Frequently Asked Questions

  • General Questions

    Each bag contains 10 copies of the title and a notebook with discussion questions, author information, recommended reading lists, bookmarks, information on the library, and information on how Book Club in a Bag works. 

    Only the largest Ramsey County Library branches have Teen Services librarians on site, but we also offer programming and support teens at our smaller branches. If you are looking for book recommendations for your teen, research help, or have questions about teen events, we would love to help you!  

    Click on these links to email a Teen Services Librarian for your branch:  

    RCL-Shoreview, RCL-Maplewood, RCL-Mounds View, RCL-North St. Paul, and RCL-White Bear Lake:  Alyssa Stevenski
    RCL-Roseville and RCL-New Brighton: Devin Warner

    Yes! Our app, My RCLreads, is available on the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.

    Use the above links or search the App Store for "My RCLreads" to find and download the app.

    Our app lets you:

    • Find the library closest to you – check library hours and locations.
    • Explore library resources - search the library catalog, browse new arrivals and more.
    • Manage your library account – see what you have checked out, place holds and renew materials.
    • Manage your personal shelves – keep track of what you’ve read and would like to read.
    • Browse and register for upcoming events.
    • Scan the barcode on the back of a book, DVD or CD to see if the library has a copy of that item.
    • Access a digital version of your library card to check out items at our self-checkout machines.
    • Add and manage multiple library cards within the app.

    You can use the library catalog and website without logging in. To access your library account online, you need to log in to the catalog.

    To use the Library's new catalog, there is a one-time registration process. Use your existing library card number (barcode) and PIN (password). Once you register, you can use either your username OR barcode to log in.

    Each Ramsey County Library has one or more Children's Librarians on staff, and we would love to help! Does your child need book ideas for a report? Are you wondering how to help your 4-year-old prepare for kindergarten? Or maybe you just need some ideas for your child who devours books like candy. Whatever your need, we can help!

    Click on these links to email the Children's Librarian at your branch:

    RCL - Maplewood: Patong Lee and Sarah Weinberg
    RCL - Mounds View: Mary Wetterlin
    RCL - New Brighton: Anna Smithberger
    RCL - North St. Paul: Ann Wahlstrom
    RCL - Roseville: Andrea Hermanson
    RCL - Shoreview: Nicole Brinkman and Kristin Nordling
    RCL - White Bear Lake: Jess Gould

    Yes! You can download e-books, e-audiobooks and e-magazines using Libby, by OverDriveLearn which devices work with Libby, by OverDrive and how to download items.

    Borrowing and Renewal Policies:

    • Metro area public library cardholders registered with Ramsey County Library may borrow e-books, e-audiobooks and e-magazines through Libby, by OverDrive.
    • A maximum of 15 e-books or e-audiobooks may be borrowed at a time.
    • An unlimited number of e-magazines may be borrowed at a time.
    • e-books, e-audiobooks and e-magazines may be borrowed for 7, 14, or 21 days.
    • e-books, e-audiobooks and e-magazines are renewable. A Renew option will appear on your Loans page three days before the item expires as long as there are no requests on that title.
    • If a title has been borrowed by another user, a hold for the title may be placed. Hold limit is 15 items. Note: e-magazines are always available to be borrowed at all times and require no holds.
    • e-Books and e-audiobooks cannot be downloaded to the Library's publicly used computers.

    Yes. All library locations offer free WiFi.

    Fax service is currently available at the libraries in New Brighton, Maplewood, Mounds View, Roseville, Shoreview, and White Bear Lake.

    Simply visit any library in the seven county area. Ask someone at the Service Desk to issue you a library card. You will need to provide picture identification and proof of your current address.

    In accordance with the Minnesota Statutes 13.02 and 13.40, library patron records are private and information contained in the record cannot be given out to anyone other than the library card holder.

    Bags may be requested and picked up at any RCL branch, and can be kept for 6 weeks. You may request them in person, by phone, or online. At this time, the bags cannot be requested for a specific date.  Patrons are limited to two bags at a time per library card.

    OverDrive is a collection of downloadable e-books, e-audiobooks and e-magazines. Libby is a free, one tap reading app from OverDrive where you can borrow and enjoy digital content from Ramsey County Library.

