Frequently Asked Questions

• What are Cedar Mill Community Library's hours? Hours for CMCL and the Bethany branch. Closures and other events information are noted on the front page of this site and in News and Events.
• How can I volunteer at Cedar Mill? Click on the Volunteer tab at the top of the page for more information.
• How long can I check items out? 
• How do I renew my books?
• What donations do you accept for the Book Sale and Second Edition? Read the
  Book Donation Guidelines and the Second Edition Guidelines before you come.  

  ---

Other Questions that We Hear Often

• Which libraries accept my library card?
• Does Washington County Cooperative Library System have a website?
• Where do I go to check out?
• Are there any items that I cannot check out?
• How can I keep track of the items I have out?
• Why is the library so noisy? Can you do something about it?
• You don't have something I'm looking for. Can you get it so I can borrow it?

• Why can’t I stop or park directly in front of the book return at the Cedar Mill Library? (Just for a few minutes so I can put my items in the book return)

Which libraries accept my library card?
Your Washington County Library Card is good at all Washington County Libraries. They are all listed on the back of your library card. Check the WCCLS website for a map and list of locations.

Does Washington County Cooperative Library System have a website? 
Yes. The web address is http://www.wccls.org/ WCCLS provides our library catalog, links to other county-wide programs and services, as well as links to other libraries in the Cooperative. There is a link to WCCLS on every page on this site (look in the top right hand corner), and you can search the catalog directly from our Home page and Reading Room research pages.

Are there any items that I cannot check out?
Yes.  Current Reference materials and the most current issue of magazines cannot be checked out.

Where do I go to check out?
Cedar Mill and Bethany have self-checkout machines or you can request assistance from library staff.

How can I keep track of the items I have out?
Upon checking out, you will receive a printed list with the title of the item and the due date. You can always check your account online from any Internet connection or any library workstation by logging in and clicking the Items Out tab.

Why is the library so noisy? Can you do something about it?

Much of the noise has to do with the heavy volume of use and the internal acoustics. An average of 1,500 people visit the library every day and at peak times there may be more than 100 people milling about making noise. The library has a strong commitment to serving children and it is not uncommon to hear loud noises from children who don’t have the self-control of mature adults. We understand that this is distracting to people seeking a quiet place to study but sharing a public area with hundreds of your neighbors requires some give and take. We have established a quiet zone in the upper level mezzanine at Cedar Mill to accommodate users seeking more quiet. This can help a bit, but won’t cut out all of the noise.

The library doesn't have something I'm looking for. Can you get it so I can borrow it?

• If the item is not at Cedar Mill or Bethany, but is available at another WCCLS library, you can place a hold using your library card and the book will be transferred to your local branch for pickup.
• If the item is not owned by WCCLS libraries, you can request an item through our Interlibrary Loan Service to borrow an item from another library system.
• If the item is not available through Interlibrary Loan, you can suggest we purchase the item by filling out a form online here on our website or in person at the library. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to purchase the item, however we will do our best in accordance with the library's materials selection policy and available funds.
• If you're still looking for something and are having trouble locating what you need, ask our librarians for assistance! We're always happy to help.

Why can’t I stop or park directly in front of the book return at the Cedar Mill Library? (Just for a few minutes so I can put my items in the book return)

To keep the Cedar Mill Library’s entrance area SAFE - please do not stop/park or drive between the posted signs when returning materials. We want our patrons, especially our younger ones, to be safe. Vehicles driving in front of the door could endanger our patrons as they enter or leave the library.

If you have other questions or comments about this site or the library in general, please send us your feedback. Thanks, and we look forward to seeing you at the Library!

Updated October 2, 2009