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1. How do I access my account online?

By logging in to your library account, you can use the self-service features to place holds, view check-outs, renew items, update your email address, request notifications and monitor charges. You can see settings such as expiration date.

To log in, please enter your first or last name in the first space, your library card number (with no spaces) in the second space and your PIN in the third space. When you are logged in your name will appear at the top of the screen. Please contact your library during operating hours for assistance.

2. How do I renew my expired card?

Library cards are renewed every two years. To renew your card, visit or call your local library. Please confirm your contact information and clear any account balances.

3. How do I reset my PIN?

You can reset your PIN if you have an email address associated with your account.

1. Go to your account login page.
2. Select the “Forgot Your PIN?” button.
3. Enter your first or last name in the first space.
4. Enter your library card number (barcode) in the second space.
5. Select “Submit.”
6. Check your email account within 4 hours and go to the embedded link to create a new PIN.
7. You will not be able to view your old PIN.

If you do not have an email address in your account or have further difficulties, please contact your library during operating hours for assistance.

4. How do I see my checkout history?

Once an item is returned, there is no longer a connection between you and that item. There are several websites and apps you can use to create a list of items you have checked out. Please contact a librarian for information about websites or apps such as Goodreads or Bookly. If you use Overdrive, you can rate the items you check out, then retrieve a list through your profile.

5. How do I get a job at the library?

Chesterfield County Public Library is a department of Chesterfield County government and our employees are employees of Chesterfield County. Please check the county website for “Careers and Volunteers” to see and apply for current vacant positions.

6. How do I donate materials?

Chesterfield County Public Library accepts donations of new and gently used materials at all locations. Donations are accepted on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Wednesday of each month.  

We appreciate the following:

• Hardback and paperback books that are not more than 10 years old.
• Books on CD 
• Music CDs
• DVDs 

A donation bin will be available at each location on the designated dates. Donations of up to 20 items are accepted. Remove donations from bags and boxes before placing in the bin. 

You may request a receipt for your tax-deductible donation. Please estimate the quantity and value of your donations before bringing them to the library. If you would like to make a large donation, please contact your local library to make arrangements. For more information about material donations, please read through the Material Donation Guide (PDF).

Friends of Chesterfield County Public Library

Once items are donated, they become the property of CCPL and are used at the discretion of CCPL. While some items are selected for addition to the collection, most donations are given to our Friends of the Library. The Friends offer donated items for sale to customers through book sales located within most locations (except Enon Library).

Proceeds

Proceeds from book sales are used to support library collections and services.

7. How do I present a program at the library?

CCPL facilitates learning opportunities for all ages through vibrant programs and events. Programs are scheduled six to nine months in advance. Please contact a manager at your library to provide information about your program idea.

8. How do I request an interlibrary loan?

CCPL offers interlibrary loan service to help you obtain materials from other library systems. To discuss an interlibrary loan request, please contact your library for more information. A non-refundable $5 fee is collected to initiate the transaction.

9. How do I have a test proctored?

CCPL staff proctor exams for library cardholders when the student obtains agreement from the academic institution or licensing body to accept our guidelines, which limit oversight and staff responsibility for receipt and return of the test.  Please contact a librarian at your library for additional information or to request an appointment.

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1. Is the network secure?

The county’s Wi-Fi access is as secure as any open public access network, such as dial-up Internet accounts or public telephones. It is always good to use an SSL-encrypted webpage prior to sending or receiving confidential data.

2. Does the system work for Macs and PCs?

Both types will work as long as the computer or PDA is equipped with a wireless card and the appropriate software.

3. How do I connect to the network?

Choose “Citizen WiFi” from the list of available networks. Open the web browser and you should see a Citizen Wi-Fi welcome page. No password is required, but you will need to agree to the Chesterfield County Wireless Internet Access Acceptable-Use Policy. You must read and agree to the terms and conditions of use before accessing the network. Once you have confirmed acceptance, you can access the internet without passwords, fees or limits.

4. What do I do if something goes wrong?

Here are some things to check if there are problems in accessing the network:
• Set your service set identifier (SSID) to Citizen Wi-Fi. Refer to your Wi-Fi card instructions for details and make sure that the appropriate software is running while setting the SSID. In many cases, setting the SSID to "any" also will work and will enable the computer to access wireless networks in multiple locations.
• Ensure that the wired equivalent privacy (WEP) encryption is disabled or "off."
• Check that the connection is configured for "Infrastructure" mode. (Ad-Hoc mode will not work.)
• If changes are made in the above steps, restart the computer and web browser.
• Make sure that you are in a county facility that offers Citizen Wi-Fi.
• Unfortunately, library staff is unable to provide technical support for personal equipment. Please contact your equipment manufacturer for technical support.

5. Why do I keep getting the Acceptable-Use page?

The page is cached on your computer’s browser. Clear your temporary internet files and your browser’s cache. Refer to your browser’s help function for instructions if necessary.

6. What if I don't see the Acceptable-Use Policy?

If you are having problems seeing the Citizen Wi-Fi agreement, try typing "www.google.com" into your browser's address bar. This will cause the agreement to appear if you have not already clicked "I Agree" for the day.

7. Can I print my documents?

Letter-size printing is available in color or black-and-white on all library computers (except catalog computers).

8. Does the county use filtering on the network?

Yes, Citizen Wi-Fi has the same filtering technology and settings as in all public-use computers in the public libraries. If you would like a site to be blocked or unblocked, speak to a staff member.

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1. What is a MakerSpace?

