be checked out to the same card at the same time. Laptops are for in-house use only; they may not leave the building. See the In-House Laptop Use Procedure below for full details.

Faxing is available at $1 for each page, including any cover pages, within the United States.

• Most items: 25¢/day
• ILL: $1.00/day
• DVDs, audiobooks & 7-day loan bestsellers: 50¢/day
• Max fine per item: $10.00
• Max fine per item ILL: $30.00
• Max fine if paid in full: $35.00. It may be to your advantage to call your local branch library to have your balance confirmed before making an online payment.
• Juvenile cardholders (ages 0-17) do not accrue overdue fines or late renewal fines for items.
  However, juvenile cardholders will be charged for lost or damaged items.

JMRL and Albemarle-Charlottesville NAACP are encouraging a diverse group of students to consider professional library work as a career option. To further that goal, NAACP and JMRL have established a library internship and scholarship program for students in Albemarle, Charlottesville, Greene, Louisa, and Nelson.

The program offers 200 annual hours of library work experience and a stipend of $3,000. In addition, interns are eligible for an annual scholarship of $2,000 to be used toward completion of an Associate’s, Bachelor’s, or Master’s degree. Applicants must be at least 17 years of age or entering the 12th grade to apply.

Read the brochure to find out about applying for this great opportunity.

Yes. There is a notary public at all branches of the library system. Call your local branch to make an appointment.  Notary service is free of charge.

Yes, the library circulates wireless hotspots that can be checked out at any location. Patrons must submit a signed Hotspot User Agreement form before checking out a hotspot.

JMRL circulates Chromebooks that can be checked out and used within the library. Patrons must submit a signed Chromebook User Agreement form before checking out a Chromebook.  See Circulation or Reference staff if you would like to check one out.

Chromebooks do not have Microsoft Office available. You may download a blank document, spreadsheet or powerpoint file by selecting the links below:

Microsoft Word = opens in Google Docs on Chromebook

Microsoft Excel = opens in Google Sheets on Chromebook

Microsoft PowerPoint = opens in Google Slides on Chromebook

Both the Find It and Classic catalog interfaces provide access to search the entire JMRL collection.

To learn more about the catalog interfaces, visit the FindIt page.

JMRL provides an Interlibrary Loan service to borrow books from libraries outside of the library system. This service is available at all library branches. Check the Interlibrary Loan page to request a book or learn more.

If the book you want is new, you may suggest that we order it by filling out the Suggest a Purchase form. You may also request to place a hold on the item if JMRL adds it to the collection. You will be notified if the book is ordered and when it is available for checkout.

You will need a laptop, smartphone, tablet, or any device that can connect to wireless internet. A JMRL library card is not required. Anyone who complies with the Library's Computer and Internet Access Policy (PDF)  may use JMRL's Wireless Access service.

If your device doesn't establish a connection automatically, look for available networks and select JMRL-Public or JMRL-Ting. If you are not prompted immediately to accept JMRL's Computer and Internet Access Policy, open a web browser and direct it to www.jmrl.org. Once you have accepted JMRL's policy, you are granted access to guest Wi-Fi.

Library staff will assist you in configuring your Wi-Fi connection or attempt to troubleshoot any problems you encounter while using the Wi-Fi in the library. For your protection staff are not allowed to touch your laptop or device in order to help you, but will do whatever else they can.

Wi-Fi is offered at all JMRL branches.

There are many ways to donate to the library.  You can give money to purchase a book or donate directly to the Endowment Fund.  For more information and more ways to give, check the Donate page.

Jefferson-Madison Regional Library utilizes the City of Charlottesville Human Resources when posting or advertising library positions. Please see the City’s JOBS BOARD for information about available library positions.

The City also advertises open positions in The Daily Progress and includes library positions that are available. In addition to the City advertisements, Jefferson-Madison Regional Library may also decide to advertise any available library positions for the outlying counties for Greene County in the Greene County Record, for Louisa County in The Central Virginian, and for Nelson County in the Nelson County Times.

All of JMRL's periodicals are now cataloged.  Check the catalog – you can do a search specifically for newspapers or journals and magazines using Advanced Search or the Narrow Search options on the right side of the search page.

Use the My Account button or link to go to the catalog and log in with your library card number.

For individuals or organizations requesting to work with JMRL staff to present or partner on a program fill out the Program Partner Request form.  A staff member will then contact you.

You can pay JMRL fines and fees online via the My Account in the Classic Catalog using VISA, MasterCard or Discover. If you do not owe money, this option will not appear.

