Public Library Access (San Antonio, West, Anton: credit report, dorm, school)

[MeZan]

This past Friday, I had my first visit to a public library.
I had already signed up for my card online, but I ran into a lot of red tape when I got there.

On a sign on the door, it said that since October 2011, now you have to show an ID to use the computers. The librarian started to ask me whether I lived in the address I provided, and about how I entered my surname into their system. At first I didn't understand her "how did you enter your name into the system" and when I asked if she meant, what did I put, she misunderstood too. I explained to her that my surname appears hyphenated on all of my government IDs, but that I just use my first last name. I have to go back within thirty days to show a proof of residence. I'm a student living in a dorm and that sucks. I just want to be able to use our library system, whenever I don't want to use the one at school, and now I have to go find some way to get a proof of residency form.


Libraries have become just for-profit places that only care about where to find you if you owe fines.
I have to go back within thirty days with a proof of residence so that I can enjoy full access and check out books. What the hell. Is this right to you? I asked the librarian what happens if a transient individual wants to use the library. She answered that they need to provide an address too. (I then thought that not all homeless folks have shelters, and some may be mentally incapacitated and can't give an address).


I would have grilled her with more questions, but she's not responsible for how the system works, she just has to abide by it. Is this right to you? This limits access. These places are public The library I am talking about happens to be in West SA. I can't wait to bring this up to my City Council rep.

[pfil]

it's always been proof of residence . that's not just SA either .
probably has a lot to do with stolen books in the past .

[wehotex]

Originally Posted by MeZan

This past Friday, I had my first visit to a public library.
I had already signed up for my card online, but I ran into a lot of red tape when I got there.

On a sign on the door, it said that since October 2011, now you have to show an ID to use the computers. The librarian started to ask me whether I lived in the address I provided, and about how I entered my surname into their system. At first I didn't understand her "how did you enter your name into the system" and when I asked if she meant, what did I put, she misunderstood too. I explained to her that my surname appears hyphenated on all of my government IDs, but that I just use my first last name. I have to go back within thirty days to show a proof of residence. I'm a student living in a dorm and that sucks. I just want to be able to use our library system, whenever I don't want to use the one at school, and now I have to go find some way to get a proof of residency form.


Libraries have become just for-profit places that only care about where to find you if you owe fines.
I have to go back within thirty days with a proof of residence so that I can enjoy full access and check out books. What the hell. Is this right to you? I asked the librarian what happens if a transient individual wants to use the library. She answered that they need to provide an address too. (I then thought that not all homeless folks have shelters, and some may be mentally incapacitated and can't give an address).


I would have grilled her with more questions, but she's not responsible for how the system works, she just has to abide by it. Is this right to you? This limits access. These places are public The library I am talking about happens to be in West SA. I can't wait to bring this up to my City Council rep.

My suspicion tells me that they might have good reason for this. Computers are very heavily used in many of the libraries, particularly in poorer areas of the city. Maybe they have to limit the amount of users due to accessibility issues? It could also be because of the hackers. I would imagine that it might be easier for a person without proof of residence to use their computers for malicious deeds. Please let us know what you find out.
fyi, the corpus christi library allows me to check out only one book at a time as a non-res. If I present proof of address in the city, then I can get a full membership.

[L210]

I disagree with libraries being for-profit and trying to hunt you down for fines. I have checked out books and even renewed my card while still owing fines. Of course, I paid them, but someone always told me I didn't have to pay them right away. I didn't know I owed fines for the past 2 or 3 years until I decided to renew my card a couple of months ago and looked at my account online. All that time, the San Antonio Public Library System didn't even attempt to contact me to collect the fines. I don't think they care unless the fines are excessive.

[wehotex]

Originally Posted by L210

I disagree with libraries being for-profit and trying to hunt you down for fines. I have checked out books and even renewed my card while still owing fines. Of course, I paid them, but someone always told me I didn't have to pay them right away. I didn't know I owed fines for the past 2 or 3 years until I decided to renew my card a couple of months ago and looked at my account online. All that time, the San Antonio Public Library System didn't even attempt to contact me to collect the fines. I don't think they care unless the fines are excessive.

I second what you just said. On one occasion, I found out that I owed about $8 in overdue fines. He gently asked me if I would just pay $5. I don't know of too many other places that are that kind when it comes to collecting. The library staff that I have encountered have usually gone out of their way to be kind. I just wish that they could do something about all of the loud, unmannered kids that frequent the place.

[Merovee]

You can also use a utility bill or something similar. Call your library and ask what is acceptable. They might accept cell phone bills? They might also accept a credit report if it lists your address. There is also a form a notary public has to stamp.

If you cannot do this in 30 days there is no problem just reapply when you have established residency.

The reason this is is because we pay taxes to support our library system and it would be unfair for out-of-towners to simply have the same benefits of membership if they do not pay taxes. The same goes for university where some can pay in-state tuition and others have to pay more to attend.

[pfil]

Originally Posted by wehotex

I second what you just said. On one occasion, I found out that I owed about $8 in overdue fines. He gently asked me if I would just pay $5. I don't know of too many other places that are that kind when it comes to collecting. The library staff that I have encountered have usually gone out of their way to be kind. I just wish that they could do something about all of the loud, unmannered kids that frequent the place.

amen to both parts . there has been a time or two where i forgot to return a book and asked if i could use CC . they (very nicely) informed me they only accept cash but please, check out the books you have and just pay when you come back next time .

i'd love to see the library rein in those kids but with this (watch my kids for me but don't you DARE reprimand them or be negative in ANY way) society, they're hands are tied . i'd love a huge book display in the front of library with titles such as ''YOUR KIDS ARE ANNOYING, HOW ABOUT YOU'' or ''TIRED OR HEARING THAT, READ THIS: YOUR FREAKIN' KIDS ARE OUT OF CONTROL'' .

[badalchemist]

Sorry you had a bad experience. I've always had positive experiences at our libraries.

[LindaGrace]

You can have up to $10 in fines and still get books, renew, etc.

I think showing proof of residence at public libraries is par for the course. It has been in every city/town I've ever lived in, regardless of the state.

[pobre]

I'm all for people showing proper ID to utilize library resources. If you are a local student, you should not have an issue getting what you need. They were just asking for the basics.