Vigo County Public Library FAQs

ADA Accomodations

What accommodations can the Library offer if I have a physical impairment and need to use a computer?

A computer workstation that meets standards established by the Americans with Disabilities Act is available for use in the Computer Lab at the Main Library facility of the Vigo County Public Library. The primary purpose of the computer workstation is to meet the technology needs of patrons with visual and physical impairments and patrons with learning disabilities. The use of the workstation is limited to those patrons with disabilities and to individuals who work with or for individuals with disabilities. The workstation is equipped with the following hardware and software:

  • 21” monitor
  • Low vision keyboard
  • Screen magnification software
  • Internet Access
  • Microsoft Office Suite software products

Patrons who wish to use the workstation are encouraged to make appointments for use of the workstation by contacting Community Connections at 812.232.1116. Appointments will eliminate time conflicts among users and will ensure that a qualified staff member is present to assist patrons with use of the workstation. A Computer Lab Attendant will be available to assist users with basic questions regarding the use of the hardware and software, however, detailed individualized instruction is limited.

Hardware and software demonstrations are available for interested patrons, groups, and staff upon request.

I have a service dog, but I have heard that pets are not allowed in the Library. What can I do?

The Vigo County Public Library will make all reasonable modifications to policies and programs to ensure that people with disabilities have an equal opportunity to enjoy all of its programs, services, and activities. Individuals with service animals are welcome, even where pets are generally prohibited.

Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication, or a modification of policies or procedures to participate in a program, service, or activity, should submit a request to:
Executive Director and ADA Coordinator
Vigo County Public Library, One Library Square, Terre Haute IN 47807
Voice: 812.232.1113; click here to submit an ADA request

Donating Materials

How do I donate items to Vigo County Public Library?

Vigo County Public Library accepts donations, but the Library does have donation guidelines. The Library accepts the following items for donation:

  • Books & audiobooks
  • Puzzles, tabletop games & video games
  • Magazines & comic books
  • Vinyl records, CDs, DVDs & Blu-ray discs

Donating is easy and appreciated. You must box or bag items that you wish to donate and bring them to any kiosk at any Library location. Call 812.645.3624 to make arrangements for large donations. Due to the volume of donations received, please do not pack items in boxes, bags, or totes you will need returned.

Note: Please do not donate any of the following:

  • Dirty, moldy or damaged materials
  • VHS tapes
  • Items marked Gallery Proof, Not for Sale or Advanced Reading Copy
  • Text books or encyclopedia sets that are more than five years old.
How do I donate items that might have historical significance? Like old correspondence, photos, and scrap books?

The Library’s Special Collections staff is willing to discuss accepting these donations and on some occasions may recommend another organization or institution better suited to house the items. If you have questions, please stop by and speak to our Special Collections Staff. You may also call 812.232.1116 or email specialcollections@vigo.lib.in.us.

Are my donations tax-deductible?
All donations made to Vigo County Public Library are tax deductible. When making your donation, please request a Material Donation Receipt form for tax purpose.

Holds, Delivery & Curbside Pickup

How do I place items on hold to be delivered?

1. Search the catalog

  • Log into your account.
  • Search the catalog for the item you wish to request.
  • Click the Place on Hold button to the right of the title.
    • If you’re looking to place holds on multiple items, you can also use the Add to List option, located under Additional Actions to collect all the items that you would like to receive into My Book Cart.
    • Once you have made all of your selections, click My Book Cart at the top-right of the page to view items.
    • To place items from My Book Cart on hold, you may either:
        • Click the checkbox next to each item that you wish to place on hold or chose Select All. Then click the Place on Hold button on the left of the toolbar.
        • Or select the Place on Hold button next to individual titles to place holds separately.
        • You may also save your list for later by clicking Save List on the toolbar.
    • You will be prompted to select your preferred location for Holds Delivery: Vigo Main Curbside, Vigo West Curbside, Vigo Home Delivery, or Vigo Mail Delivery.
    • After your holds are placed, send an email to lending@vigo.lib.in.us with your contact information and address.
    • If you don’t have email access, call 812.234.0360 from Monday to Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., or Sunday, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. to provide your contact information and address to Library staff.

