Services offered:
Book Club Discussion Kits
Although the library does not sponsor any book clubs for adults, we can help supply community book clubs with multiple copies of books and discussion guides with two different free programs.
Henderson County Public Library Book Discussion Kits. These kits are owned by our library and contain between 6 and 12 copies of a book, depending on the title, and a discussion guide. Most kits contain both large and regular print copies of a book. We have included an unabridged book on CD in every kit where a book on CD was available for the title. Interested book clubs can review the list of available Book Discussion Kits on our website and then request the Book Discussion Kit they want at the reference desk. Please give at least 48 hours-notice before you will need the Book Discussion Kit so that it can be guaranteed that it will be ready for pick up in time for your meeting.
KDLA Book Kits. These kits are owned by the State Library and are shared with all libraries in Kentucky. Each Book Kit contains 15 copies of a book and a discussion guide. The kits are available in either regular print or large print, and some include a book on CD. Interested book clubs can review the KDLA Book Kits available on the State Library website and but must contact our reference desk to place their request. KDLA does not loan to directly to book clubs. Due to the popularity of some titles, we recommend that all requests for KDLA Book Kits be placed at least 4 weeks in advance and that a first, second, and third choice be submitted.
Bookmobile
Bookmobile services are offered free of charge to all residents throughout the county Monday-Thursday. The bookmobile stops at many area locations such as public and private schools, day care centers, nursing and rest homes, neighborhoods, community centers, apartment complexes, churches, and homes of the elderly, disabled and/or homebound. If you, or someone you know, would like for the bookmobile to stop at your home, facility or neighborhood, please call the Library or email the Bookmobile Librarian. Click here to see the current bookmobile schedule.
Children's Programming
There are many opportunities for children to learn, explore, and have fun in the Children's Library. Programs for children ages 15 months through 5 years are offered weekly throughout the year. Children participate in stories, songs, rhymes, crafts, and other age-appropriate activities. The Summer Reading Program is always very popular and is open to children in grades 1-8. Seasonal programs for the entire family are planned throughout the year, including special activities around holidays and during school breaks. Click here to go to the children's web page and check out all of the activities in the children's department.
Computer and Internet classes
The Library currently offers computer classes on the following topics: Computers for Beginners, Internet Basics, Email Basics, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Resume/Cover Letter Basics. Each class is taught by Retta Zollinger, the library's Public Computer Instructor. Our class schedule is posted on the library's website or you may call the Library at 826-3712 for information. Registration is required and you can register online, by phone, or at the Library.
Computing and Technology
The Library offers 46 public computers for patrons to use for a variety of tasks. In the Adult Computer Lab (located in the Reference Department), there are computers for the Internet and other applications (see Internet Computer Network Acceptable Use Policy and Computer Lab Policy). A scanner is also available in the Adult Computer Lab for patrons to use. The Library offers word processing programs, spreadsheet and database applications, desktop publishing, resume writing software, presentation software, and educational games for children of all ages (educational games in Children's Computer Lab only). In addition to these progams, the Children's Computer Lab also offers safe and secure Internet browsing to fun and educational websites. Access to genealogy resources and software programs are available on the second floor of the Library. All public computers in the Library offer access to the Library's online catalog, Pac, and the Research Center. Black and white printing is available throughout the library at a cost of $0.15 per page (for 8 1/2" x 11"; $0.20 for 8 1/2" x 14"). Color printing is available at a cost of $0.50 per page. Patrons who bring their own paper may print in black and white only for $0.05 per page.
Wireless technology is available for free at the Library to patrons with wireless-enabled devices. Local computer users as well as visitors from afar will enjoy the convenience of using their own computers without interruption to search the Internet. Users of the wireless network are asked to obtain a library card (free of charge) and sign the Internet Computer Network Acceptable Use Policy. Users are then assigned a user name and password to use to log on to the network whenever they are in the Library. Wireless Internet is accessible throughout the Library, including both meeting rooms. More information is available at the circulation desk or on the wireless login page.
Equipment Use and Checkout
The following pieces of equipment are available for use in the Library:
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Photocopy machines -- 2 copy machines are available for self-service use. They are capable of making enlargements and reductions. They do not make color copies. The prices for copies are as follows:
- 8 1/2" x 11" -- $0.15 per page
- 8 1/2" x 14" -- $0.20 per page
- 11" x 14" -- $0.50 per page
- Patrons who bring their own paper pay $0.05 per copy.
