One of two ways:

1.  Visit the library at 230 Tucker Road (behind city hall).  Bring an unexpired, government-issued photo id, and a piece of information that has proof of your current Shelby County residential address (utility bill, checkbook, deed, etc) or place of employment (paycheck stub, office memo, etc.).  Be ready to fill out an application for yourself and any family members (children and those you have legal guardianship over).

2.  On-line at http://catalog.shelbycounty-al.org/POLARIS/patronaccount/selfregister.aspx?ctx=1.1033.0.0.4.  Then, you'll go into the library you selected and complete the application process.

Please Note:  You must be 18 or over to apply for a card.  Otherwise, a parent or legal guardian must do this for you.

The Jane B. Holmes Public Library is located at 230 Tucker Road, just behind the Helena Municipal Building (city hall).  664-8308.

From I-65 South:  take the Valleydale Road exit, and head west towards Pelham and Highway 31. Cross Highway 31; Valleydale Road becomes Alabama County Road 261. Go 4.7 miles on Hwy 261, through Old Town Helena. At the traffic light, turn left onto 1st Avenue East (County Road 52), then immediately turn right onto the small street (Tucker Road) just past the Helena Municipal Building. The red building on your right is the library, directly in front of Joe Tucker Park.

From I-65 North:  take the Pelham exit (Exit 242), and follow County Road 52 East to Hwy 31.  Turn right onto Hwy  31, turn left at next traffic light.  This will be Hwy 52 East once again.  Stay on 52 East to Helena (about 2.5 miles). Turn left onto Tucker Road (this is a tiny road just next to the Helena Municipal Building (city hall) just before CR 52 intersects with County Road 261. The red building on your right is the library.

It depends.  Your first card is free.  Any replacement cards are $3.00 each.  If you are an Out-of-County resident, who DOES NOT work in Shelby County, there is a $30.00 annual fee for your card.

Monday & Thursday - 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Tuesday & Wednesday - 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Friday - 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Saturday-10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Sunday - Closed

We offer print (books, magazines, etc.) and non-print (audiobooks, music CDs, educational kits, games, and movies) materials.

Our on-line catalog can be accessed here:  http://catalog.shelbycounty-al.org/POLARIS/Search/default.aspx?ctx=1.1033.0.0.4

Check date due receipt. Items may be returned in the outside built-in, book drop BEFORE 9:00 a.m. on the next business day. Any item returned after 9:00 a.m. will be considered overdue, and a fine will be automatically be charged to your library account.

Library materials may be renewed in-person, on-line, or via the telephone (205 669-3928).

Some exceptions are:

1. You have fines which exceed three ($10.00) dollars.
2. Your library card is expired, or will expire during the loan period.
3. There is a "Hold Request" for the item by another patron.
4. It is a "Hot Item" and restricted from renewals.
5. It has been renewed the maximum number of times.
6. It is a DVD or videotape.
7. The material/item requires some servicing/repair, or is being recalled by the owning library.

Primarily, materials/items are available for check-out FREE OF CHARGE.  There are certain nominal fees or deposits for special items and print-outs and faxing (see FAQs) services.

Fines are ten cents ($.10) per day, per item. Movies (DVDS & videos) and Games are one dollars ($1.00) per day, per item.

Preschool & toddler story time is offered every Tuesday & Thursday mornings at 11:00 a.m.  During the summer months (June & July), there is a thematic Summer Reading Program with age appropriate programs for children up to age 17.  Go to: News, or Calendar for current information.

Remember to be aware of, and adhere to, our Unattended Child Policy. (Contact Information & Policies)

Maybe, if doing so does not violate our Unattended Child Policy. Read below.

Jane B. Holmes Public Library Unattended Child Policy

The Helena Public Library is a place that welcomes children and adults alike.  A collection of children’s materials is available as are numerous activities for children.  However, upon occasion children have been left unattended and unsupervised while at the library.  It is impossible for library staff to monitor the comings and goings of children as well as to recognize if a child leaves with an adult other than a family member or designated caregiver.  Due to a concern for, above all, the safety of children while on library premises, the Helena Public Library Board has drawn up the following to serve as rules and regulations in regard to children at the library.