A MakerSpace is a place to turn your ideas into reality! The space is designed for people to work on all kinds of projects, from computer programming and robot building to sewing and jewelry making. The MakerSpace is a space for creating and for working with others.

2. What can you do in the MakerSpace?

• Get hands-on experience with tools, technology, and creative projects.
• Use a 3D printer, a Silhouette Cameo electronic cutting tool, a sewing machine, and make-your-own chain mail kits.
• Bring your own project with you.

3. What does the MakerSpace support?

• 3D Printing and Prototyping
• CAD Design
• Die Cut Machine - Silhouette Cameo
• Electronics and Robotics
• Fiber Arts
• Jewelry Making
• Small Hand Welding

4. What is coming to the MakerSpace?

• Assorted Multimedia
• Metal and Leather Working
• Small Lathe Woodworking

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1. Who can use a meeting space?

CCPL has designed Learning Pods to support customers/groups seeking a space for Virtual Learning, Independent Studying, Team Assignments, Adult Literacy, and Teleworking. To support Chesterfield County Public Schools, groups who are using the space for virtual learning will have priority registration privileges.  Community groups and organizations may also reserve spaces.  

Community members ages 18+ may apply to reserve a space. Youth ages 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult 18 years old and over. Youth ages 13-17 may be unaccompanied while using the space, but a parent or guardian must apply on their behalf and will be responsible for ensuring the students adhere to the guidelines.

            

Non-profit organizations with an office located in Chesterfield County or adjacent localities may meet in the library meeting spaces for any public, non-commercial activity, including but not limited to:

•    Community

•    Cultural

•    Educational

•    Political purposes

•    Religious purposes

2. Is there a fee to use the space?

There is no rental fee.

3. How do I complete a meeting space request?

Reservation requests are made online.

4. I need to request a meeting space for tomorrow! What do I do?

CCPL requires at least 48 hours to approve a meeting space request. If you need a room more quickly, please call your local library for assistance.

5. How do I know my request has been confirmed?

You will receive an email once your reservation is approved.

6. May I hold a fundraiser in the meeting space at the Library?

No, meeting spaces are not to be used for the direct sale of merchandise, goods or services for profit, or for the promotion of any commercial or profit-making venture or business. Meeting spaces are not to be used for fundraising for the benefit of private individuals or for private support of organizations.

7. Can I come to the library before you open to set up the meeting space, or, can my group stay after you close?

Meeting spaces are only available during hours when the library is open. Meetings must adjourn 15 minutes before closing time.

8. Can I hold a meeting that only my group can attend?

No, all meetings held in library meeting spaces must be open to the public.

9. Is food allowed in the meeting spaces?

Many of the large meeting spaces do allow food to be served. Some have kitchens with microwaves, ovens or refrigerators. Visit any library location page to see the amenities available at that location.

10. Can we serve wine at our lunch meeting?

Alcoholic beverages may not be served or consumed on library property and smoking of any tobacco product (including smokeless tobacco) is prohibited inside the building.

11. Can I drop off my meeting materials at the library before the time of my meeting?

No, the library cannot be responsible for any private property used or left in the library before, during or after the meeting, whether left by the applicant or by anyone who attends the applicant’s meeting.

12. Will the chairs and table be arranged for our group in advance?

Your group is responsible for setting up, rearranging, and taking down tables and chairs. Meeting spaces must be left clean, in good repair and in the same condition as found.

13. What equipment does the library provide?

The library has some A/V equipment available for use at each library including TV and DVD players. The library has only one of each item.

• It is the client's responsibility to verify that the A/V equipment meets his or her needs.
• The library is not responsible for the sound and video quality of A/V presentations or compatibility with the client's equipment or media.
• It is the client's responsibility to become familiar with the equipment; the library will not operate the equipment during the event or be responsible for equipment failure.

14. If I bring my laptop is there Internet available in the meeting space?

Yes, all CCPL libraries have free Citizen Wi-Fi for public use.

15. Can I use my laptop to make a presentation in the meeting space?

Most of the large meeting spaces have the capability to use a laptop and projector for a presentation. Many have drop-down screens.

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1. How big will the new library be, and where will it be located?

The new Midlothian Library will be 25,000 square feet. It will be located on the same site as the current library, which will be removed to make way for the new facility.

2. When will construction begin, and how long will it last?

The building closed at the end of 2021. Construction should start in mid-2022. The new facility should open in the winter of 2023/2024.

3. What new features and services will the new facility provide?

In addition to offering all the services available at the current Midlothian Library, the new facility will have the following amenities:

• improved seating with comfortable chairs for lounging, reading and working
• a large community meeting room
• interactive indoor learning features for kids
• a digital media center
• an outdoor reading garden
• an outdoor learning classroom with musical sculptures

4. Will there be improved meeting spaces?

Yes! The new facility will include collaborative study and meeting spaces for in-person and virtual meetings as well as a large community meeting room. The spaces will have state of the art technology to facilitate meetings and collaboration.

5. Will there be a drive-through book return?

Yes. The location is noted on the site plan.

6. Does the design incorporate community input and feedback?

Yes. The design is a direct result of community input sessions, which were held in the summer of 2019.

7. Will the design of the new facility incorporate sustainable elements?

Absolutely! Photovoltaic panels (a type of solar panel), natural daylighting, and native plantings are all integral components of the design.

8. How will library services and hours be affected by the construction?

During construction all other library locations of Chesterfield County Public Library are open. North Courthouse Road Library, Clover Hill Library and Bon Air Library are within 10 miles of Midlothian Library. Visit library.chesterfield.gov/locations for a map.