    Whether in person, or virtually, Ramsey County Library is committed to offering fun teen programming! We currently offer:  

    The most up-to-date information on programming for teens can be found on our event calendar.

    After you download the app, you will need to enter your library barcode number or username and your PIN to sign in.

    Please note:

    • You need an existing account with our website in order to sign in to the app. If you need to create an account, click Log In/My RCL followed by Log In/Register. If you need help, please contact a staff member at your local branch.

    There is no cost to fax documents.

    You can use the library catalog and website without logging in. In order to place requests or manage your library account online, you need to complete the one-time registration process.

    Registration allows you create an easy-to-remember username you can use to log in, so you don’t have to type your barcode every time you want to check your account. It also allows you to use personalized services, such as managing your library account, contributing ratings and reviews, personalized recommendations, and communicating electronically with other users.

    Registration also gives the library and its catalog service provider an opportunity to clearly communicate its Terms of Use and Privacy Statement.

    Choose the network named RamseyCountyPublic.

    Open a web browser and click "I Agree" to abide by the Internet Access Policy and connect to the Library's WiFi.

    No password is required.

    You can add additional library cards using the My Library Cards section of the app. To access My Library Cards, tap on the library card icon located in the upper right corner of the Home Screen.

    Tap Add card.

    Enter the barcode or username for the card you want to add. Then enter the PIN and tap Add card.

    Yes. There are two ways to discover titles that are not yet in our Libby collection:

    1. Search for a title, author, or series. If Libby returns no results, it will automatically expand into a "deep search" to display relevant titles that are not yet in our collection.
    2. If you run a search that returns fewer than 100 results, you can tap a filter button to manually enable "deep search."

    From the expanded search, you will see relevant results with a Notify Me option. Tap Notify Me to tag titles and be notified if they are added to the library's collection in the future. Learn more on Libby Help.

    Yes, we do! We are proud to offer a variety of things like DVDs, e-books, e-audiobooks, graphic novels... and of course a robust collection of fiction and nonfiction! 

    Still have questions? Ask a librarian!

    There is no cost to scan documents to a USB Flash Drive.

    Everyone will need to register to use their library accounts in the new website and catalog. You’ll be asked to create a username the first time you log in.

    To get started:

    • Click on Log In/My RCL in the upper right-hand corner
    • Enter your library card number and PIN
    • You create a username the first time you sign in and register.

    Your username is the name that will be displayed publicly next to any comments or summaries that you contribute to the site.

    Tutorial

    Ramsey County Library is committed to early literacy. The most up-to-date information on programming for all kids is found on our event calendar.

    Family Storytime (generally geared to ages 2 to 5) is a fun, dynamic program that includes books, songs, fingerplays, storytelling and movement activities to get kids fired up about reading while providing a strong foundation in early literacy skills. 

    Baby & Me storytime (generally geared towards infants 6 to 23 months) is a one-on-one storytime where babies sit on a caregiver’s lap for a short storytime followed by playtime. Baby and Me is intended to introduce the joys of reading, singing, and playing together to caregivers and their babies.

    Hope you can join us!

    The library will only receive 1040/1040-SR forms and instructions. Contact your library for up to date form availability. Learn how to access additional forms.

    Ramsey County Library's WiFi network is an Open network which means it is NOT encrypted and NOT secure. Information sent to or from your device can potentially be captured by someone else. The Library assumes no responsibility for equipment, configurations, security (including virus or Spyware protection), or any data files accessed while using the Library's wireless network.

    There are multiple ways to switch between library cards and select the account you want to use.

    To switch between accounts on the My Library Cards screen, swipe to the card you want to use and tap Use this card. You can also tap on the ellipsis on the card you want to activate, then tap Use this card. The card with the In use label is the currently active account.

    You can also switch between accounts by clicking on the user avatar. That will bring up the account switcher. Select the account you’d like to activate. The currently active account is listed first and has the YOU label.

