FAQs • Blue Earth County Library, MN • CivicEngage

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About Us

Any Blue Earth County resident, 18 years or older, may obtain a library card under the following circumstances:

The person requesting the card must be present.
No individual will be issued a library card for another person.
The person must complete an Application Form.
The person must show a valid and current Minnesota Drivers License or State ID. If the person has a non-Minnesota Drivers License or ID, they may use a document to prove their Minnesota residency (Lease Agreement, utility bill, etc.).

Any Blue Earth County resident under the age of 18 years may obtain a library card under the following circumstances:

The child must have a completed Application Form. The Application Form must be signed by a parent or legal guardian. Relatives of the child are not considered legal guardians unless appointed by the Court.
If the parent or legal guardian is not present (school groups, daycare providers), an Application Form may be sent home with the child to be signed by the parent or legal guardian. The MN Drivers License or State ID number of the parent or legal guardian must be on the Application for a library card to be issued.

Most other residents of Minnesota may register and use their library cards at the Blue Earth County Libraries. Bring your library card to any Blue Earth County Library location to register.

Non-Minnesota residents should contact the Blue Earth County Library for specific policies regarding library card issuance.

Library Card Application

2. How do I renew items on my account?

The library currently has automatic renewals on most items. As long as the library account is in good standing, items that have not reached the maximum number of renewals or have a wait list will automatically renew for an extra checkout period .

To renew your materials online, click on Login (upper right-hand corner of the screen)and enter your 14 digit library card number found underneath the barcode on your card and your password/pin. Click Checkouts to open the list of items on your account. Click the boxes next to the items you wish to renew and click the renew button .

To renew by phone, call (507) 304-4010. We cannot access your account without your library card number, so have your card handy.

To renew by email, send your request to library@co.blue-earth.mn.us, give us your library card number and lets us know what you wish to renew. You can also reply to any notice sent by e-mail with your request.

3. How do I find the password/pin for my account?: The first time you sign into Encore, our online catalog, you will be prompted to set up a password/pin. The password/pin must consist on 6-12 characters and be a mix of letters and numbers. If you forget your password/pin once you have set it up, you can click the "reset your pin?" and follow the instructions or call the library at (507) 304-4010 for assistance.

4. How do I put an item on hold?

Go to Catalog, look up the title of the book you wish to reserve. Click the request it button and follow the online instructions.

If you need assistance, call the library at 507-304-4022.

Library Catalog

5. How do I pay my library fine?: Library fines can be paid by cash or check in person or by mail. They can be paid by credit card in person only. Contact (507) 304-4010 with questions.

6. How do I return items if the library is closed?: The Blue Earth County Library has two book drops that are open 24/7 for convenient return of library materials. One of the drops is located in the side of the building near the Main Street entrance, the other is next to the staff entrance on the north side of the building. Library users also have the option of returning their items to any of the libraries located within the nine counties that make up the Traverse des Sioux Regional Library System (Blue Earth, Brown, Faribault, Le Sueur, Martin, Nicollet, Sibley, Waseca, and Watonwan).

7. How do I find out when my items are due back at the library?

You can view your account online at any time.

From our website, click on Catalog to open up Encore (our library catalog). To access your account, click login in the upper right hand corner of the screen. Once you have logged in, click on Checkouts to see the due dates of the items you currently have checked out.

8. How do I schedule an appointment for test proctoring?

The Blue Earth County Library offers test proctoring. This service is based on the availability of library staff, facilities, hours of operation and technology to do so.

Guidelines:

By appointment only. Make arrangements at least 2 business days in advance.
Fee: $15 per test (due before the test is given and payable in cash, check, or credit card).
Our facilities and technology is limited, so be sure to specify requirements when scheduling your appointment.
Individuals should be prepared to show a photo ID.
Call 507-304-4002 to schedule an appointment.