FAQs • Fairbanks North Star Borough, AK • CivicEngage

What can I borrow?: Visitors to the Bookmobile may borrow any of the materials we have on board, plus you may request specific items from the library’s collection and we will bring them to you.

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Bookmobile & Homebound FAQs

1. Is there a cost for participation in Bookmobile or Homebound Services?: No, the service is free.

2. Do I need a library card to check out items from the Bookmobile or to receive home delivery?: Yes

3. Who can get a library card?: Any person 18 years of age or older residing or owning property within the Fairbanks North Star Borough is eligible for a free card and/or may sign as the parent or legal guardian for a minor age 6 to 17.

4. Can I get a library card from the Bookmobile?: Yes. We will help you fill out an application and will issue your card. Government issued photo ID, verification of mailing address, and proof of date of birth are required in order to obtain a library card.

5. What materials are on the Bookmobile?

We carry a variety of items for children, young adults and adults: Books, Audio Books (on CD), music CDs, and DVD’s all in both fiction and non-fiction categories. The selections on the Bookmobile include new items each month; we pull all materials from the Noel Wien Library’s full collection in order to fill the Bookmobile with a constantly rotated, fresh variety.

**We also carry a selection of free paperbacks and magazines.

6. What can I borrow?: Visitors to the Bookmobile may borrow any of the materials we have on board, plus you may request specific items from the library’s collection and we will bring them to you.

7. How long is the checkout period for Bookmobile materials?: All items checked out from the Bookmobile have the due-date set as the date of our next visit to the home or outlying area – it is approximately one month.

8. Can I renew items?: Yes. As long as there are no holds on the item(s), you may renew. Just phone us in the Bookmobile office, 907-459-1031, a few days before we are due to visit you and we will let you know if the item is eligible for renewal.

9. How can I place a hold on an item?: You can telephone our office at 907-459-1031, email at the email address below or simply tell us when we visit you. We will place the hold(s) and deliver the item(s) to you on the day of your scheduled visit.

10. How do I find the schedule for the Bookmobile?

Our outlying areas schedule can be found on this site, under the Bookmobile tab.
Bookmarks and flyers are available at the main library’s circulation desk with our outlying schedules on them.
Alternatively, you may phone our office, 907-459-1031, for the schedule or email using the email at the end of this document.

11. Do you visit nursing homes, assisted living homes, or senior apartments?: Yes. Currently, we visit residents at Eagle Wings, the Pioneer Home, and Denali Center. We also make deliveries to Southall Manor, MLH Manor, Golden Towers, Golden Ages, and Moore Street Apartments.

12. What services are available for homebound patrons?: We visit homebound patrons once each month on a regular schedule with a bag of the patron’s desired materials. During that visit, we pick up returns and chat about what to bring in the future. Patrons often make requests for new items during this monthly visit but are also welcome to request via e-mail or over the phone at any time.

13. How can I sign-up for Homebound Services?: Phone our office, 907-459-1031, to request the service. We will schedule an initial visit to determine your eligibility, issue a card if necessary, and discuss what you’d like us to bring to you. After that, we’ll put you on our regular schedule for deliveries and plan to see you monthly with new library items.

14. Does the Bookmobile continue service through the winter months?: Yes. We cancel only when temperatures drop to -30 degrees Fahrenheit and lower or if road conditions pose a safety hazard.