Which safety guidelines are Scott County Libraries following? 

Following guidance from the Minnesota Department of Health and Scott County Public Health, we are observing these important safety precautions:  

• Face Masks: As of March 1, 2022, masks are no longer required in Scott County Libraries or other County facilities. Customers and staff who prefer wearing masks in the library are welcome to do so. Learn more. 
• Cleaning: As a courtesy, we will provide wipes to anyone who would prefer to sanitize a surface before use. 

Are library buildings open?

• Yes, all libraries are open. Click here to see your library’s hours. 

Do I have to wear a mask in the library?

• No, you are not required to wear a mask but you are welcome to if you prefer. Learn more. 

May I stay to use a reading area, play space, or study room? 

• Yes, reading areas, play spaces, and study rooms are available. 

May I reserve a meeting room? 

• Yes, visit our Meeting Rooms booking page, book in our mobile app, or call your library to make a reservation.

How can I get in touch with library staff?

• Contact us by email.
• Call any of our locations and leave a message. We will return your call as soon as we are able.
• Have a legal question or need a form? Contact our Law Librarian by email.

Can you proctor my test? 

• Exam Administration services (formerly known as Proctoring) have resumed. Visit our page to see which exams we can and cannot proctor. 

Can I volunteer at the library?

• The Library does not have any volunteer opportunities at this time. However, many organizations are in need of volunteers throughout Scott County. Visit the County's Volunteers page to learn more. 

May I reserve a meeting room or study room?

• All meeting rooms and study rooms are available for reservations. Visit our Meeting Rooms page, call your library, or check our mobile app to reserve a room. Study rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis. 

What do I need to know about using a meeting room or study room?

• As before, meeting rooms must be reserved. Study rooms are available first-come, first served basis. 
• You may only reserve a room up to 30 days in advance. 
• You can read our full Meeting Room Policy (PDF) for more information. 

How can I check my Account?

• You can check your account through our online catalog page or our mobile app (available on both iOS and Android).

Are you charging late fines and billing users for items? 

• Nope! As of March 1, 2022 we are permanently fine free. Read our press release to learn more. Customers will continue to be responsible for previously accrued fines and bills for lost and damaged items. If you have questions about your account, please call your library so we can help. 

My account is blocked and I can't check out more physical items. Why is that?

• We've implemented system blocks to help remind customers to return items. If your account has accrued a balance greater than $25.00 due to old fines or lost items, you will be unable to check out additional physical items. Customers with blocked accounts can still access eBooks, use WiFi, reserve meeting rooms, and use other library services. 

I lost an item. How can I pay for it?

• First, call or email your library so we can mark the item as "lost" in our system. You can then pay for the item by credit card through our online catalog page or our mobile app (available on both iOS and Android).

I returned an item but it’s still on showing on my account OR I received an overdue notice. Why is that? Will I be charged late fines?

• If you return an item on a weekend or later in the day, you may need to wait until the next business day to see the item checked in and cleared from your account. You may also receive an overdue notice, depending on timing. You may disregard this notice if the item was returned.  

Are items still automatically renewing?

• Yes, our system continues to automatically renew Scott County Library items up to 5 times (if no one has a hold on the item). As before, interlibrary loans may only be borrowed for 3 weeks with no renewals. We continue to send email notices to inform you which items do or do not automatically renew. You can check how many times an item has been renewed on your library account. 

How can I reset my library card’s PIN number?

• Click here to reset your PIN. You must have an email on file in your account to complete the process. If not, call your library and we can reset it for you.  

Is Curbside Pickup still available? 

• Yes! We will continue to offer curbside pickup appointments for the foreseeable future. Visit our Curbside Pickup page or download our mobile app to find your library’s next available appointment. 

I lost an item. How can I pay for it?

• First, call your library so we can mark the item as "lost" in our system. You can then pay for the item by credit card through our catalog page or our mobile app (available on both iOS and Android).

I have an item from another library system (through interlibrary loan). Can I return it to my Scott County Library, or should I return it to its home library?

• Yes, you may return it to us. We’ll make sure all items are delivered to their home libraries. There may be a delivery delay.  

Can I request items from other Minnesota libraries through MNLINK?

• Yes, inter-library loan services have resumed statewide. You may request 20 items at a time. Visit the MNLINK website for more information. If you have a question about an inter-library loan item, contact your library. 

Are you taking book or DVD donations? 

• Thank you for thinking of us. Some libraries are now taking limited donations. Visit our Donate page to learn more.

Can I quickly drop in to print or scan something during walk-in hours? 

• Yes, you may drop in to complete quick transactions such as printing, scanning, and checking email. 
• You may print up to 10 pages in free copies or prints during your visit.

Can you print something for me?

• Yes! Try our convenient Curbside Pickup printing service. Send us your print job through our online booking system, and we’ll print it for you to pick up. Visit our Curbside page to learn how.

Does the library offer in-person programs?

• Yes, we have resumed some in-person programming. Check our Event Calendar for more details. 

Is the library still offering virtual and at-home programs?

• Yes! We are still offering limited programs of this type. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and the Scott County Nextdoor feed for upcoming opportunities. You can also subscribe to our newsletters to receive information straight to your inbox.

How can I borrow eBooks, eAudiobooks, and eMagazines?

• Visit our eBooks and eAudiobooks pages to learn how to use Libby. 

What kind of distance learning support does the Library offer?

• The library’s collection of digital resources gives you online access to fantastic learning tools, homework help, and more. Click the links to check them out!

What kind of job and career support does the Library offer?

• Build skills or look for a job with online resources.
• Use your library card to access LinkedIn Learning for Library (formerly Lynda.com) for free.
• Looking for a more tailored recommendation? Ask Us for help via email.

Need information on childcare, food access, housing, mental health resources, transportation, unemployment and more? 

• Community resources can be found here.
• Scott County Buildings and Services status updates can be found here.