FAQ

I think I lost something at the Library. Who do I speak with to see if it has been turned in?

Call 615-371-0090, ext. 8070, or email Circulation Supervisors to determine if your lost property was turned in to the front desk. Please provide a description of the item, including any identifying marks or labels.

Do you have public computers? Do you have to be a Library member to use them? 

The Library offers 11 public access computers for your internet convenience. Log in with your library card number and password/Pin or get a guest pass from our self-serve kiosk.

Do you offer Wi-Fi?

Wi-Fi connectivity is available throughout the library. Check with the reference desk for login and network info. You do not have to be a member of the library to use the guest Wi-Fi.

Does the Library have a way for me to scan and email a document? 

There is one scanner provided in the public computers area. This workstation is available on a first-come, first-serve basis and there is no time limit on how long someone may use the machine. This computer also has Adobe Acrobat Pro installed for use.

May I have a test proctored at the Library? 

Yes. Schedule an appointment to get your test proctored.

May I take my boating exam at the Library? 

For information on taking the boating exam, please visit the Tennessee's government boating website.

How do I apply for a library Card?

• If you are 15 years or older, please bring in government issued ID with your current address, or if your ID does not reflect your current address, please bring in an additional proof of address.
• If you are under 18 years old, your parent/legal guardian must be present with their government-issued ID with their current address, or if their ID does not reflect their current address, please bring in an additional proof of address.
• Pre-register online.

I live outside the city limits of Brentwood, TN. May I still register for a library card? 

Yes. Those outside the official city limits (including some Brentwood addresses) may purchase an annual membership:

• Williamson County residents: $75
• Outside Williamson County: $130

How do I pay a fine on my account? 

• Please pay in person at the Circulation Desk, or online.
• For help paying online, follow these instructions.
• The Library accepts cash, check, Visa or Mastercard.

How do I log into my account on the website? 

• Click on My Account
• Username/Barcode: The first time you log into your account, you must enter your library card number located on the back of your card.
• Password/Pin: The password/Pin that you chose when the account was created. If this password/Pin does not work, you may reset it.

How can I see what items I currently have checked out? 

Log into My Account and click on “Items Out.”

I returned an item, but I still see it listed on my account. What should I do? 

Items returned will be quarantined for 3 full days. They will be checked in after that time. If items listed below have been returned, please check your account 4 days after they were returned.

My library card has expired. How may I renew it? 

• In person at the Circulation Desk.
• Over the phone at 615-371-0090 ext. 8070
• By completing and submitting this online form.

I lost my library card. Can I get a replacement? 

Yes. Please come in with your photo ID. We will issue a new card for you at no charge. Upon receiving a new card, your old card will no longer function, preventing anyone from using the old card in your place.

How may I place a hold on an item? 

Call the Reference desk at 615-371-0090, ext. 8200, or view our instructions.

Can someone else pick up my hold for me? 

If you send someone to pick up a hold for you, that person must have the library card on which the hold was placed.

How long will you hold the item I requested? 

Once the item becomes available, you will have 2 days to pick it up at the Circulation desk.

I’m going out of town and don’t want to miss any of my holds. What can I do? 

• Calling the Circulation desk at 615-371-0090 ext. 8070,
• Speaking with a staff member at the Circulation desk, OR
• Online, by following these instructions.

How may I check to see if the Library owns a specific item for check out?

Search the Library’s catalog, or call the Reference desk at 615-371-0090, ext. 8200 for assistance.

How would I make a request for the Library to purchase an item?

Please fill out our Online Request Form.

I would like to check out an item that the Library does not own. Is this possible? 

We borrow books from libraries all over the country. Please submit an interlibrary loan request form.

Why does the library offer material that some people might find offensive? 

The John P. Holt Brentwood Library is committed to providing a wide range of materials – books, movies, games, magazines, etc. – that appeal to the varied interests within our community. Because of this commitment, some patrons may come across items they believe are inappropriate or offensive. The focus of a library is to offer a broad spectrum of resources that represent all forms of human thought and experience, but we are mindful that these items should be housed in age-appropriate areas. By keeping the item, rather than simply removing it, we support the First Amendment right of all library users to borrow, read, view, or listen to these resources.

Can my child check out a book intended for adults? 

Because the library provides such a diverse range of information, we strongly encourage parents or guardians to take an active role in their child’s reading and library use. Accounts for patrons between 5-17 years of age have a parent/guardian on the account who may review their children’s account.

How do you keep young children away from adult-themed material? 

Books containing extreme violence or sexually explicit material are often shelved in areas catering to adult readers. Even if the book is marketed by its publishers to teens or a younger audience, the library will not keep it in the teen or children’s sections. Our staff reviews all material purchased for young readers to determine where it will be housed within our collection.

What kinds of meeting spaces can be reserved? 

We offer 3 kinds of meeting spaces: small study rooms for groups of 6 or 8 people, a conference room for groups of 8-18 people, and large meeting rooms for larger groups.

May I reserve a meeting space without being a member of the Library? 

No, you or a member of your group must be a member of our Library.

How do I reserve a room? 

Follow this link to select the room you would like to reserve.

What equipment is available in your meeting spaces? 

Each individual room offers slightly different equipment. Follow this link for more equipment information on study rooms, the conference room, and large meeting rooms.

How do I cancel a room I reserved? 

For study and conference rooms, you may cancel a study room reservation through the confirmation email you receive upon making the reservation. You may also contact the Reference Desk at 615-371-0090 ext. 8200.

For meeting rooms, cancellations must be submitted in writing by the group’s primary contact person at least eight (8) days before the event. Written cancellations are accepted by email to meetingroom@brentwoodtn.gov or may be delivered to the Library circulation desk.

How do I register for a program? 

You can register for programs on the Library’s Event Calendar. Click on the program for which you wish to register and complete the registration form. Don’t forget to click “Register”! You may also want to contact our Adult Program Coordinator.

What are the fee costs to attend a program? 

Many of our programs are free and open to the public. If a program has a fee cost, it will be noted in the description of the program.

Does the Library offer story times and other programming for young children?

Our pre-school story times are held four times each week. Each program last about 30 minutes and include stories, singing and crafts.

Group story time visits are welcome. Contact us at 615-371-0090 ext. 8380 to schedule a group story time.

Does the Library offer classes on ACT/SAT exam preparation? 

Yes. Please visit our calendar to view the ACT/SAT classes.

How do I become a Library volunteer? 

Visit the Volunteer page to read about volunteer roles, internships, and to submit an online application.

How do I apply for a job at the Library? 

Applications for employment are available online. Questions regarding the application process or benefits should be emailed to the City of Brentwood’s Human Resources Department.

How do I become a Friend of the Brentwood Library?

Fill out a form and return it, with your payment, to the Circulation Desk.

When is the book sale? 

We hold book sales every quarter. To view the used book sale dates, visit their website.

How do I donate items for the book sale? 

• Donations are accepted in front of the Meeting Room doors Monday through Friday, between 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM. You can leave donations inside of the cart.
• We accept all items in good condition, including textbooks.
• If you would like a receipt for tax purposes, please have a count of items by type (hardback books, paperbacks, DVDs, etc.).