FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is the library open?
Our current hours are:
Monday through Friday: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Saturday: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Sunday: CLOSED
If you need or prefer a low-contact option, curbside appointments can be arranged ahead of time by using our Contact Us form, or by calling the library at 503-245-9932.
Our outdoor bookdrop is open 24/7. WCCLS is fine-free county-wide, and no overdue fines will accrue on your account.
How do I return items I have checked out?
Our outdoor bookdrop is open 24/7. You may return any WCCLS items in our drop, with the exception of board games, wi-fi hotspots, or Library of Things items. Additionally, Garden Home items may be returned to other WCCLS libraries.
WCCLS is fine-free county-wide, and no overdue fines will accrue on your account. (WCCLS will continue to charge for items that are lost or damaged, and accounts with more than $20 in lost items will be blocked from further checkouts.)
If you are returning a board game or Library of Things item belonging to Garden Home, you may drop it off any time the library is open.
If you think you have returned an item to us that belongs to another library or is a personal item, you may call or email us to make arrangements for pickup.
How long will you hold an item I’ve requested?
WCCLS items are held for seven days. If you have questions about a specific item, or if you wish to inform us of holds you no longer want, contact us at ghcl@wccls.org or 503-245-9932 with the title and material type of the items in question.
Do you have computers and printers for public use?
We have five computers available for public use up to 60 minutes, no library card required. We also have a black-and-white printer. Suggested donation is 10¢ per page, and there is a 50 page limit on printing or copying. We do not have a fax machine.
The library also has free WiFi provided by WCCLS. (Garden Home does not have wireless printing capabilities.)
In addition to in-library computer use, we circulate ten WiFi Hotspots available for 3-week loan periods.
Do you have study rooms?
We do not. We have a couple of small tables in the library, and three more in the hall. While it is often quiet in the library, we cannot guarantee silence at any time of day. If you are looking for a study room to reserve, many of the larger libraries in our cooperative have spaces which may suit your needs.
Is Garden Home a ballot drop site?
Yes! As of Spring 2022, there is a permanent 24-Hour ballot drop box in the parking lot outside the library. We are grateful to THPRD and Washington County Elections for partnering with us to bring this long-awaited service to the neighborhood.
Can I donate my books to the library?
No. Due to limited space and staff, we do not accept donated books or other items. If you would like to support the library with a monetary donation, you can find details here. If you are looking for a place to donate books or other materials, we recommend contacting the Beaverton Book Corner.
How do I get a library card?
Garden Home Community Library is a proud member of Washington County Cooperative Library Services (WCCLS). To get a library card, you may apply at any WCCLS member library. You may print an application at home, or simply come in and fill out the application here. Please remember to bring your Photo ID and proof of address.
Washington County residents are also eligible to receive a digital card without coming into the library. This type of account gives you access to digital e-books and audiobooks, as well as Kanopy, our streaming film service. At any point, you may upgrade your digital account into a full service account by completing the printed application process.
Even if you do not live in Washington County, you may be eligible for a free library card. For more information about the types of WCCLS cards and the full range of services available to WCCLS members, visit WCCLS.
Can I get a library card at Garden Home if I live in Multnomah County?
Yes! WCCLS belongs to the Metropolitan Interlibrary Exchange (MIX), which is an agreement between several neighboring counties allowing residents to apply for free library cards at participating libraries. Patrons must register for a library card at each library system they wish to use. Materials must be checked out and returned at the library or library system that issued the library card. Since Garden Home is quite close to the border with Multnomah County, many of the folks who use our library are able to take advantage of this agreement.
What can I do with my library card?
With a WCCLS card, you have access to 1.6 million items across Washington County. Log in to your account online to search for and request items for pickup. In addition to books, movies, music and magazines, your account includes access to:
“LIBRARY OF THINGS” COLLECTION
LIBBY DIGITAL EBOOKS, AUDIOBOOKS
What are the library policies?
For policies related to circulation, and library card use, please see the policies posted by WCCLS. If you have any questions, please contact the library.