Library Services

Complete the appropriate borrower registration form, and return it to your local branch. You can print the form to return in person or you may return by sending the completed form to mrlsweb@gmail.com. If you email your form, visit your branch with your ID and proof of residency to receive your card. Upon request, we can email your card number and pin to you so that you may access content from our Digital Library.

Registration forms:

• Adult card
• Youth card
• Teacher card

What you will need:

• Completed Library Card Registration Form
• A government issued ID (such as a Driver's License or Passport)
  • If your address is different than the one listed on your ID, you will need to bring proof of residency (such as a tax bill, voter's registration card, utility bill, mortgage deed, or rental lease agreement).

Eligibility

• All residents of Brunswick County, Greensville County, and the City of Emporia are eligible for a free library card.

Non-Resident Cards

• Non-residents may apply for borrowing privileges through an annual fee of $25.00.

Youth Cards

• Persons under age 18 must have a parent or legal guardian present to sign the application and accept responsibility for materials checked out on the card.

Teacher Cards

• Teachers in active employment with Brunswick County Public Schools, Greensville County Public Schools, or Brunswick Academy may apply annually for a teacher's card that offers extended borrowing privileges. Proof of employment must be provided.

Replacement Cards

• Lost cards may be replaced for a fee of $2.00.

Checkout periods and fees:

• Books: 3 week checkout period. May be renewed twice if not on hold. Late fee is 10¢ per day.
• DVDs: 1 week checkout period. May be renewed once if not on hold. Limit 4 per card. Late fee is 50¢ per day.
• Hotspots: 2-week checkout period. May not be renewed. One hotspot per household. Late fee is $1.00 per day.
• Library of Things: 3-week checkout period. May not be renewed. Late fee is 10¢ per day.
  
  

You can download eBooks and eAudiobooks from Overdrive on your Kindle, iPad, or phone.

Using the Libby app:

1. Download the app. Follow the instructions on the screen to find your library (Meherrin Regional Library) and enter your card number and PIN.
2. Search or browse for a title you would like to borrow. Click on the cover for more information about the book.
3. Click "Borrow" under the cover of the book and again on the next screen. Loan periods can be changed to 7 days, 14 days, or 21 days.
4. Click "Open Book." If you want to read from your phone, you can read the book in the Libby app or on the Kindle app. You can also have the book sent to another device. If you are using a Kindle, click "Kindle."
5. Sign in to Amazon using your email and password.
6. Click "Get Library Book" and make sure the device you want the book sent to is selected.
7. Book will now appear on Kindle's main screen and/or in "Books."
8. Click title to begin reading.

Library sponsored activities have first priority in scheduling. Due to high demand, each group or organization may reserve the room only once each month. There will be no fees for use of the room. Reservations are taken on a first come, first served basis. Reservation of a room by a group indicates the group's willingness to abide by library policies and procedures. The Library reserves the right to dismiss or limit a group from the use of a room at any time.

The Library meeting rooms in each library are available to non-profit public gatherings of a civic, cultural, or educational nature on an equitable basis regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting use. The Library makes these facilities available to promote cultural and educational opportunities and to promote an open exchange of ideas into the community. The fact that a group is permitted to use a room does not in any way constitute an endorsement of the group's policies or beliefs by the Library.

How to Reserve a Meeting Room:
To reserve a meeting room, call your local branch and speak with a library professional. We will then check our calendar and if there is an availability, we will schedule your meeting for the desired time slot. Library meeting rooms can be scheduled during normal operating hours, however groups are allowed to use the library meeting rooms after the Library is closed under certain circumstances.

After Hours Meeting:
A key will be signed out to an adult 18 years or older who will be responsible for opening and locking the Library for the meeting, plus be present for the meeting. A Responsibility Statement must be signed by the person picking up the library key. THE KEY MUST BE PICKED UP DURING REGULAR BUSINESS HOURS. The key is to be placed in an envelope and put in the book drop immediately after meeting room use and library is locked. No group is allowed to keep a library key on an extended basis. A lost key fee of $150.00 shall be charged to any group or individual who does not return the library’s key in a timely manner. Such groups or individuals are restricted from afterhours meeting room access until the library key is returned or lost key fee is paid. All meetings involving children and youth must have two (2) adults present.

Meeting Room Policy

Study Pod Rules and Guidelines:

• Must be 18 or older to use the Study Pod.
  
• Usage is limited to 3 hours daily per person.
  
• The Study Pod may not be used as a place of business or office space.
  
• The Study Pod accommodates one person (BCL) or two people (RML).
  
• Reservations may be made up to 3 months in advance.
  
• Usage and reservations are first come, first served.
  
• Food and drink is not allowed.
  
• If the Study Pod is left unattended for more than 15 minutes it may be reassigned.
  
• Items left unattended for more than 15 minutes may be removed by Library staff and the next reservation will be accepted.
  
• MRLS is not responsible for unattended items.
  
• The Study Pod must be left in a clean condition.
  
• The windows in the Study Pod may not be covered at any time.
  
• The Study Pod will be monitored.
  
• Violations of MRLS Code of Conduct or other policies may be cause for removal.
  
• The Study Pod is not completely sound proof. Please be mindful of noise level.
  
