About CCLS

Library and Internet Policies

The library's Internet access is intended as an information resource. The library does not provide electronic mail and prohibits the use of Internet chat, news, or discussion groups. When using the Internet, please remember that some material may be outdated, wrong, or biased. It is the duty of the patron to critically evaluate all information found.

Adult library patrons use the Internet at their own discretion. Library staff will assist patrons with Internet use as time permits, but cannot offer personal instruction on computer use. The Crawford County Library System does not protect persons from information found individually offensive. The Library has no control over resources available from outside the library, nor does the Library have complete knowledge of what is on the Internet at any given time. We cannot be responsible for its content. To comply with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) decision by the Supreme Court on June 23, 2003, the Crawford County Library has installed content filters for all public access computers in the library.

The Internet may contain material that is inappropriate for viewing by children. The library staff is not in a position to monitor and supervise children's use of the Internet. As with other library materials, restriction of a child's access to the Internet is the responsibility of the parent/legal guardian.

Computer users may not install or use any software that is not installed by the library. Attempts to damage computer equipment, or alter computer configuration, are unacceptable use of the library's electronic resources. Displaying, sending, or receiving material inappropriate for viewing in a public place is prohibited by Arkansas State Code 5-68-205. Inappropriate material is defined as pictures or text, which could reasonably be construed as obscene or pornographic, as defined by Arkansas State Code 5-68-302.

The Library will deny computer, or Internet access to library users who misuse or abuse the library's electronic resources, or who are found in violation of this policy. First offense will result in a one month suspension, second offense one year. If Internet searching results in disruption of library services, or if patron behavior when using Internet resources becomes inappropriate for a library setting, the library reserves the right to end the session.

• You may sign up for 1 (one) hour-long session each day.
• Children under the age of 18 must have permission of a parent.
• Children under 10 must be supervised by an adult.

The use of the computer is a privilege. By accepting this document, patrons agree to abide by the statements of this policy.

Library Mission Statement

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.

Make a Donation

The Crawford County Library Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that benefits the Crawford County Library System. To learn more, visit their Facebook page. To give online, simply click DONATE below.
Thank you for your generosity and support!

DONATE

The Friends of the Crawford County Library System fund is managed by Arkansas Community Foundation.
Your online donation will be received by Arkansas Community Foundation and applied to our fund.
Acknowledgement of your gift for tax purposes will come from Arkansas Community Foundation.
Once processed, your gift cannot be refunded.

*The Crawford County Library Foundation is the new name of the Friends of the Crawford County Library System which is a 501(c)(3) organization, and donations, in cash or in kind, are tax-deductible

How to get a library card

Residents

The following categories of patrons shall be issued resident cards free of charge:

·Permanent residents of Crawford County.
·Property owners in Crawford County.
·Persons employed in Crawford County.
·Students enrolled in schools in Crawford County.

Non-Residents

Patrons who are not eligible for a resident card may use materials in the libraries without cost.

They may use the home loan service upon payment of an annual non-resident fee. The fee for a non-resident card in Crawford County will be $10.00 annually.

Any library in the Crawford County Library System may issue a resident card to a patron who qualifies for a resident library card at another library in the system.

Cards issued at one of the libraries in the Crawford County Library System shall be honored by any other library in the system.

Registration

Applicants will provide the following information:

·Name, mailing address, telephone number, and work phone, if applicable.
·Date of Birth.
·Signature.
·Email address if applicable.
·Responsible party's written name and signature for children under age 18 to check out items or use the Internet and computers.
·Whether or not the applicant wishes to register to vote.
·Two forms of ID. One form must be a photo ID, such as a driver’s license or other government-issued identification

AND

One of the following forms of ID showing current address:

·Utility bill.
·Printed check.
·Tax receipt.
·Mail delivered to current address.
·Other items which provide satisfactory proof of current address.

 When an applicant has successfully registered for a card, they may check out 3 items at that time. When those items are returned, normal check-out rules apply.

History of the Crawford County Library System

On July 1, 1999, the five libraries in Crawford County, which had been part of the Ozarks Regional Library System, opened their doors for the first time as the Crawford County Library System (CCLS). This change occurred at a time when several other regional systems were reorganizing.

At that time, CCLS had approximately 60,000 books and other materials housed in the five libraries in Alma, Cedarville, Mountainburg, Mulberry, and Van Buren. There were eight employees, plus a new director tasked with organizing the new county system.

The Mountainburg Library was remodeling a building they had leased from the United States Forestry Service so they could move out of the City Complex Building. That move was completed in October 1999, and in 2018 the town opened its new library at 225 Highway 71 NW.

The Alma Library was in the process of purchasing the old hardware store at 624 Fayetteville Avenue, moving there in April 2000. In 2006, an adjacent storefront was purchased to grow the library even more.

A new library opened at 220 North Main Street in Mulberry in 2006 and expanded in 2018, doubling in size. Two new libraries made their debut in 2011, one in Van Buren at 1409 Main Street, and another at 737 Pirates Way in Cedarville.

In 2019, CCLS celebrated its twentieth anniversary. At that time, the libraries housed 197,000 books and other materials, and employed twenty-eight people. The growth continues today.

Today our services include: 

• Public computers, including laptops
• Databases: research/learning, genealogy, newspapers, topics provided by the Arkansas State Library and IMLS
• Study rooms
• Public Wi-Fi
• eBooks and e-audio books that can be downloaded via our webpage, www.crawfordcountylib.org
• Interlibrary loan services, a program that shares books and materials from participating libraries across the U.S.
• Wireless printing
• Storytime for preschool children
• Storytime presented by our staff at outside locations such as daycares, schools, and adult living facilities
• Summer reading programs with parties and prizes
• Teen programs
• Adult programs that include everything from greeting card making to book clubs
• Art camps in partnership with the Center for Art in Education
• STEM and STEAM Programs
• Music programs
• Magic shows
• Science programs
• Exercise programs
• Health seminars

CCLS provides these services through a 1.4 mill property tax that was passed in 1998 and has not been increased since. In December 2019, the CCLS began asking patrons for input into the libraries, asking which services are most important to them, and what services could be added to improve their lives. That data will help the System plan its future as it continues serving the needs of Crawford County, promoting a love of reading, and strengthening our diverse communities.