    Please note:

    • A maximum of 8 cards can be added to your app.
    • Signing in with a new library card will automatically add it to your app.
    • If you install My RCLreads on more than one device, you will need to add any additional cards to each device.
    • A library card’s digital barcode is still scannable when in an inactive state.
    • Changing your PIN will prevent someone from switching to your account if they’ve added it to their app. To be used again, that account will need to be removed and then readded with the new PIN.

    The bags may be renewed up to two times if not requested, and must be returned to a Ramsey County Library branch.

    Absolutely! Check out Libby, by OverDrive, where you will find a diverse collection of teen fiction and teen non-fiction, and graphic novels. For more info ask a librarian!

    If you already have a username registered with the Saint Paul Public Library system you will need to use a different username with the Ramsey County Library.

    The Saint Paul Public Library, along with many other library systems, uses the same service provider for their catalog system and usernames must be unique across all libraries.

    We are very proud to offer a variety of things like Kanopy streaming service, eBooks, eAudiobooks, graphic novels, board books, beginning readers, DVDs, CDs, audiobooks on CD...and of course a robust collection of fiction and nonfiction! We also have special collections like Storybags, which are two books and a toy packaged together, STEM Kits, which provide hands-on exploration of themes like magnets and buoyancy, and VOX Books, where you can listen to a story while following along with the printed text.

    Still have questions? Ask a librarian!

    A Ramsey County Library card may be used at most public libraries in Minnesota. When using your card in another library system, you must abide by its rules.

    You can remove additional library cards using the My Library Cards section of the app. To access My Library Cards, tap on the library card icon located in the upper right corner of the Home Screen.

    Swipe to the card you want to remove.

    Tap on the ellipsis, then tap Remove card.

    Confirm card removal.

    Please note:

    • The card that is currently active cannot be removed. To remove the card for the active account, activate a different card first.
    • Deleting the app removes all stored library cards. Cards will need to be readded once My RCLreads is reinstalled.
    • Clearing your phone’s cache, storage, or data will clear out the stored login credentials and cards will need to be added again.

    Bags will not fit in book return slots; please return them to the Service Desk at any Ramsey County Library.  Bags cannot be checked in until all copies of the books are in the bag; please do not return individual copies of the books separate from the bag. 

    When returning Book Club in a Bag titles, please check to be sure all 10 copies of the book are in the bag, as well as the resource notebook. If copies of the book, the notebook, or zipper bag are missing, the person who checked out the bag will be billed for the replacement cost of the missing items.

    Ramsey County Library offers an excellent web-based tutoring site called HelpNow. Not only can students in grades K-12 use their computer to instant message with a live instructor, they can also upload papers for editing help, take sample tests in several subject areas, or get help with language learning. In the Skillsurfer section of HelpNow, teens can also find information about the GED, AP tests, and college admission exams like the SAT and ACT, as well as practice exams. We hope your student finds it useful!

    Additionally, the library offers you access to lots of databases and other powerful research tools. Whether your student is doing a presentation on a famous person or writing a pro-con essay, you’ll find an abundance of online resources for students grades K-12.

    Absolutely! Download a book using Libby, by OverDrive, where you will find a diverse collection of picture books, juvenile fiction, teen fiction, and non-fiction too. Ask a librarian for more info!

    Always private

    • Borrowing information, including items Checked Out, items On Hold, and Fees.
    • Account information (name, address, email, phone)
    • Card number and password/PIN
    • Private notes and personal tags on catalog records

    Always visible

    On catalog records (identified by username only):

    • Comments
    • Quotes
    • Similar Titles
    • Notices
    • Age Suitability
    • Summaries
    • Notices
    • Videos

    If you don’t want your username to show up anywhere, don't add any of these things to a catalog record. 

    Things you can make private

    These items are visible by default, but you have the option to make them private.

    • My Shelves/My Collections – Completed, In Progress, For Later
    • My Lists
    • Activity Feed

    Most materials borrowed from a Ramsey County Library may be renewed (extended) a maximum of two times, online, in person or by telephone, if no one else has requested the material.

    Persons with more than 25 items overdue or more than $10 in charges and fees will need to call or visit the library in order for a staff member to renew any materials.

    If a book is lost, the person who checked out the bag will be billed for the list price of a replacement copy of the book.