Detailed instructions:

• Log into My Account
• Click on the line indicating unpaid fines and bills. This will only appear if you owe money.
• Click on Pay Online
• Click the boxes of fines and fees you want to pay. Individual charges must be paid in full, but you can select the charges you want to pay. Uncheck the charges you don't want to pay.
• Click recalculate total (if appropriate).
• Enter your billing and credit card information.
• Click submit if the information is correct and complete.
• A payment receipt appears when the transaction is successful. You may click the print/email button for your receipt.

If you need help please call the Circulation desk at 434.979.7151 ext 2

Disclaimer:

• It may be to your advantage to call your local branch library to have your balance confirmed before making an online payment.
• Please note: fines and fees are not calculated until an item is returned or renewed.
• Refunds on lost and paid materials will be given for the replacement cost only and if the items are returned in good condition within three (3) months of payment.
• JMRL does not refund fines or fees.

For Book Club Kits search the JMRL catalog or choose a title from this link and place a hold on the kit. Only one kit may be reserved or checked out at a time. Please allow one week from request to pickup. At this time we cannot accommodate reservations for specific time periods.

For Memory Kits, Electricity Usage Monitors, Wifi Hotspots, and Learning Kits, which include Health Kits and Maker Kits, search the JMRL catalog or choose a title from the appropriate entries in the Library of Things.

Need further help? Call the Central Reference Desk at (434.979.7151 x4) for Adult Kits and the Central Children's Desk (434.979.7151 x3) for children's kits.

If you are at least 13 years old, you are eligible to be a volunteer.  Check the Volunteer Page to see the open positions for adults or the Teen Volunteer Page for teen positions.  Not yet 13?  If you're in the 6th grade or older, you can still join one of the Teen Advisory Boards. 

Book Club Kits are checked out to one group member with a library card who is responsible for all of the materials. The kit is checked out for six weeks at a time. Book Club Kits may not be renewed.

Memory Kits, Electricity Usage Monitor Kits, and Learning Kits, which include Health and Maker Kits, are checked out to individuals who are responsible for all the materials. These kits can be checked out for one week at a time, but may be renewed if there are no other patron holds at the time the kit is due.

Wifi Hotspots are also checked out to individuals who are responsible for all the materials. These kits are circulated for 3 weeks and can be renewed if there are no other patron holds when the kit is due.

Kits may be picked up at and returned to any JMRL branch. They must be returned to a branch during open hours, since they cannot fit into the book drop. The fine for overdue or incomplete kits is $1 a day and fees will be charged to the card used to check out the kit.

Per JMRL Policy 5.1:

• Smoking and alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
• Food and non-alcoholic beverages may be served in the meeting rooms.  Each group is responsible for cleaning up after itself.
• Burning of any materials, including incense and candles, is prohibited.
• Each group must provide its own supplies and set up for its meeting. Meetings must be contained to the room reserved. Chairs, tables, and certain audiovisual equipment can be provided by JMRL on request. JMRL does not supply pens, pencils paper, chalk, etc. JMRL does not provide storage facilities for groups' materials.
• Group is required to leave the room in the condition in which it was found and is financially responsible for any damage incurred to the premises, furniture, or equipment while using a room.
• Groups are not allowed to post signs around the library unless approved by the Library Director or a Branch Manager.
• Groups should notify the library in a timely manner if a meeting is canceled so that others may schedule use of the meeting room. If a group repeatedly does not show for a scheduled meeting, the group may lose its privilege of using a meeting room.
• JMRL reserves the right to prohibit a group's further use of meeting rooms for disorderly conduct or for failure to abide by JMRL policies, procedures, or guidelines. The person signing for use of the meeting room is responsible for assuring that use of the room complies with library policies.
• JMRL reserves the right to close due to weather conditions. Groups will not necessarily be notified by JMRL.
• A valid JMRL library card in good standing is required to use JMRL Audio-Visual (A/V) equipment. Guidelines and available equipment lists are provided by each Branch Library.
• Solicitation is not permitted, except by local officers of Voter Registration to encourage voter registration.

A laptop, smartphone, tablet, or any device that can connect to wireless internet. A JMRL library card is not required. Anyone who complies with the Library's Computer and Internet Access Policy (PDF)  may use JMRL's Wireless Access service.

Please bring a photo ID that includes your name and current address.  If you do not live in Charlottesville, Albemarle, Louisa, Greene, or Nelson there is an annual out-of-area fee of $30.  To get a In-House use card, you must have a photo ID.