• Telehealth visits using the Study Pod are at the discretion of the user and medical care provider and are not the responsibility of the library. Using the Study Pod for this purpose does not guarantee privacy.

Please sign in at the circulation desk before using.

To reserve the BCL Study Pod contact the Brunswick County Library at 434-848-2418 ext. 301.

To reserve the RML Study Pod contact the Richardson Memorial Library at 434-634-2539 ext. 401.

Brunswick County Library is a designated Passport Acceptance Facility.

Passport Acceptance Agents process passport applications by appointment only. Appointments will be taken Monday – Friday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Call 434-848-2418 ext. 303 to schedule an appointment.

It is strongly advised that every person applying for a passport review the process beforehand.

What you will need:

Proof of U.S. Citizenship (provide one of the following):

• Previous U.S. Passport
• An original and a copy of a certified U.S. Birth Certificate (from a city, county or state, NOT a hospital certificate)
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth
• Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship

Proof of Identity (provide one of the following):

• Current, valid driver’s license* and a copy of both the front and back
  
• Military ID
  
• Government ID
  
• Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship

For minors under the age of 16, each child must appear in person and both parents/legal guardians must present evidence of identity.

* License must be issued by Virginia, if not please bring a secondary ID in addition to out of state license.

Completed (but not signed) DS-11 form, which can be obtained from Brunswick County Library or printed from the State Department website at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html.

Passport photo:
We are able to provide passport photos for your application for a $10 fee per applicant. 
If you choose to get photos elsewhere, be aware that passport photos must adhere to strict requirements set by the U.S. Department of State. See the U.S. Passports website for more information and examples of acceptable photos.

Fees:
There is an Execution Fee of $35 per application payable to the Brunswick County Library (Photos are NOT included in the Execution Fee).***

View a complete list of current fees charged by the State Department.

If you require faster processing, your application can be expedited for $60, which is added to the regular U.S. Department of State fee.

**U.S. Department of State total must be paid with check or money order only. Cash, credit or debit cards will not be accepted. One check or money order for EACH application is needed.

***Library Execution Fee may be paid with card, cash, check, or money order.

For more information, including current processing times, visit the State Department website. (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html)

Virginia birth certificates may be obtained from Virginia Health Department, the Office of Vital Records, or the DMV. Visit the CDC website for information about obtaining an original birth certificate from all states.

Forms:

DS-11 (pdf): https://eforms.state.gov/Forms/ds11_pdf.PDF

DS-11 & DS-82 Renewal (form filler): https://pptform.state.gov/?Submit2=Complete+Online+%26+Print

DS-82 Renewal pdf: https://eforms.state.gov/Forms/ds82_pdf.PDF

Other forms may be found at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/forms.html

MRLS provides free computer access to all patrons with a library card that is in good standing. Computer Use Only (Visitor) Passes are available to individuals who do not reside or own property within Brunswick County, Greensville County or the City of Emporia, Virginia. The library computers provide patrons with access to the internet, as well as software such as Microsoft Office. Computers are available on a first come, first serve basis and patrons are allotted a two hour time limit. Headphones are available for purchase at both branches for $1.00.

MRLS provides patrons with free wireless internet access inside of the buildings, as well as in the library parking lots. There is no password. Simply click on the Brunswick Library network for BCL and the Richardson Library network for RML.

The library computers release print jobs through logging into the computer with your library card or visitor pass and pin number. Black/white printouts are available for 20¢ per side. Wireless printing is also available by connecting to the copier via wi-fi.

The library offers photocopy and scanning services to all visitors. Black/white copies are 25¢ per side and color copies are 50¢ per side. Scanning services are 20¢ per side and can be saved to patron provided or staff loaned USB. 

The library offers faxing services to all visitors. Cover pages can be provided at no additional cost. 

• Sending a fax - $2.00 for first page, $1.00 per page thereafter
• Receiving a fax - $1.00 per page

Meherrin Regional Library offers black/white and color printing from your mobile devices including
smart phones, tablets, and laptop computers directly to the library's copier.

You must be connected to the Library's wi-fi in order to connect to the copier.

Black/white printouts are 25¢ per side, and color copies are 50¢ per side.

You can use a mobile hotspot to:

• Surf the internet
• Get homework help
• Attend online classes
• Use the library's digital resources
• And more!

Wifi hotspots are limited to adult cardholders (one hotspot per household at a time) and are free to borrow for 14 days.

The devices are easy to use and include instructions. If you need assistance, however, we will be happy to provide it in person or over the phone. Call the Brunswick County Library at (434) 848-2418 x301 and the Richardson Memorial Library at (434) 634-2539 x401.

To checkout a hotspot, you must have a library card in good standing (no fines over $2). You must also fill out an acknowledgment form since these devices are expensive to replace and we want to make sure you understand our policies.

Hotspots may be returned to either Meherrin Regional Library branch during open hours. DO NOT PLACE IN BOOKDROP.

You cannot renew your device, but it can be checked out again if it is not on hold. However, you must return the hotspot in person (NOT via the bookdrop) and fill out a new acknowledgment form.

The borrower is responsible for items while on loan. A borrower who loses or damages library items shall be required to pay the cost of replacing that item ($125) in addition to a $4.00 processing fee.