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Microfilm machines -- 4 microfilm machines are available on the 2nd floor for self-service use. 3 of the machines make photocopies and 1 of the machines allows you to save images to a flash drive. The prices for copies are as follows:
- 8 1/2" x 11" -- $0.15 per page
- 8 1/2" x 14" -- $0.20 per page
- 11" x 14" -- $0.50 per page
- Patrons who bring their own paper pay $0.05 per copy.
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Fax machine -- Library staff will send and receive faxes for patrons at the following rates:
- To send a fax, $3.00 for the first page, and $1.00 for every page thereafter (no charge for a cover sheet).
- To receive a fax, $1.00 per page.
- Typewriter -- There is 1 self-service typewriter in the Adult Department that is equipped with correction ribbon. There is no charge to use the typewriter. The Library does not provide typing paper.
The following pieces of equipment are available for a 24-hour checkout to groups, organizations and businesses and may be reserved in advance:
- Overhead projector
- Screen
- Slide carousel
Genealogy Research
The Library has Genealogy/Local History Archivists on staff to assist patrons with family and local history research. The Library collection includes many resources about the history of Kentucky and Henderson County, as well as surrounding counties. Many resources are also devoted to the genealogy of families in Henderson and Kentucky. To inquire about information in the library's collection, patrons may call the Library, email the Genealogy/Local History Archivists, or fill out the Genealogy Research Request Form. Research fees may apply. Please read our Genealogy and Local History Research Policy for more information. To learn more about the Library's collection and access online resources, visit the Genealogy and Local History web page.
Interlibrary Loan
The Library strives to provide quick and easy access to all the information and materials that the citizens of Henderson County may need or want. In some cases, the book or information that is needed is not readily available. A book may be out of print and can no longer be purchased or, someone may need a copy of a journal article from a specialized or obscure source. In these cases, patrons may request that the Library try to retrieve the material through Interlibrary Loan. The Interlibrary Loan librarian will try to borrow or secure photocopies of needed material from other libraries around the country. Most of the time materials can be borrowed from other libraries at minimal or no cost. The patron is asked to pay the cost of shipping the material(s) back to the lending institution (the cost is usually less than $2 per item). Some materials will not be loaned by other libraries because of their value or because there are limited copies of the material. Genealogy and local history books are good examples of this. If you feel that you need Interlibrary Loan services, please call the Library and ask to speak to the Interlibrary Loan librarian, or fill out our online form.
Library Tours
Groups may request a formal tour of the Library by a staff member. Tours will include stops at all public areas of the Library as well as the history of the Library and the original library building. This is especially popular for school groups, visitors to Henderson, and local organizations. Advance reservations are required. Please call the Library if you would like to schedule a tour for your group or organization or submit an online request.
Materials Request Service
If you would like to check out materials that the library does not own, please ask for the library to order the material. In most cases, the material will be ordered and added to the library's collection. The added bonus is that the requestor gets the opportunity to be the first to check out the material! Patrons with valid library cards may request books, books on compact disc, DVDs, and music on compact disc over the phone, in person, or online.
Meeting Rooms
The Library has 1 large and 1 small meeting room available for use by organizations whose membership is open to the public. No political meetings, private parties, or meetings to promote commercial or sectarian interests may be held in these rooms. An adult or adults must be present and in charge at all times. No games or activities will be permitted which will damage the grounds, building or equipment.
The large room, the multi-purpose room, is 38' x 22', 836 square feet. There are 12 folding tables and 80 stack chairs available for use with this room. It is suggested that no more than 75 persons be seated in this room. A comfortable meeting in this room would seat no more than 50 persons. Nonalcoholic beverages and light refreshments may be served in this room. The adjoining kitchen facilities may be used by special arrangement with the Director of the Library.
The small room, the meeting room, is 23' x 23', 529 square feet. There are two long tables arranged in the shape of a "T". Seating is available in this room for 25 persons. Food or beverages may not be served in this room.