1. Children under the age of ten (10) are not to be left unattended and unsupervised while at the library under any circumstances.
2. Children under the age of ten (10) may not be dropped off to attend a library program and picked up at a later time including, but not limited to, story hour, summer reading program, or any other program for children or otherwise.
3. Children under the age of ten must be accompanied by a person aged sixteen (16) or older.  It is not acceptable for children under the age of ten (10) to be left at the library under the supervision of a sibling/person who is less than sixteen (16) years old.
4. Children ten (10) years old or older may be left at the library as long as they exhibit appropriate library behavior.
5. Inappropriate behavior includes but is not limited to loud talking, offensive comments directed at library staff or other patrons, interference with other library patrons’ use of the facility, running, misuse or abuse of library materials or equipment, and failure to observe courteous behavior to other library patrons.  If a child exhibits inappropriate behavior the parent of the child will be contacted to remove the child from the library.  Failure to follow appropriate library behavior will result in library staff instructing parents that their child may not be left unattended at the library even if the child is ten (10) years old or older.  Continued inappropriate behavior may result in a loss of library privileges.
6. Children under the age of eighteen (18) may not be left alone at the library at closing time.
7. If a child under the age of eighteen (18) is left at the library at closing time, at least two library staff members will wait with the child for fifteen minutes while trying to reach the parents.  After fifteen minutes, the child will be escorted to the Helena Police Department to await the arrival of a parent.

There are no specific, regular adult programs at the library.  Each month may offer some unique program for adults.  Visit the library, and check the website (News), for calendars, posters, or fliers describing such events.

Yes.  There is no fee for using the room, but please read the rules below before inquiring/applying.

JANE B. HOLMES PUBLIC LIBRARY

POLICY FOR USE OF MEETING ROOM

1. The meeting room is available for use by groups and organizations gathering for civic, cultural, educational or community welfare programs. Meeting Space is not available for political activities, sectarian religious purposes, commercial purposes, or any other activity that interferes with normal functions of the library.
2. All meetings must be free & open to the public.
3. Admission fees may not be charged for entrance to a meeting or program, nor any funds collected.  The only exception is in the case of fundraisers or registration fees related to institutes, workshops, etc. sponsored by or held in cooperation with the library.
4. The meeting room may be reserved no more than two (2), non-consecutive times per month.  Example:  a group may reserve the meeting room on the 1^st  & 3^rd Mondays, but cannot reserve it every Monday or for the 5^th Monday (if applicable).  Please note, library or City of Helena services will take precedence over all other activities.  And, no activities/meetings shall interfere with the regular operation of the library.  Reservations for use of the meeting room must be made one (1) week in advance.  Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the library director.  The room may be used when the library is not open if a group member has procured the meeting room key.  All meetings must be completed before 10:00 p.m.  The key must be returned by the next day.
5. Helena Public Library’s name or address may not be used as the official address or headquarters of an organization using the library.
6. The group will be responsible for the discipline of participants and reasonable care of the room and furnishings and will pay for any damage.  Organizations assume responsibility for any property they may bring to the library for use in connection with a meeting, all of which must be removed from the library at the end of the meeting for which they are used.
7. Youth groups (under the age of 18) may use the meeting room provided they are supervised by adequate numbers of adult sponsors.
8. Requests for meeting room furniture, audio-visual equipment, etc. must be made 24-hours prior to the meeting.  Please note, items may not be available if in use by library or city staff.  The hallway bathrooms & kitchen is available for use.  Groups may use the library’s microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker and metal flatware.  Any kitchen equipment used must be cleaned and returned to its proper place. The meeting room must be left in the same condition as found at the beginning of the meeting.  The library reserves the right to charge a fee if special janitorial services are required.  Please note, any library staff’s personal and library’s disposable items are prohibited from use by group participants.
9. Meeting room users will comply with all health, firearm and fire safety regulations.  Presently, no group may exceed sixty-five (65) in number.
10. The library reserves the right to cancel the use of its meeting facility for any organization by written or verbal notification, if a group violates these regulations or misrepresents the purpose of a meeting.
11. The fact that the library has considered and authorized the use of the meeting facility does not constitute endorsement by the library of points of view expressed by any group, organization or program participant.
12. The use of the meeting room is separate from the use of the library and library materials.  Those using the meeting room should stay with their group in the meeting room.  If the library is open during a meeting, those who would like can use the library and materials before or after their meeting.  Children must stay in the meeting room with adults at all time.

