Library Services

Our Mission

The Watonga Public Library places major emphasis on recreational and educational functions recognizing the importance of basic materials of permanent value and timely materials on current issues.

The Watonga Public Library will provide free public access to books and other materials which enhance informal self-education, supplement formal educational research, and improve quality of life for the community of Watonga and the citizens of Blaine County.

The library will serve as a bridge providing access to information and services not otherwise available at the local level through Interlibrary Loan and Internet access.

Meeting Room

Call the library at 580-623-7748 to reserve the meeting room.

Holiday Closings

New Year’s Day
Martin Luther King Day
President’s Day
Good Friday
Memorial Day
Independence Day
Labor Day
Columbus Day
Veteran’s Day
Thanksgiving and the day following
Christmas Eve and Christmas

Borrowing from the Library

Renew online, in person or by phone or send us an email.

Borrowing Periods

Books and Audio Books

3 weeks — you may request renewal for an additional 3 weeks
Limit of 2 nonfiction books in the same section unless approved by the librarian

Magazines

8 days

Videos and DVDs

4 days—no grace period
Limit 4 movies per patron

Reference Books

Books in the reference collection may not be checked out unless special permission is given.

Fines and Grace Periods

No fines or fees will be assessed unless an item is lost or damaged. If items are lost or damaged, the customer is expected to pay the full replacement cost or replace with the identical item.

Lost or Damaged Books, Magazines, or Tapes

Lost or damaged library materials must be replaced with the same book, magazine, or tape OR the replacement cost of each item paid.

No refunds for payment of lost items.

Borrowing from Other libraries

Interlibrary Loan

To borrow materials through ILL you must be eligible to check out books from our library and your library card must be in good standing. If you haven’t had a library card long enough to have established a record, you’ll need to have clearance from the Library Director in order to receive ILL privileges.

In the event that a book borrowed from another library is lost or destroyed or otherwise cannot be returned, the borrowing patron will pay the retail price of the book plus an administrative fee of $5.00. In the event that a book is out of print, the library owning the book will determine the cost of the book. The borrowing patron is responsible for any costs assessed by the lending library.

State and Local Policy and Law

Library Card

You must have your library card with you in order to check out library materials.

Any adult who is a resident of Watonga or Blaine County may apply for a library card.

To Apply

Apply Online
Fill out an application.
You must provide your address (valid ID must be presented) and phone number.

Out-of-County cards are issued for a one time, non refundable fee of $25.00.

Children

Any child who is a resident of Watonga or Blaine County and is 6 years old may apply for a card with a parent’s signature. Children 16 years and older may apply for a library card without the signature of a parent.

Replacement Cards

If you lose your plastic card, you will not be able to check out library materials until the card is replaced. Replacement cards cost $3.00.

Digital Only Cards

The Library may issue “Digital Only” cards to students who are learning to download books with Overdrive.

Computer & Internet

We are here to help you and to provide a service to the community. Children must have a Internet permission form signed by a parent or guardian before using the public computers at the library. For a complete copy of the policy or to sign up to use the computers, come by the library at 301 N Prouty in Watonga.

Internet and Wireless

The staff is trained and willing to help you. Please ask for help as needed.

Unacceptable uses include, but are not limited to the following:

Downloading or printing of copyrighted or illegal material.
Any activity that violates the Watonga Public Library Personal Conduct policy.
Harassment of other library users or staff by any means.
Destruction or damage of equipment or other library property.
Any illegal activity as defined by federal or state statute.
Minors (anyone under the age of 18) also agree to the following rules:
Never give anyone personal information such as address, phone number, etc.
Never agree to meet anyone you have met online.
Never send a photo or other personal information to anyone you do not know.

Filtering

All Internet access (including wireless) at the Watonga Public Library will be filtered. The intent of the filter is to protect adults and minors from a) visual depictions that are obscene, b) child pornography, and c) that which is considered harmful to minors (with respect to use of the computers with Internet access).

The presence of filtering software does not guarantee that ALL offensive sites will be blocked. Parents are encouraged to talk to minors about Internet Safety. The user will not hold the library or the City of Watonga responsible for the content or availability of material on the Internet. Parents who are concerned about their children’s activity online should monitor the child’s Internet session.

Any questions regarding the filter or this policy should be directed to the Library Director.