Welcome to the Lawrence Public Library. Whoever you are, whatever you need, it's at your library . . .

• Books, books and more books
• Movie DVDs and Music CDs
• Audio books (CD, MP3, downloadable)
• Latest magazines and national newspapers

The mission of the Lawrence Public Library is to provide and promote informational, intellectual, and cultural resources for our community. We are glad to have you join our community of users. We invite you to use the collections and take full advantage of the many library programs and services.

Get a Library Card
Any resident of Northeast Kansas may obtain a library card at no charge. You will need to show photo identification and proof of current residential address. A parent or guardian must accompany a child under 18 to approve their child's card and can choose to restrict it to materials from the Children's Room. When you accept a library card, you agree to be responsible for fines for late returns and charges for lost or damaged items. Stolen or lost library cards should be reported promptly. You assume responsibility for all items borrowed by use of your card until it is reported as stolen or lost. Bring your library card with you to use self service "Express Lane" checkout and to pick up reserves. You may check out most materials for 28 days. Movies have a 7-day loan period, and New Fiction, TV series and Anime have a 14-day loan period. Renewals are possible in person, by phone or through the library website. For more information about borrowing and returning materials, renewals, checkout limits and overdue fines, ask the friendly staff at the Checkout Desk.

Confidentiality of Records
All outside inquiries regarding access to patron registration, checkout, and payment records will be referred to the Library Director, and except as provided herein patron records will not be made public without the patron's consent. Patron registration and circulation records are exempt from required disclosure pursuant to the Kansas Open Records Act (KOMA), K.S.A. 45-215 et seq., and should only be released upon receipt of a valid court order or subpoena authorized under federal, state, or local law.

The Library will not retain a patron's checkout records beyond their use for circulation or control purposes. However, the library may offer optional services, such as Reading History, which allow the system to retain personal information for the patron's own use. The library will collect such information only if the patron initiates it by opting in. Once they have opted in, patrons may elect to opt out of such services at any time.

Confidential payment records include all payments and donations made on-line, via credit card, or via check.

In exchange for access to library services, library patrons irrevocably consent and agree that the Library may disclose and/or submit the circulation records of patrons with past due materials and unpaid fines, charges and fees to a collection agency, legal counsel and/or the court system for the purposes of debt collection and materials recovery.

Parents or legal guardians of children under 18 years of age may, upon presentation of proper identification, obtain the current status of their child's circulation record or withdraw their authorization for the child's library card.

Library staff will not disclose patrons' use of the Library with respect to information sought or received, the frequency or content of a patron's visits to the Library, nor images recorded by the library security cameras, except as required by law or pursuant to a valid court order or subpoena authorized under federal, state, or local law.

Visit the Helen Osma Room
This unique area on the lower level of the library contains books and magazines with a focus on Lawrence and Douglas County history. Among the other items that are available are maps, yearbooks, public documents and newspapers on microfilm. Click here for more information.

Internet Access
The library provides access to computers for patrons who wish to search the Internet or use Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Due to high demand, computer access is limited to two one-hour sessions per day. The library also provides wireless Internet access via Knology, using 802.11b (Wi-Fi) technology. Your device must have embedded wireless access or an 802.11b Wi-Fi Ethernet card to connect. You should be able to connect to the wireless network from most locations in the library, depending upon the sensitivity of your wireless device. To log in: (1) set ESSID to sbhsd (in network card properties in Windows), and (2) open web browser. The Library staff cannot provide technical support for the wireless network. You may contact Knology staff for support, at 841-2100.

Accessibility Services

• Large print and audio books
• Home delivery service
• Bookmobile to senior living centers
• Magnification equipment (electronic and optical)
• Computer with oversized screen, keyboard and mouse, and screen magnification software