    Parents and legal guardians can sign their children up for a card at any age. Minors under 15 are required to have a parent or legal guardian with picture ID and proof of current address present in order to obtain or replace a library card. Additionally, children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian in order to assign or change their PIN. With proper identification, a parent or legal guardian is authorized to impose specific restrictions on the library records of their minor children. Parents are responsible for their children's library use. The Library staff will attempt to honor those restrictions where technologically feasible.

    Ramsey County Library offers an excellent web-based tutoring site called HelpNow. Not only can students in grades K-12 use their computer to instant message with a live instructor, they can also upload papers for editing help, take sample tests in several subject areas, or get help with language learning. We hope your student finds it useful!

    Additionally, the library offers you access to lots of databases and other powerful research tools. Whether your student is doing a presentation on a famous person or writing a pro-con essay, you’ll find an abundance of online resources for students in grades K-12.

    Tours of the buildings are available by contacting the Teen Services librarian for your branch. Tours include a detailed look at the Teen Area and its collections and features, and a behind the scenes visit to the book return and check in area. Let us know if you have a specific focus or need. We will be happy to work with you to customize your tour with instruction on resources, booktalks, or other highlights of library services.  

    Please allow at least two weeks planning time for any requested tour.  

    Parents and legal guardians can sign their children up for a card at any age. However, many people choose to wait until their child is in kindergarten since Ramsey County Library holds an annual event to celebrate kindergartners obtaining their first library card. Ask your children’s librarian for more information about this program! 

    Minors under 15 are required to have a parent or legal guardian with picture ID and proof of current address present in order to obtain or replace a library card. Additionally, children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian in order to assign or change their PIN. With proper identification, a parent or legal guardian is authorized to impose specific restrictions on the library records of their minor children. Parents are responsible for their children's library use. The Library staff will attempt to honor those restrictions where technologically feasible.

    Each library offers a special section dedicated to children's books and media as well as places for families to read and play together. Each children’s area offers a variety of puzzles, puppets and other toys intended to encourage creative play between kids and their caregivers. Several of our locations also have outdoor spaces to enjoy.

    The library in Roseville also has a Children's Reading Garden that is always open for outdoor exploration. It is accessible only through the children's room, and families are encouraged to use this space as an extension of the library. You can even come have a picnic outdoors! Come explore and enjoy the kids’ spaces at Ramsey County Library! Get up-to-date information on building hours and closures.

    Of course! Ramsey County Library invites all children to enjoy our facilities. That said, you may want to view outings with children to the library as great opportunities to model appropriate library behavior. While the children’s section of the library is generally a bit noisier than sections intended for adult use, “inside” voices are still encouraged!

    Sure do! In addition to the Sensory Friendly Comfort Room at RCL - Shoreview, Ramsey County Libraries provides wellness rooms to use for short-term personal needs. 

    There are no late fees. As of January 1, 2022, late fees were eliminated for materials for adults. This policy change aligns with the 2020 efforts to eliminate late fines on all youth materials.

    Lost and damaged items will continue to be charged and privileges will be suspended if charges exceed $10. Rental fees will also continue to accrue.

    Computers for public use are on a dedicated network with security protocols in place:

    • All computers have anti-virus software
    • Each computer has software that wipes all personal and saved information when the computer is restarted between each session

    • 20 cents per page (black and white copies)
    • 75 cents per page (color copies)

    To change your username:

    1. If you have not already done so, Log In to your account.
    2. Click on My Account in the upper right, then from the drop-down menu, select the My Settings link.
    3. Using the dropdown list opposite Display in Public, do one of the following:
      1. Click your real name to have that displayed to others, or
      2. Click your username. If you want to change your current username, type a new one in the Username field.
    4. Click the Save button.

    The library's website offers ways for you to find other people who share your reading, listening, and viewing interests. Here's what you can do if you'd like to connect with other people.

    • Create your profile - Share what you love to read, watch, and listen to. Enter a brief statement about yourself to help others decide if they want to connect with you.
    • Follow others - Follow someone on a specific topic or all of the interests that they choose to share.
    • Send Messages - Send messages to people about books you enjoy or ask for their recommendations.

