Frequently Asked Questions

How can I get a library card?

If you live, work or own property in Crawford County, a library card is free. If none of these apply to you, the cost is $10 per year. To get a card, bring your photo ID and something else with your current name and address (mail, voter registration, car insurance, etc.). There is no age limit for a library card, but those under 18 must bring a parent or guardian with them, along with the required documents.

If I have a library card from Van Buren, can I use it at the Alma Library?

You can use your card at any of the libraries in Crawford County: Alma, Cedarville, Mountainburg, Mulberry, and Van Buren. You may also return items at any of these locations.

Can I use the computer without a library card?

Our computers are free to use with or without a library card. If you don’t have a card, you’ll need to bring your photo ID, which is required for a guest pass. It allows one use, up to an hour. Once you log off, even if it’s before your hour is up, your session will be over. If you are younger than 18, you must have written permission from a parent or guardian. Children under ten years of age must be supervised by an adult.

Do you have a public fax?

We do not fax; however, we do offer scanning services free of charge.

What if I want a book and you don’t have it in the library?

If you’d like to check out a book that isn’t available, we can order it, or borrow it from a different library system. Both of these options can take a couple of weeks or more to come in.

What if I can’t pick up a book the day I place it on hold?

We keep items on our hold shelf for seven business days. After that, the hold is canceled.

How much does it cost to print?

The cost of printing is $0.25 per page. With a Crawford County Library Card, the first 25 pages of schoolwork, resumes, and tax forms (excluding tax instruction manuals) are free. We also offer wireless printing through our website, www.crawfordcountylib.org.

Have another question?

Just give us a call at 479-632-4140.

About Our Branch

Our philosophy is to bring enlightenment, new knowledge, encouragement and inspiration to every member of the library community by providing access to books, media, and other services for life-long learning and enjoyment.

The Crawford County Library System was established in July of 1999 due to the dissolution of the Ozarks Regional Library System. With the assistance of many volunteers, the Alma Public Library opened its new, larger library on March 13, 2000. Today, the library provides nine public access computers; wireless internet access; and more than 40,000 items. Included in the collection are fiction and non-fiction books, books on CD, DVDs, a young adult collection with graphic novels, manga, an Xbox and Wii console, an extensive children’s collection, fishing poles, downloadable audiobooks and eBooks, and comic books.

The Alma Public Library serves the community as a center for reliable information, provides materials for lifelong learning, conducts classes for all ages, hosts a monthly book club, provides outreach services, and offers a free summer reading program.

Visit the Alma Public Library at 624 Fayetteville Avenue, or call 479-632-4140. Access their online collection at www.crawfordcountylib.org.