FAQ:
How do I obtain a Library card?
Library cards are available free to all Farmers Branch residents and to residents of cities that do not charge Farmers Branch residents for use of their libraries or whose libraries participate in the TexShare card program. Non-resident cards are available to persons in non-reciprocating cities for a fee and are valid for one year from date of purchase. Non-reciprocating cities are: Arlington, Bedford, Dallas, Ennis, Fort Worth, Grapevine, Highland Park, McKinney and Plano. Please contact the library for more information.
All persons applying for a Library card must show proof of identification and/or residency. Generally, a Texas driver’s license is the preferred form of identification. In the event that the address on the license is not the current address or the person does not have a Texas driver’s license or Texas identification card, some other proof of residency must be provided (rent receipt, utility bill, insurance card, checkbook, etc.). A photo ID must be shown with this proof of residency. Please visit the Checkout Desk to fill out an application or use the online library card application. If applying as a TexShare cardholder, applicants will need to show their TexShare card from their home library.
A parent/guardian must be present for a child under 17 to get a card, and the parent/guardian must provide identification as described above.
What do I do if I lose my Library card?
If a card is lost or stolen, please notify the Library right away. The cost to replace a card is $1.
How long can I keep an item?
- Books, Audiocassettes, Compact Discs
- Loan Period: three weeks
- Extended Use Fees: 10 cents per day, per item
- Videos and DVDs
- Loan Period: seven days
- Extended Use Fees: $1 per day, per item
- Limits: fifteen DVDs per card
- Magazines (excluding the newest issue)
- Loan Period: seven days
- Extended Use Fees: 10 cents per day, per magazine
- Limits: seven magazines per card
How can I ask a reference question?
Librarians can answer questions at the Library, on the phone or online. For answers by phone, call the main Library number at 972.247.2511. Adults can call the Reference Desk at 972.919.9810 and kids can call the Youth Services Desk at 972.919.9814.
Get more information about contacting the Manske Library >>
How can I renew materials?
All items may be renewed up to 10 times unless on hold for another person. Items may be renewed by phone via our automated renewal system at 972.919.9822 with a Library card number and PIN. Patrons may also call the Checkout Desk at 972.919.9830. Items may also be renewed through the Library's online catalog with Library card number and PIN. Select “Renew My Materials.”
To set up a PIN, call the Checkout Desk at [at] (972.919.9830) and provide the desired four-digit number for the PIN, along with name and library card number.
What is an interlibrary loan?
If the Library does not own an item, patrons can fill out an Interlibrary Loan request form available at any of the public services desks. It generally takes three to six weeks to fill a request. Although the Library makes every effort to fill the request, there are instances when the item cannot be located or when the owning library will not lend it out. There is a limit of 10 interlibrary loan requests at one time. Items that have been published within the last year are not available via interlibrary loan.
How can I find more information on children's programming?
Special programs are highlighted under Special Programming on the Youth Services page. A printed copy of the calendar is available at the Library.
How do I find more information on adult programming?
Adult programs are updated monthly in the Library calendar. Special programs are highlighted on the Special Programs Page. A printed copy of the calendar is available at the Library.
How do I find more information on volunteering for the Manske Library?
Information about volunteering can be found here >>
How do I utilize the Library’s copy machines, typewriters and fax machines?
The Library has two copy machines available for Library users. Copies are 15 cents each. A typewriter is available in the Magazine area. The only charge for using the typewriter is for paper, which is five cents per page after the first three pages. The Library does not have a fax machine available for public use.
How can I obtain a copy of the City Council Agenda?
The Library keeps copies of the City Council agenda and information packet for six months. The agenda is posted at the Library on the Friday before the meeting, and the information packet is generally available by Saturday.
How can I utilize the library’s meeting facilities?
The Farmers Branch Manske Library meeting facilities include a meeting room which can seat 150 people “theater style” or 96 at tables, a conference room which can seat 24 at tables, and an amphitheater. These facilities are available primarily for the use of Library-sponsored and Library-related programs of cultural and educational interest to the local community, such as programs, conferences, classes and seminars.
These facilities are available without charge to local educational, civic, cultural and governmental organizations for single meetings. They are not available for social occasions such as parties, showers, and wedding receptions or for commercial purposes. The person booking the facilities must be a resident of Farmers Branch. Facilities are only available during regular Library hours.
To book a meeting room, please review and acknowledge our Meeting Facilities Policies, first.