Have a Question & Looking for Some Answers?

Here are most frequently asked questions and their answers.

How can I get a JCPLS card?

Any Tennessee resident or Carson Newman University student may have a JCPLS card free of charge, and only one card is needed to use all four county libraries.

To register for a card, fill out this online form or visit your preferred location to fill out a paper form. Present the following forms of identification at the library to receive your card:

If you are a Tennessee resident (any city or county)… bring a valid photo ID and proof of address if your ID is out of state or does not have your current address.

If you are under 18… bring a parent or guardian, along with their ID and proof of address.

If you are a Carson Newman student… bring your student ID.

The Jefferson County Public Library System endorses the Tennessee Code Annotated section regarding the confidentiality of customer records. Here’s our Confidentiality Policy.

What if I lose my card?

No problem! Just visit your local library to confirm your account details (name, address, etc) and pay a $1.00 replacement fee.

What are the restrictions on checking out items?

There is no limit to the number of books you can check out, provided you have less than $5 in accumulated late fees. Lending periods and restrictions are as follows:

DVDs: One week lending period, $1 per day overdue. Only four DVDs per card may be checked out at a time.

All other items: Two week lending period, $0.25 per day overdue fine.

All items may be renewed up to three times if there are no reserves.

Do you have eBooks?

Yes! With your JCPLS card, you have access to TN READS, a state sponsored database of ebooks, digital magazines, streaming audiobooks and streaming videos, all completely free.

What if you don't have the book I want?

You may place your own request via InterLibrary Loan. To do so, follow these instructions:

  1. Visit this link.
  2. Click login in the top right and select your home library from the dropdown. Do not enter a username or password. Click submit.
  3. Use the search bar at the top to search for items.
  4. Click PLACE REQUEST to enter in your name and contact.

If you have trouble using this system, can’t find the item you want or would prefer a librarian to place the request for you, just ask a librarian.

Do you have public computers/wifi?

Yes! Use of public computers and wifi is completely free and does not require a library card. All four libraries have desktop computers, as well as laptops, for in house use. Time limits may vary by location. You can also connect your own devices to the library’s wifi.

Be sure to read over our Internet and Computer Usage Policy.

What printing services do you offer? Is there a cost associated with the services?

These services may vary by location, but include:

  • Black and white copies/prints: $0.25 per page
  • Color copies/prints: $0.50 per page
  • Scans: First five pages free and $0.10 per additional page
  • Send faxes: $2.50 for the first page and $1.00 for per additional page
  • Receive faxes: $1.00 per page
  • Laminating: $0.50 per sheet
  • Presentation binding: $1.00 per unit
What forms of payment do you accept?

The libraries can only accept cash or checks. Payment by credit or debit card is not available at any JCPLS location.

Can I hold a meeting at the library?

We may be able to accommodate you, depending on the size of your group and the time you need to meet. Only our Jefferson City location has meeting rooms; you will need to fill out a form to reserve either of their two meeting rooms.

Can I apply to work at the library?

We are unable to accept applications for positions aside from substitute librarian unless we have a specific opening. You may fill out a substitute application. Other openings will be listed on each library’s page.

Can I volunteer at the library?

Please fill out the volunteer form to let us know of your interest. Some locations also have a Friends of the Library; please inquire at the library if you are interested in joining.

Can I donate to the library?

Please inquire at your local library to see if they are currently accepting physical donations. Cash donations are always welcome and appreciated! Some locations also have Amazon wishlists, which may be found on their individual pages.

Get Your Card, Use Your Library

Any Tennessee resident or Carson-Newman University student may have a Jefferson County Public Library System card.