    If you don't want to follow or share with other people, that's ok! All of this is completely optional. You can make everything you do private, you can ignore specific people, or just simply ignore these features on the website.

    The search box found at the top of every page should provide excellent results for most of your searches.

    For those occasions where you have a particular kind of search in mind, you can use Advanced Search. It has tools that enable you to describe precisely where and how you want to search.

    Find out more about Advanced Search.

    To find items in the catalog:

    • Click on Catalog in the navigation bar on the top left of any page of our site, or Search in the upper right corner of our website. This will display a search box where you can type your search.
    • Type in your word(s) in the search box.
    • Refine your search by using the filter categories that show up on the left to hone in on exactly what you’re looking for.
      • Want to limit to fiction? Click on Content and then click Fiction.
      • Want to see only kids’ materials? Click on Audience, then check Children.

    Learn more about searching the catalog.

    A list is a collection of titles related to a specific topic or idea of your choosing. Read more about lists.

    Shelves let you to keep track of library items you’ve borrowed, or plan to borrow in the future. Read more about shelves.

    Yes, you sure can! Our website is mobile-friendly and will resize automatically to fit the size of your screen. 

    If you often search for titles by the same author, or on the same subject, you can save your search and run it again later. This can save you time, especially if you have constructed a complex search strategy.

    To save a search:

    1. Log in opens a new window to your account. You must be logged in to save a search.
    2. Run your search.
    3. If required, narrow your results by applying facets on the left side of the page.
    4. Click the Save Search link above the search results.
    5. Name the search so you can easily identify it later. If you already have a search by that name, you’ll have the option to choose a new name or overwrite your existing saved search.
    6. Click Save it.

    To run a saved search:

    1. Log in opens a new window to your account.
    2. Clicking Saved Searches opens a new window under the search box.
    3. Click the search you would like to run again.

    More information about Saving Searches.

    We would love to show you around our libraries! Tours of the buildings are available by contacting the children’s librarian at each specific branch. Tours include a detailed look at the children’s area and its collections and features, and a behind the scenes visit to the book return and check in area. Let us know if you have a specific focus or need. We will be happy to work with you to customize your tour.

    Please allow at least two weeks planning time for any requested tour.

    Ebooks Minnesota is an online ebook collection for all Minnesotans. The collection covers a wide variety of subjects for readers of all ages, and features content from our state's independent publishers, including some of our best literature and nonfiction.

    Yes, all Ramsey County libraries are accessible.

    If you need an accommodation in order to attend a library class or event please contact the library where the class or event is being held at least 7 days before the event.

    RCL - Maplewood

    • Portable in-ear and personal induction loop in the Community Program Room

    RCL -  Roseville

    • JAWS computer screen reader (two workstations)
    • Magic text magnifier (two workstations)
    • Portable in-ear and personal induction loop in the Community Program Room

    RCL - Shoreview

    • Portable in-ear and personal induction loop in the Community Program Room
    • Sensory-Friendly Comfort Room

    RCL -  White Bear Lake

    • Induction Loop hearing system built into the Community Program Room
    • Portable in-ear amplifier in Community Program Room 

    The Metropolitan Library Service Agency (MELSA) has created a Disability Awareness Resources site for library staff, but it may also be helpful to anyone interested in this collection of resources.

    Yes. Ramsey County Library welcomes service animals, as defined by law, in all of its facilities.  The library may ask if an animal is a service animal or ask what tasks the animal has been trained to perform. 

    More information about service animals can be found here: https://mn.gov/mdhr/yourrights/service-animals/

    Study rooms are available at the libraries in Maplewood, Mounds View, Roseville, Shoreview and White Bear Lake. They can not be reserved but are instead available on a first come, first served basis. 

    • 20 cents per page (black and white)
    • 75 cents per page (color)

    Yes. Please see a librarian for details on how to send your print job to the library's printers from your own computer or device.

    You have the option to be notified by e-mail or phone. How you are notified was determined when you registered for a library card. If you are unsure, or would like to change your method of notification, call your local library.

    Holds are held at your pickup location for 5 days.

    If you have requested an item, but you want to delay when it is ready to be picked up, you can pause the hold on that item.

