- Home
- Residents
- Bartow Library
- Services
Library Services
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available inside and outside the library for patrons who prefer to bring their own devices. This is an open wireless network, and no password is required.
Public Computers
The Library provides computers for checking email, internet research, printing, creating documents, etc. To log on to a computer, you need either an active Polk County library card or a temporary guest pass.
- Computers are available on a first come, first served basis, with a limit of 3 hours usage per day.
- Patrons must be 12-years old or older to use a computer. Children under the age of 12 may use a computer only if accompanied by a guardian.
- Headphones are available for purchase at the circulation desk.
Children's Computers
The Library has three computers dedicated for children's use that have been pre-loaded with fun, educational games and websites. Children's headphones are available at the circulation desk upon request.
Prints/Copies
- Black and White: 15¢ per page
- Color: 25¢ per page
- Cash or change only
Our public printer/copy machine is located on the right side of the circulation desk. The coin machine accepts $1 bills, $5 bills, quarters, dimes, and nickels.
Mobile Printing
Send files to our printer from a phone or computer, at home or at the library.
- Scan the QR code by the printer, visit print.princh.com, or download the Princh app
- Bartow Library's Printer ID: 109429
- Upload your document or photo
- Click Settings to change the printing format (Black & White or Color, number of copies, paper size, etc.)
- Accept the Terms and Conditions
- Enter your email address
- Go to the Print Release station to view your documents, pay, and print
Scanning
Scanning is a free service we provide. Bring your documents or images to the front desk and we will scan them for you, then the scans will be sent to your email. Items can be scanned as a PDF or JPEG.
Incoming Faxes
- Our fax number is (863) 534-0913
- $3 for 1-5 pages and $1 for every additional 5 pages. Cash only
Outgoing Faxes
- $3 for 1-5 pages and $1 for every additional 5 pages. Cash only
- Free cover sheet available upon request.
Friends of the Bartow Public Library
Join the Friends of the Bartow Public Library and enjoy free faxing during your year of membership. Simply present your ID when returning to fax.
- Individual Membership: $5 per year
- Family Membership: $10 per year
- Corp./Community Org.: $25 per year
- Lifetime Membership: $100
We have three small study rooms in the library that are available by reservation.
- Make a reservation in-person at the front desk or by phone - (863) 534-0131.
- Maximum usage: 3 hours per day.
- Reservations can be made up to two weeks in advance.
- No more than 3 reservations can be made at one time.
Bartow Library offers basic skills computer classes, but we also offer one-on-one help for computer, phone, and e-reader assistance.
- For more involved help with technical devices, contact us to schedule a session with Paul.
- For help with Canva or Cricut, contact us to schedule a session with Sarah.
- What kind of items are available to check out?
-
Bartow Library items include:
- Books
- Books on CD
- DVDs
- CDs
- Magazines
- LTE Mobile Hotspots (see below for more details)
Search for available items in our online catalog.
- How long can I keep my checkouts?
-
- Most items check out for two weeks.
- If an item is not on hold for another patron, check out can be extended to four weeks.
- LTE Mobile Hotspots check out for two weeks and cannot be renewed.
- What happens when items are overdue?
-
Bartow Library owned items are fine free.
- When an item is 30 days overdue, it will be marked as lost and a replacement fee charged to the account. (This fee will be removed once the item is returned.)
- Please contact other libraries in the cooperative for their overdue policies.
- What do I need to get a library card?
-
A photo ID and proof of a Polk County address is required to get a library card.
Visit our Get a Library Card page for more details.
- Where can I return my items?
-
Bartow Library owned items can be returned to any Polk County library with a few exceptions:
- LTE Mobile Hotspots
- Interlibrary loans
These items may only be returned at the Bartow Library.
- I checked out a book a long, long time ago and never brought it back and now there's probably a big fine on my account, what should I do?
-
What To Do
We strongly believe that our resources and collection should be accessible to everyone, and we definitely don't want anyone to feel nervous or embarrassed to come to the library.
If you still have the item: return it.
Bartow Library is fine free, so all lost or overdue fees are cancelled once an item is returned. Other Polk County libraries are also fine free, and most of the others change a lost fee to a reduced overdue fee when the item comes back.
If you have no idea where the item is: that's still okay.
We understand that much has probably changed between today and the last time an account was active. We work on a case-by-case basis to help people who want to use library resources but have accounts blocked by accumulated fines. Please contact the library and we will do everything we can to help.
Can't find the item you want in our catalog? You may be able to borrow it as an interlibrary loan (ILL). Our ILL service requests materials from other libraries, in and out of state.
To place a request, fill out our online ILL Request Form or visit the front desk for a physical copy of the form.
Notes
- ILL items must be picked up and returned in-person at the Bartow Library.
- Recently published materials are not available via ILL. However, you may submit a Purchase Request Form.
WiFi on the Go
Bartow Library has mobile hotspots you can check out for free with your library card! Mobile hotspots use cellular data and can connect up to 10 devices at 4G LTE speed. Call or visit the library to request one.
Notes
- Checkouts are for two weeks and cannot be renewed.
- Bartow Library owned hotspots may only be checked out and returned in-person at Bartow Library. They cannot be sent with Books by Mail or returned in our outdoor bookdrop.
- Borrowers must be at least 18-years old.
- If a hotspot is overdue, service will be shut off remotely and a $60 replacement fee will be charged to the account. (The fee will be removed when the device is returned.)
Reservation Request
Public use of our meeting room is available to community groups and organizations whose aims are educational, civic, charitable, or cultural.
If you are interested in using our meeting room, complete the request form.
Fees
- Cost to rent room: $60 + $1.80 tax
- If you represent a non-profit organization, you may provide a copy of your certificate and the fee will be waived.
Bartow Library accepts donations of new or gently used books, CDs, DVDs, and puzzles. Items are either added to our collection or to our Friends of the Library book sale.
- 1 - 2 medium-size boxes per week per individual.
- No textbook or encyclopedia donations accepted at this time.
- If you need assistance carrying materials inside, call the front desk at 863-534-0131
Volunteer
If you would like to volunteer with our Friends of Library and help sort, price, and shelve donated items, please contact the library.