Frequently Asked Questions
Library Board, Director, City Council Liaison
- Who are the current library board members?
Pete Kaland (President), Lyle Sampson (Vice President), Kate Stover, Bill O'Donnell (Secretary), Andrea Link, and Kelli Powers; Mark Jensen (school representative); Mary Lou Sharpee (Financial Secretary) (rural representative)
- Who is the city council liaison?
Council Woman, Jenny Perkins
- Who is the library director? Peggy Kindschi (kindschi@scls.lib.wi.us)
When does the library board meet?
- The library board meets the third Tuesday of the month at 5 p.m. If you would like to speak before the board notify the library director no later than the Monday morning before the meeting.
Library contact information
- 232 W. James Street, Columbus, WI 53925
- (920) 623-5910
- colpl@scls.lib.wi.us
Circulation
- How do I get a library card?
Adults requesting a library card are required to submit a Photo ID along with acceptable proof of current address: Wisconsin driver's license, canceled mail, or a checkbook. See the Circulation Policy for more information.
- How much are fines?
Materials are due on the date stamped or as shown on the patrons receipt. Patrons paying fines for overdue or lost materials shall be issued a written receipt if it is for over $2. A seven-day grace period will follow after the date due, the patron will not be charged during the 7-day grace period.
- How long can I keep the items I take out?
Videos, DVD's - 2 days
CD-ROMs - 1 week
B&T Lease collection books, Magazines, Pamphlets, Musical CD's, Outside SCLS Interlibrary Loan, Magazines and Discovery Backpacks - 2 weeks
Fiction, Non Fiction, Books on tape, Teacher Collections - 4 weeks
Reference circulates as marked on the material.
- What is a grace period?
A grace period is 7 days long it gives you time to get your materials back after the due date before fines are charged.
- When I receive a citation from the police department can I return the materials and avoid going to court or paying a fine?
Once the information is sent to the police department for city ordnance violation it is out of the library's hands. The police department files the citations and issues a notice to appear in court. If you return your lost materials to the library we will notify the police department. If you received a judgment any fines, etc. owed need to be paid to the Clerk of Courts not the library. The Clerk of Courts than sends the library a check and your record will be cleared of charges for those materials.
Collections and Services
- What newspapers do you have on microfilm?
We have the Columbus Journal on microfilm (1858-2004).
- Can we check out the toys (puppets, etc.)?
We have backpack kits with games, puppets, etc. available for checkout. Other toys in the room are not available for checkout.
- Do you proctor tests?
Yes, call the library for details.
- Do you have a service for the homebound, handicapped or someone in a nursing home?
Yes, contact the library for details.
- I need something notarized. Do you provide this service?
Yes, please call to make an appointment.
- How often do you get delivery of Interlibrary loan materials?
We receive delivery 6 days a week.
- Do you have a lost and found?
Yes, it is located in the meeting room.
Equipment
- What equipment can I rent from the library?
The library has a sound system, a 35 mm slide projector, an overhead projector, and projection screen for loan. See the Audiovisual Equipment Rental Policy for more details.
- I've never used a computer. Can the staff teach me?
The library staff provides limited assistance as time permits. Patrons using the computer should know how to type and use a mouse. We encourage you to check out a book on computers which will help to increase your understanding before you use them.
Friends Group/Volunteering
- Do you have a Friends of the library group?
The library is in the process of starting a new friends group. If you are interested in joining contact the library director at 623-5910.
- How do I volunteer to help at the library?
Call or visit the library and ask to speak to the library director.
Literacy
- I have a friend who wants to learn to read. Who do I contact?
Call the library at 623-5910 or email us at colpl@scls.lib.wi.us for current Columbus Literacy Council contact information.
Meetings and Programs
- Do you provide babysitting services during meetings/tutoring?
No, staff do not provide babysitting during meetings or tutoring. It is suggested that groups provide their own babysitters during activities at the library.
- We need a speaker for our club. Do you have someone who could come?
Yes, please contact the library director at 623-5910.
- Do you charge for story hours, summer reading programs and other programs?
There is no charge for these programs. They are free as a public service so join the fun.