To reserve a room: One person from the organization shall be responsible to the Library for the group's use of a meeting room. That person must apply to the Director of the Library in order to reserve the facility for his/her group. A reservation form must be completed and filed with the Director of the Library for each meeting to be held. Click here to read the full meeting room policy. Click here to download a reservation form. Reservation forms must be returned to the Library in person, by mail, or by fax.
Notary Public
Free notary public service is available most hours the Library is open. The purpose of a Notary Public is to act as an impartial witness as he or she certifies signatures. All signers must be present and provide photo identification. Documents must be signed in the presence of the Notary. A Notary cannot give advice or instruction regarding documents to be notarized and will not be involved in any transaction that the Notary believes to be false, deceptive or fraudulent.
Online Store
Henderson County is fortunate to have a large share of outstanding authors, artists, and other creative individuals. Many books and songs have been written by Hendersonians, and the Library is pleased to offer many of these items for sale both at the Library and online. To see items available for purchase, please visit our online store.
Reference Services
The Library has professional Reference Librarians on staff to help you with your information needs. The Reference Department is stocked with many current resources in the areas of medicine, finances (investing, taxes, etc.), car buying, legal and government (Kentucky Revised Statutes), careers, literature, and biography. The Reference Department also houses numerous general and specialized encyclopedias and dictionaries, telephone books from major metropolitan areas in the United States, and state, local, and nationwide maps and atlases. If you need reference assistance, please call the Library or email the reference librarians. Research fees may apply. Please read our Reference Service Fee policy for more information.
Speaker's Bureau
Library staff are available to speak to groups and organizations on virtually any topic related to the Library including its history, the services it provides, and how people can use the library. Please call the library to schedule a speaker for your next meeting or event or submit an online request.
Tax Forms
During tax season (January 1 - April 15), the Library provides free federal tax forms and instruction booklets to the public until supplies run out. Patrons may also print tax forms from the following web sites: for federal tax forms, http://www.irs.gov; for Kentucky tax forms, http://revenue.ky.gov/forms. The Kentucky Department of Revenue no longer provides free tax forms to libraries. Patrons must download the forms or call 502-564-3658 for mailed forms.
Teacher Services
One of the missions of the Henderson County Public Library is to provide resources and materials for the education of the citizens of Henderson County. In pursuit of that goal, the Library would like the opportunity to contribute to the success of your school and students. If you are a teacher or educator, you are encouraged to take advantage of our many free services, including a wealth of homework and educational tools on our website. Professional Courtesy Library Cards – Why should you get one?
- They are free to all educators living or working in Henderson County.
- You can check out up to 30 books at one time.
- An extended 28 day loan period for books, books on CD, and music allows time for you to review materials before including them in a unit or lesson.
- The 7 day loan period for DVDs and videos gives you more flexibility for classroom viewing.
- Using your Professional Courtesy card frees up your personal library card for leisure reading and weekend movies.
Teacher Collections The Library is able to collect up to 30 books and 4 DVDs or videos hand-picked by our own staff on a particular theme or themes for use in your classroom. For best service, please give 3 weeks advance notice. Specific Requests If the Library does not own the item that you are needing to enhance your curriculum or fulfill the educational standards for your classroom, we will try to purchase the item. Please allow at least 4 weeks notice for specific requests. This allows us time to find an alternate source if the item is no longer available for purchase. We may be able to borrow the item from another library. Submit a request online. Class Visits to the Library Bring your class in for a storytime and tour of the children’s department or the entire library and explore some of the materials and services we have to offer!
- Please schedule class visits at least 3 weeks in advance. Submit a request for a class visit.
- Class visits may include a storytime, tour of the library, and time for checkout. We would also be happy to tailor a visit to suit your specific needs.
The Library in Your Classroom Let us bring the Library to you. We will visit your classroom or school and conduct story hours or presentations on library-related topics during or after school or for evening programs. Submit a request for a site visit.
Test Proctoring
As a service to the community, the Library will proctor written exams or exams requiring a computer for students. Appointments must be made in advance and students are responsible for arranging exams with their instructor or institution. Students may also use the library's computer resources to take self-directed exams. Please read the library’s Policy on Proctoring Exams and Taking Self-Directed Exams for full details and requirements. Please call the Library to set up a proctoring appointment.