    For example, if you are going on vacation and don't want to miss getting your requested items, you can pause your holds before you leave then resume them when you return.

    Or, if a requested item has become available for you and you'd rather not have your other holds arrive until after you've finished with it, pause those holds.

    Pausing a hold request means that your position in the hold queue is skipped over until the hold is resumed. You will stay in the hold queue and not lose your place there while holds are filled for other patrons.

    You cannot "pause" a hold request if the item is already IN TRANSIT or ON THE HOLDSHELF for you.

    The username created for the catalog will not work for other online resources.

    Use your library card's barcode number (and password or PIN, if necessary) to log in to online resources brought to you by the library like Libby by OverDrive and additional online databases.

    Yes, you can. If you go to Log In/My RCL and click My Settings, you will be presented with the options to change either of these.

    When a library is closed, materials may be put in the book or video returns at any Ramsey County Library.

    If the item you want is checked out, you may request to have it set aside for you when it is returned. You may do this by selecting the title from the catalog and clicking on the Place Hold link. You will need to have your library card barcode and PIN to place the request.

    Most materials are due three weeks from the day you check them out. Other exceptions may apply. At checkout you have the option of printing a receipt with the due date of your materials. If you lose your receipt, call our Telephone Renewal Line (651-766-4141), visit our website or call the library to find out your due dates.

    Ramsey County Library is a member of the Metropolitan Library Service Agency (MELSA). This means you may return most items borrowed from any public library in the MELSA region to any other public library in the MELSA region. Items remain on your account until they are received by us, but you will be credited with the date you returned them.

    There are two ways to renew materials remotely:

    1. Start by visiting Log In/My RCL. You will be asked for your barcode and PIN to proceed so make sure to stop by your library if you don't already have one. Within Log In/My RCL you can go to the Checked Out section and renew your materials.

    2. Call our telephone renewal system (TeleCirc) at 651-766-4141. You will be asked for your barcode and PIN and our computerized attendant will prompt you through the renewal process.

    Ramsey County Library provides free access to nearly 1 million items including books, e-books, videos, DVDs, video games, CDs, magazines, maps, newspapers, business directories, large print books and audio books.

    The Library also offers countless resources available through the Internet, including access to more than 25 online databases that provide full text articles, newspaper archives and more to help aid you in research projects, homework, family trees, car repair and more. Find out more about our databases under Online Resources.

    Library job openings are posted on the Ramsey County website. For information on employment opportunities with Ramsey County, including Library jobs, please visit Ramsey County Human Resources.

    Your Personal Identification Number (PIN) is used along with your barcode number to give you access to computers, online databases and your account information.

    In an effort to preserve your right to privacy and to ensure access to library services, all patrons are required to choose a four digit PIN when they register for a new card. If you already have a card but don't remember your PIN we will require a picture identification in order to assign or convey your number.

    Any resident of the seven county metropolitan area with a current picture identification may register for a library card. A parent's or guardian's signature with current picture identification is required for those under 15 years of age. Your library card is required for all transactions. You are responsible for materials checked out on your library card. Report a lost card or change of address immediately.  You may be subject to a $2 card replacement fee.

  • Book Club in a Bag

    Each bag contains 10 copies of the title and a notebook with discussion questions, author information, recommended reading lists, bookmarks, information on the library, and information on how Book Club in a Bag works. 

    Bags may be requested and picked up at any RCL branch, and can be kept for 6 weeks. You may request them in person, by phone, or online. At this time, the bags cannot be requested for a specific date.  Patrons are limited to two bags at a time per library card.

    The bags may be renewed up to two times if not requested, and must be returned to a Ramsey County Library branch.

    Bags will not fit in book return slots; please return them to the Service Desk at any Ramsey County Library.  Bags cannot be checked in until all copies of the books are in the bag; please do not return individual copies of the books separate from the bag. 

    When returning Book Club in a Bag titles, please check to be sure all 10 copies of the book are in the bag, as well as the resource notebook. If copies of the book, the notebook, or zipper bag are missing, the person who checked out the bag will be billed for the replacement cost of the missing items.