2. Use the VCPL Mobile app (found on the Apple Store or Google Play)

  • Select Search the Catalog from the home screen or Catalog on the menu bar located at the bottom of the app.
  • Select Search Everything or Find Movies.
  • Enter the title, author, or keyword that you wish to search.
  • After tapping the Search button, locate the item that you wish to place a hold on in the list of results.
  • Tap the Request Hold button at the bottom of the Item Details screen. (Ebooks, eaudiobooks, and other electronic materials will ask you to View Online >instead of Request Hold.)
  • Select a pickup location.
  • If you have not added a Digital Library Card, you will be asked to provide your Barcode and Password.
  • After your holds are placed, send an email to lending@vigo.lib.in.us with your contact information and address.
  • If you don’t have email access, call 812.234.0360 from Monday to Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., or Sunday, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. to provide your contact information and address to Library staff.

3. Email lending@vigo.lib.in.us with the titles you would like to place on hold.

  • Please include your address in the email and your phone number if that is your preferred contact method.

4. Call 812.234.0360 from Monday to Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., or Sunday, 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. to request titles to be placed on hold and to provide your address to Library staff.

When will I receive my items?

Our staff will gather items that are available for delivery, (Please note: Not all items that you request may be available simultaneously.) then you will be contacted via email or phone to arrange a delivery window.

During the delivery window, a member of our staff will knock on your door or ring the doorbell, then leave your materials at the front door in a bag. Staff will return to their vehicle and remain for five minutes while you collect your materials.

If you do not collect your materials within the five-minute window, our staff will retrieve the bag and return the materials to the Library to be checked in.

In some cases, items may be delivered by mail. If your items will be sent via this method, our staff will contact you so that you are aware that delivery may take longer than usual.

I've requested to have my items mailed to me. When can I expect them?
Items will be mailed to you as soon as they are available. Please note that holds requests of more than five items may require an alternate delivery method. If so, our staff will contact to you to discuss other options.
Can I pick my items up at the Library?
At the Main Library, curbside pickup is available Monday to Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., or Sunday, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. At West Branch Library, curbside pickup is available Monday and Wednesday, 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Please select the option for Vigo Main Curbside or Vigo West Curbside when placing your holds.

  • To pick up your items at the Main Library:
    • Park in one of the available designated parking spaces in the East lot, outside the South Entrance.
    • Call 812.234.0360
    • Provide staff with the number of your parking spaces, and either information from your Library card or ID while on the telephone with staff.
    • Staff will bring out your items and place theme either in your trunk or on the sidewalk near your vehicle. You may discuss other options with staff, but please do not exit your vehicle.
  • To pick up your items at the West Library:
    • Park where your vehicle will be visible from the doorway.
    • Call 812.235.2121
    • Provide either information from your Library card or ID while on the telephone with staff.
    • Staff will bring out your items and place theme either in your trunk, on the sidewalk near your vehicle, or inside the South Entrance during inclement weather. You may discuss other options with staff, but please do not exit your vehicle.

Library Bills & Online Payment

How do I pay my library bills online?

The VCPL’s secure Paypal payment gateway can be accessed from any computer with an internet connection by following the steps below.

  • Step 1: Log into My Account by entering your library card number and PIN.*If you don’t know or have forgotten your PIN, and you have a valid email address listed in your patron account, you can use the Forgot Your Library PIN? link on the account login page to reset your password. If you don’t have an email account or your password reset fails, please contact the library’s Checkout department at 812.232.1114.
  • Step 2: If you have items that have been billed and/or a collection agency fee is attached, you will have an Unpaid Fines and Bills link. Click this link to see the list of billed items and fees on your account and the total amount owed.
  • Step 3: Once you’ve reviewed the list of billed items and fees, click the Pay Online button.NOTE: If you have questions about the charges on your account please consult a member of the library’s Check-out department at 812.232.1114 before you pay. Payments made online cannot be adjusted by the library after the payment is submitted.
  • Step 4: The Payment screen will list all billed items or fees. You can ‘unselect’ any you do not wish to pay at this time. Click Continue.*Although it is possible to make payments for individual items listed without paying for all items listed, it is not possible to pay a partial amount for any one listed item/bill with the online payment option.
  • Step 5: Enter your Mastercard or Visa credit or debit card information and click Continue.
  • Step 6: Enter your billing and email information and click I Authorize this transaction to submit the payment to your credit card company.
  • Step 7: A confirmation will display if the transaction is successful. You can print this screen and if you entered a valid email address in the billing form a receipt will be emailed to you.
  • Step 8: Your library account balance will automatically be updated when a successful transaction has been submitted but you may need to refresh your browser in order to have the updated balance display in your My Account during this session.
  • Step 9: Logout of My Account.
Does the library store my credit card information?

