Frequently Asked Questions

Most materials have a 3 week check out period. All entertainment DVDs and VHS videos have a one week check out window.  Interlibrary Loan items may have a special due date set by the owning library.

You may renew items twice as long as no one has requested the item through GRRL's online catalog. Renew items online through your account, or by visiting or calling your local library. Interlibrary Loan items may not be renewed.

Notify library staff as soon as possible if an item becomes damaged or is lost. Lost or damaged materials must be paid for, plus a $6 processing fee. GRRL does not accept replacement copies of items. Items not returned after 45 days will be marked as “lost” and a bill will be sent. If the item is not returned and all late fees not paid within the following 21 days, the account may be referred to the collection agency.

Your User ID is the number on your library card. It is also referred to as your barcode. The User ID is usually 14 digits long.

Once you have searched the catalog and determined that your selection is not owned by GRRL, you may choose one of several options.

• Click on the Suggest a Title tab in the catalog and fill out the online form. There are also paper versions of this form available and staff will be happy to assist you with the process. GRRL staff will decide to either purchase the item or borrow it from another library. Once the decision is made, the item request will be placed on your account. If the item is not selected and not available for Interlibrary Loan, you will be notified.
• You may place an Interlibrary Loan request from another Minnesota library yourself using the MnLink Gateway. This statewide service allows you to request material NOT OWNED by GRRL and have it delivered to your GRRL library. You will need your entire GRRL library card barcode number to access this service.
• For best results, use the Suggest a Title form for new materials since other Minnesota libraries may not be willing to lend them and GRRL purchases most new items requested by our customers.

You may choose to have e-mail notification when your GRRL requests come. Choosing e-mail notification also allows you to receive notification three days before a checked out item is due (non-receipt of a notice does not release you from your obligation to return items by their due dates).

To help ensure email delivery, add us to your email contacts: notices@grrl.lib.mn.us.

If you prefer, you may be notified by automated telephone call instead of e-mail.

Holds are available for seven calendar days, including the day they arrive in the library.

You may call your local GRRL library to reserve a time. You may also walk in and use any open public Internet computer after signing in using your library card. If your card is expired, you will need to renew it in order to make a reservation.

Yes, you can pay online from home with a credit card. You can also pay by credit card at any of our locations with Express Checkout Stations: Becker, Big Lake, Buffalo, Clearwater, Delano, Elk River, Monticello, St. Cloud, St. Michael, Staples, or Waite Park.

Library staff cannot take credit card payments at the circulation desk.

Great River uses a collection agency, Unique Management Services, in order to recover materials and fees. The main goal of using the collection agency is to remind patrons of their overdue items and encourage returning them. If an account has a balance of $25 or more for 21 days, the account will be sent to the collection agency and a $10 fee added to the account. Parents or guardians are responsible for the accounts of their minor children. You may also contact the Patron Services Specialist at (320) 650-2510 if you have questions about collection agency charges and fines.

Library cards are free to Minnesota residents. If you lose your card or if it is stolen, you will need to pay $1 for a replacement. Apply for your free library card by presenting at any branch library your completed library card application and identification with your current address information.

Yes, you may check out materials at other libraries as part of Minnesota's Reciprocal Borrowing Agreement. These libraries must be part of a regional library system.

Come in, use the online renewal form, or for fastest service - call your local GRRL branch library. Staff will be able to renew your card at any public service desk, virtually or over the phone. Renewing your library card is free.

Library cards expire every three years. This allows GRRL to keep address and patron information up to date. If your card is expired, you will be unable to log into My Account until the card is renewed.

Great River has a limited number of color copiers, with plans to install color copiers in all branches by 2020. Check with your local library for the nearest location with color copiers. See costing for copies.

We can help you find information through our reference services. Reference librarians are available at the St. Cloud Library. You can also email a reference request as well as access our IM (Instant Messaging) our reference librarians.