    If a book is lost, the person who checked out the bag will be billed for the list price of a replacement copy of the book.

  • Library Catalog & Website

    Yes, you sure can! Our website is mobile-friendly and will resize automatically to fit the size of your screen. 

  • Library Services & Facilities

  • e-Books, e-Audiobooks & e-Magazines

    Yes! You can download e-books, e-audiobooks and e-magazines using Libby, by OverDriveLearn which devices work with Libby, by OverDrive and how to download items.

    Borrowing and Renewal Policies:

    • Metro area public library cardholders registered with Ramsey County Library may borrow e-books, e-audiobooks and e-magazines through Libby, by OverDrive.
    • A maximum of 15 e-books or e-audiobooks may be borrowed at a time.
    • An unlimited number of e-magazines may be borrowed at a time.
    • e-books, e-audiobooks and e-magazines may be borrowed for 7, 14, or 21 days.
    • e-books, e-audiobooks and e-magazines are renewable. A Renew option will appear on your Loans page three days before the item expires as long as there are no requests on that title.
    • If a title has been borrowed by another user, a hold for the title may be placed. Hold limit is 15 items. Note: e-magazines are always available to be borrowed at all times and require no holds.
    • e-Books and e-audiobooks cannot be downloaded to the Library's publicly used computers.
  • Children's Services

    Each Ramsey County Library has one or more Children's Librarians on staff, and we would love to help! Does your child need book ideas for a report? Are you wondering how to help your 4-year-old prepare for kindergarten? Or maybe you just need some ideas for your child who devours books like candy. Whatever your need, we can help!

    Click on these links to email the Children's Librarian at your branch:

    RCL - Maplewood: Patong Lee and Sarah Weinberg
    RCL - Mounds View: Mary Wetterlin
    RCL - New Brighton: Anna Smithberger
    RCL - North St. Paul: Ann Wahlstrom
    RCL - Roseville: Andrea Hermanson
    RCL - Shoreview: Nicole Brinkman and Kristin Nordling
    RCL - White Bear Lake: Jess Gould

    Ramsey County Library is committed to early literacy. The most up-to-date information on programming for all kids is found on our event calendar.

    Family Storytime (generally geared to ages 2 to 5) is a fun, dynamic program that includes books, songs, fingerplays, storytelling and movement activities to get kids fired up about reading while providing a strong foundation in early literacy skills. 

    Baby & Me storytime (generally geared towards infants 6 to 23 months) is a one-on-one storytime where babies sit on a caregiver’s lap for a short storytime followed by playtime. Baby and Me is intended to introduce the joys of reading, singing, and playing together to caregivers and their babies.

    Hope you can join us!

    We are very proud to offer a variety of things like Kanopy streaming service, eBooks, eAudiobooks, graphic novels, board books, beginning readers, DVDs, CDs, audiobooks on CD...and of course a robust collection of fiction and nonfiction! We also have special collections like Storybags, which are two books and a toy packaged together, STEM Kits, which provide hands-on exploration of themes like magnets and buoyancy, and VOX Books, where you can listen to a story while following along with the printed text.

    Still have questions? Ask a librarian!

    Absolutely! Download a book using Libby, by OverDrive, where you will find a diverse collection of picture books, juvenile fiction, teen fiction, and non-fiction too. Ask a librarian for more info!

    Ramsey County Library offers an excellent web-based tutoring site called HelpNow. Not only can students in grades K-12 use their computer to instant message with a live instructor, they can also upload papers for editing help, take sample tests in several subject areas, or get help with language learning. We hope your student finds it useful!

    Additionally, the library offers you access to lots of databases and other powerful research tools. Whether your student is doing a presentation on a famous person or writing a pro-con essay, you’ll find an abundance of online resources for students in grades K-12.

    Parents and legal guardians can sign their children up for a card at any age. However, many people choose to wait until their child is in kindergarten since Ramsey County Library holds an annual event to celebrate kindergartners obtaining their first library card. Ask your children’s librarian for more information about this program! 