If your photo ID does not have your current address one of the following may be used (these pieces of mail on a mobile device are eligible as well)*:

•     Utility bill
•     Checks or bank statement
•     Lease
•     Tax assessment
•     Recently postmarked letter
•     Voter's registration
•     DMV change of address
•     Package slips
•     Prison discharge documentation 

*Patrons using the Haven or the Salvation Army as addresses must provide a letter from either organization verifying proof of residency upon registration. 

**Student and employee IDs may qualify as photo IDs as well. However, because addresses are not usually on these IDs, patrons must present proof of address too when applying for their library card.

JMRL policies regarding damaged item charges and collection agency fees apply to Book Club Kits, Learning Kits (which include Health and Maker Kits), Memory Kits, and other kits as well.

• Book Club Kits:
  • Entire Kit
    • $150 plus $5 processing fee (adult kits)
    • $75 plus $5 processing fee (children's kits)
  • Maximum late fee: $10
  • Replacement title: $10/book
  • Replacement bag: $10/bag
• Memory Kits: $300
• Wifi Hotspots: $100
• Electricity Usage Monitors: $18
• Learning Kits, which include Health and Maker Kits: list price

If you have questions concerning charges on your account, please contact the Central Circulation Desk (434-979-7151 x2).

If you believe you have lost your card, please don't hesitate to present official photo identification at any JMRL branch location to get a new card, free of charge. 

• Most materials: List Price
• Magazines: $3:00
• Materials with no list price: $15
• Fiction paperbacks with no list price: $5
• Replacement for Audio Visual parts: $10 per disc
• Replacement of lost or damaged Book Club Kit title or bag: $10
• Replacement of lost or damaged wireless hotspot: $100
• Replacement of entire Book Club Kit: $150
• An additional $5.00 non refundable processing fee will be charged on lost or damaged items. If lost and paid items are returned in good condition within 3 months of payment, only the replacement fee will be refunded.
• Juvenile cardholders are charged the item replacement cost for any lost or damaged items checked out to the card.

The Central Library does not have a parking lot. Bring your ticket from the Water Street or Market Street parking garages and have it validated for 2 hours of free parking (the first hour is free to everyone), a service of the Friends of the Jefferson-Madison Regional Library. Many surface streets have 2-hour free public parking, and are free after 6 pm. During peak hours, street parking can be a challenge. During these busy periods, parking in the municipal garages is recommended.

Find more information on parking rates and payment options at:
Charlottesville Parking Information

If an item is unavailable, you may place a hold on it. Once a copy is returned, JMRL will notify you by email or phone. To place a hold, click the "Place a Hold" button while viewing an item in the catalog. You will be prompted to log in with your name and library card number, then to choose your preferred pickup location. You may also call the reference desk 434.979.7151 ext 4 and library staff will put items on hold for you.

For books that you would like to see added to the library's collection, please call collection development with your donation request: 434.979.7151 ext. 6686. The Friends of the Library also collects used books and sells them at their popular fall and spring book sales. Donations can be dropped off at the Gordon Avenue Library on the basement level. The money generated from these sales helps fund the library's programming. For more information or to find out what other items can be donated contact the Friends of the Library at 434.977.8467 or info@jmrlfriends.org.

Wireless data can be intercepted easily. Utilizing virus protection, a personal firewall, and other measures to protect the information on your device is highly recommended and is the sole responsibility of the user. JMRL is not responsible for any loss of information or damage to your device that might result from using the library wireless network or other internet access in the library.

• Meeting room reservations are booked through each individual branch (the Reference Department handles bookings for the Central Branch).
• Meetings or classes held in library meeting rooms must be open to the public free of charge. Fees to cover only the cost of materials.
• Bookings are made on a first-come, first served basis. Rooms are booked for the current month up to three months in advance.
• Patrons must have an active Registration Form on file. Registration forms are required to be renewed on an annual basis. If there is not a current application on file, a representative of the group must fill out the Meeting Room Registration form prior to the meeting. Completed registration forms are filed in the Department or Branch where the request was made. Expired registration forms are purged on an annual basis.
• A staff member will present the representative of the group the Meeting Room Policy.
• A staff member who takes the application may approve it at the time, or if there are questions, it should be passed on to the Branch or Department Manager. If there are still questions regarding the application, the matter should be referred to the Library Director for approval.
• The Library Director or Branch Manager may, upon application in writing, extend meeting room use beyond regular library hours. Such extensions may require that janitorial service fees be paid by the group or organization using the room.