Getting a Library Card

Getting a library card is free for any resident of Kansas.

• For patrons over 18, one form of photo ID with current information showing name and address or photo ID with other acceptable proof of residence is required at time of filling out a library card application.
• Children under the age of 18 must have library card application sign by parent or legal guardian. This form authorizes or denies minors access to public internet computers. Identity and residence of parent/guardian must be verified prior to issuing a child card.
• For your protection, the patron card with name and registration number should be presented each time materials are checked out.
• Loss of a card must be reported immediately or the patron will be responsible for materials checked out on it. Replacement cards cost $1.

Borrowing Materials

• There is no limit on the number of items checked out by an individual except on DVDs. Patrons are limited to 5 DVDs, VHS tapes, or Blu-Ray movies and are checked out for 1 week.
• Regular adult and children’s books and audiobooks are checked out for 3 weeks. New adult fiction and designated adult nonfiction books are checked out for 1 week, except for those which are borrows from another library and those with reserve lists.
• Renewals may be made in person, by phone, email, social media messaging apps, or on our online catalog. All materials may be renewed 1 time after the initial checkout. Most items have a 1- week grace period after the due date.
• Materials may be reserved online or asking a staff member for assistance. You will be notified when the materials become available. Materials must be picked up within 3 days of notification. Materials should be picked up within 5 days of notification.

Returning Materials

• The patron has the responsibility to return materials on or before the due date. If the items are overdue, the patron may be refused the right to check out additional materials until the missing items are returned or replacement costs are made. All items checked out on that patron’s card are that patron’s responsibility.
• Fines are $0.50 per day per item for all items with a maximum of $5.00 for each item.
• An accumulated fine of more than $10 will suspend borrowing privileges.
• Patrons will be notified by text, email or at the address given on their library card about overdue materials.
• Damage beyond reasonable wear or lose of items will be charged to the patron.

Collections & Lending Policies

The library annually circulates over 130,000 items, including books for all ages, magazines, music recordings, audiobooks, videos and DVDs. Special collections include large-print books and educational toys. Reference books and rare or historically valuable books do not circulate.

SEKnFind Catalog

The Chanute Public Library card catalog is online! Search the Library’s collection, explore the collection of other area libraries, and have materials you find transferred to your local library! This service is available for patrons of the Chanute Public Library at no charge! The Chanute Public Library is a member of the Southeast Kansas Library System and participates in a consortium which includes 45 libraries in the region.

Users are now able to search the consolidated catalog for books and materials of all 45 libraries and place a hold on items from any of the libraries. Library card holders can then use the SEKnFind catalog to request items to be transferred between libraries for checkout by the person requesting them. Users can limit their search to items only at Chanute by using the “Advanced Search”, or by logging in so that the catalog will recognize which library they are registered with.

Users may also renew items and access their reading history once logged into their account.

Logging On

Chanute patrons use their 14-digit library card as their username. Your default password is your last name lowercase and can change it on your account. If you lose or forget this information, contact the Chanute Public Library and they can reset it.

For Parents: we can now link your child’s library card to your account, so you can be updated about your child’s library account and checkouts. You will be able to see thier history on your account as well.

Additional Features

• Renew books
• Place Holds
• View fines
• See checkouts & overdues
• Make purchase selections
• Create lists
• Browse your checkout history
• Set messaging preferences (phone, text, or email)
• Adjust privacy settings

Searching Tips

• Don’t use too many words – If you aren’t finding what you’re looking for, try taking a few words out of your search
• Don’t use too few words – If you’re looking for a one word title, give the search more information
• Hyphens can be tricky – If a word is hyphenated and you leave the hyphen out with no space, your results may come up empty.
• Punctuation is hit and miss – Searching “Mr Poppins penguins” should get you the same results as “Mr. Poppin’s penguins”
• Misspelled words can throw off results – Make sure you spelled it right!

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Through a partnership with the Kansas State Library, downloadable eBooks that you can put on your portable device and enjoy anywhere.Once a book is due, it simply disappears from your device. However, just like a physical book we only have a certain number of copies of most digital titles. If a book is currently checked out, you may place a hold on the item.

You don’t need to have a portable e-reader to take advantage of the service. In fact, some portable devices require that you first download a title to a computer and then transfer it to the device.

To access the Kansas eBooks you will need:

• A valid state library card. This is different than your Chanute Public Library card, but you will need to come into the building to obtain one.
• Access to the Internet.
• The free software for the device or computer on which you wish to use your EZ Library items.
• A valid email address so you can be notified when your titles are available for download.

For help and to start browsing the selection of titles, go to the Kansas 3M website:

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