Online payment is handled via Paypal’s secure payment gateway and the library does not store or retain your credit card information.

What cards can be used for payment?

Mastercard and Visa credit/debit cards.

Is there a transaction fee?

The library does not charge a transaction fee.

Can I use a credit/debit card to pay for billed items or fees at the Check-out Desk instead of online?

The library cannot process credit/debit cards at the Check-out Desk; however, bill payments may be made at one of the self-check stations located in the library lobby.

Can I pay a partial fine?
Individual billed items or fees must be paid in full, however you can pay selected items on your account by unselecting the billed items or fees you wish to pay at a later date.
Will I receive a receipt for online payments?

Yes, if you enter a valid email address in the online payment form your receipt will be emailed to you.

Who do I call if I have a question about the billed items or fees in My Account?

Call the Check-out Desk at 812.232.1114.

Wireless Access

When and where is wireless available?
Wireless access is available at both library locations when the buildings are open.
How do I use wireless at the library?
The Vigo County Public Library System uses the WiFi standard (sometimes referred to as IEEE 802.11b and 802.11g.) These standards provide up to 54 megabits/second connection speed. Speed will vary by location and number of users.

You will need to bring your own laptop into the library and it will need to have built-in WiFi or you will need to install a WiFi network card. The Library does not provide wireless cards.

Most WiFi equipment will be compatible. However, the library can make no guarantees as to the compatibility of your equipment with the library’s network.

Printers are not available to wireless users in the library.

Will I need any special settings or passwords to connect?
No, the library’s wireless network is open to all visitors. No special encryption settings, user names, or passwords are required.
When I access your remote databases, will I have to provide a library card number?

No, for the purposes of accessing the databases, you will be treated as if you are on a workstation within the building, and will not have to provide a Library Card number.

Since I'm using my own equipment, do the general rules about computer use still apply to me?
Yes, you still must abide by the Vigo County Public Library Computer & Internet Use Policy. Any activities deemed illegal apply to you whether or not you are on a Library-owned computer or your own computer. Any illegal activity will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Can the library help me configure my equipment?
No, everyone’s computer is different and you are responsible for knowing how to configure your own equipment.

The Vigo County Public Library cannot be responsible for any changes you make to your computer’s settings.

If you need additional assistance, you may need to contact the manufacturers of your hardware or software. The Library Staff cannot provide any help beyond this FAQ page.

What about virus protection and security?
It is solely the responsibility of the wireless device owner/user to provide anti-virus protection, and to configure their laptop/PD settings to provide the appropriate security settings to control access from other wireless devices within the Library and the Internet itself. The Vigo County Public Library cannot and will not take responsibility for damages incurred for incorrect, insufficient or incomplete security settings; or lack of adequate or up-to-date virus protection. Wireless users assume all risk in this regard.

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Main Library
680 Poplar St
Terre Haute, IN 47807
812.232.1113
Text: 812.612.8275
Mon-Thu: 8 A.M. – 8 P.M.
Fri: 8 A.M. – 6 P.M.
Sat: 9 A.M. – 5 P.M.
Sun: 1 P.M. – 5 P.M.
West Branch
125 North Church St
West Terre Haute, IN 47885
812.235.2121
Mon: 12 P.M. – 8 P.M.
Tue: 10 A.M. – 6 P.M.
Wed: 12 P.M. – 8 P.M.
Thu/Fri: 10 A.M. – 6 P.M.
Sat/Sun: Closed
12 Points Branch

2200 North 13th St
Terre Haute, IN 47804

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