Yes, Internet access--with a fast T-1 line--is available, as well as a selection of popular software products. This is a free service, but there is a nominal charge for print-outs from the library's laser printers.

Computer Center Rules

1. 1. Each user must present a valid Shelby County Library Card, in good standing, to the staff in order to register for computer use. You must have your library card with you each time you sign-up to use the computers.
   2. Each user must have a completed “Public Libraries of Shelby County Internet Hold Harmless Statement Form” on file before signing in to use the Computer Center.
   3. The user signing in must be the actual user; you may not use another person’s library card.
   4. There is a 120-minute limit for computer use, unless no other patrons are waiting.
   5. No pre-registration. Computer Center users must be at the assigned workstation at the scheduled time. We will not hold or reserve a workstation.
   6. Computer users must not attempt to alter any software or hardware settings, attempt to breach computer security, or damage equipment in any way.
   7. Each user is responsible for all computer equipment, resources and costs of printouts. Printouts are ten cents ($.10) each, & for color printouts, ($1.00), each.
   8. No food or drinks at the Computer Center.
   9. It is recommended that no more than 2 persons per workstation.
   10. No inappropriate behavior will be tolerated. Inappropriate behavior includes, but is not limited to, the following:

   *     Roughhousing and rowdy play
   *     Loud and disruptive talking
   *     Any act that endangers others or Computer Center equipment.
   *     Viewing and/or displaying Inappropriate material.

   JANE B. HOLMES LIBRARY STAFF DETERMINES INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR.  COMPUTER CENTER USERS WILL BE GIVEN ONE WARNING BEFORE BEING ASKED TO LEAVE.  CONTINUED ABUSE OF JANE B. HOLMES LIBRARY COMPUTER CENTER RULES MAY RESULT IN TEMPORARY OR PERMANANT LOSS OF LIBRARY PRIVILEGES, UP TO AND INCLUDING LOSS OF ALL COUNTY-WIDE LIBRARY PRIVILEGES.

   11. All computers will automatically shut down fifteen (15) minutes prior to library closing.
   12. Staff will assist with computers as time and knowledge allows, but cannot offer users lengthy personal instruction.
   13. Children under the age of 18 must have the written permission of their parents or guardians to use the Computer Center. Also minors will be required to use computers in the main area. A responsible adult must accompany children under the age of 10.

    

   ALABAMA LAW 13A-12-200.3

   Jane B. Holmes Library will follow and strictly enforce Alabama Law 13A-12-200.3 that specifically prohibits the dissemination or display of obscene matter.

   Persons violating this law will be immediately reported to the authorities.  Persons violating this law will be banned from use of the Jane B. Holmes Library Computer Center.  The Jane B. Holmes Library Board will determine restoration of Computer Center privileges.

Not at this time at this particular library.  However, there are other Shelby County libraries offering classes.  For example:

https://www.shelbycounty-al.org/ or //www.pelhamlibrary.com/Default.asp?ID=182

Yes, the self-serve, coin-operated, black & white photocopy machine is located near the circulation desk.  Cost is ten cents ($.10) per page.

Sending & Receiving of faxes is available for a nominal fee, and applies whether it's a local, toll-free, or long-distance number.

• $1.00--1 TO 2 pages
• $2.00 – 3 TO 5 pages
• $.25 ea. addl. page
• $.10 for library supplied cover sheet.

Cover sheet is added to number of pages.  Each dialed number is considered a fax.

Yes we do. The cost per page is $1.00. Please ask staff for assistance before selecting the "Print" option.

Sort of...You can pick-up a Mail-In Voter Registration Form at the library.

Yes!  We gladly accept monetary donations during a fundraising drive and throughout the year!

We also receive items/materials, but prefer not to receive textbooks, outdated encyclopedias, or mold/mildewed/age or insect damaged items. Receipts are available for tax deductions.

We cannot guarantee that items/materials will be added to the library collection.  It/they may be given to another library, sold from the Book Sale shelf, or discarded.  If items have sentimental value, or you desire they be used differently, we ask that you consider another venue for your donation.