    Minors under 15 are required to have a parent or legal guardian with picture ID and proof of current address present in order to obtain or replace a library card. Additionally, children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian in order to assign or change their PIN. With proper identification, a parent or legal guardian is authorized to impose specific restrictions on the library records of their minor children. Parents are responsible for their children's library use. The Library staff will attempt to honor those restrictions where technologically feasible.

    Each library offers a special section dedicated to children's books and media as well as places for families to read and play together. Each children’s area offers a variety of puzzles, puppets and other toys intended to encourage creative play between kids and their caregivers. Several of our locations also have outdoor spaces to enjoy.

    The library in Roseville also has a Children's Reading Garden that is always open for outdoor exploration. It is accessible only through the children's room, and families are encouraged to use this space as an extension of the library. You can even come have a picnic outdoors! Come explore and enjoy the kids’ spaces at Ramsey County Library! Get up-to-date information on building hours and closures.

    Of course! Ramsey County Library invites all children to enjoy our facilities. That said, you may want to view outings with children to the library as great opportunities to model appropriate library behavior. While the children’s section of the library is generally a bit noisier than sections intended for adult use, “inside” voices are still encouraged!

    Sure do! In addition to the Sensory Friendly Comfort Room at RCL - Shoreview, Ramsey County Libraries provides wellness rooms to use for short-term personal needs. 

    We would love to show you around our libraries! Tours of the buildings are available by contacting the children’s librarian at each specific branch. Tours include a detailed look at the children’s area and its collections and features, and a behind the scenes visit to the book return and check in area. Let us know if you have a specific focus or need. We will be happy to work with you to customize your tour.

    Please allow at least two weeks planning time for any requested tour.

  • Teen Services

    Only the largest Ramsey County Library branches have Teen Services librarians on site, but we also offer programming and support teens at our smaller branches. If you are looking for book recommendations for your teen, research help, or have questions about teen events, we would love to help you!  

    Click on these links to email a Teen Services Librarian for your branch:  

    RCL-Shoreview, RCL-Maplewood, RCL-Mounds View, RCL-North St. Paul, and RCL-White Bear Lake:  Alyssa Stevenski
    RCL-Roseville and RCL-New Brighton: Devin Warner

    Whether in person, or virtually, Ramsey County Library is committed to offering fun teen programming! We currently offer:  

    The most up-to-date information on programming for teens can be found on our event calendar.

    Yes, we do! We are proud to offer a variety of things like DVDs, e-books, e-audiobooks, graphic novels... and of course a robust collection of fiction and nonfiction! 

    Still have questions? Ask a librarian!

    Absolutely! Check out Libby, by OverDrive, where you will find a diverse collection of teen fiction and teen non-fiction, and graphic novels. For more info ask a librarian!

    Ramsey County Library offers an excellent web-based tutoring site called HelpNow. Not only can students in grades K-12 use their computer to instant message with a live instructor, they can also upload papers for editing help, take sample tests in several subject areas, or get help with language learning. In the Skillsurfer section of HelpNow, teens can also find information about the GED, AP tests, and college admission exams like the SAT and ACT, as well as practice exams. We hope your student finds it useful!

    Additionally, the library offers you access to lots of databases and other powerful research tools. Whether your student is doing a presentation on a famous person or writing a pro-con essay, you’ll find an abundance of online resources for students grades K-12.

    Parents and legal guardians can sign their children up for a card at any age. Minors under 15 are required to have a parent or legal guardian with picture ID and proof of current address present in order to obtain or replace a library card. Additionally, children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian in order to assign or change their PIN. With proper identification, a parent or legal guardian is authorized to impose specific restrictions on the library records of their minor children. Parents are responsible for their children's library use. The Library staff will attempt to honor those restrictions where technologically feasible.

    Tours of the buildings are available by contacting the Teen Services librarian for your branch. Tours include a detailed look at the Teen Area and its collections and features, and a behind the scenes visit to the book return and check in area. Let us know if you have a specific focus or need. We will be happy to work with you to customize your tour with instruction on resources, booktalks, or other highlights of library services.  

    Please allow at least two weeks planning time for any requested tour.  

  • Jobs at the Library

    Library job openings are posted on the Ramsey County website. For information on employment opportunities with Ramsey County, including Library jobs, please visit Ramsey County Human Resources.

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