Frequently Asked Questions

Here you can find answers to questions that we get from time to time.

Can I register to vote at the library?

While you can't register at the library, we do provide voter registration forms. The form includes information about where to mail your form. Find out more information about Alabama voter registration from our state government's website. http://sos.alabama.gov/Elections/Default.aspx

Can I return videos to the book drop?

Yes. In general, any item (including non-print items) from a library within Jefferson County may be returned to the book drop. It is located on the wall to the right of the main entrance. Some libraries may have special items (book kits, for example) that must be returned to the lending library.

Can I volunteer at the library?

Yes. The library has volunteer opportunities throughout the year.

Friends of the Library (Adults)

Most of our volunteers are involved in working in the Bookstore, but there are other opportunities available. These opportunities include assisting with hospitality, recruiting new members, preparing the newsletter, planning programs, publicity, telephone reminders of meetings and other activities. Let us know if you have a special area of interest in helping in one of these areas by coming to the next Friends of the library meeting. More information about the friends can be found on the Friends web page. Upcoming Friends meetings are listed on the events section of the website. 

Teen Volunteers

This is routine work in the public library. A volunteer may be assigned a variety of tasks,given detailed instructions to be performed under direct supervision until the training period is over. The volunteer is expected to be able to work independently. Find out more and apply online on the Teen Community Service Volunteer Guidelines page.

 

Do you have a quiet place for individuals to study? Do you offer study rooms?

We have two quiet areas near the Nonfiction Department reserved for individual study. One area has several computers, carrels, and small desks where patrons can use their laptops or read. No headphones are allowed in this area. The other area is a room with several desks and is completely electronics-free – no laptops, cell phones, mp3 players or other electronic devices are allowed in this area. The electronics-free quiet room is for patrons age 18 and up. Please note that these areas are for individuals only. We do not have enclosed study rooms.

Do you have an area where groups can study? Do you have study rooms?

Small groups are welcome to study on our Plaza, which has comfortable living room style furnishings, in the 800s/Literature room in the Nonfiction Department and at the large tables in Teens and Children’s. We do not have enclosed study rooms.

Do you have any tips for using Excel?

Yes. Have a look at our Excel Quick Start Guide.

Select Data

Select an entire row Left click on the row header (numbers)
Select an entire column Left click on the column header (letters)
Select a cell Left click on the cell
Select contiguous cells Hold the Shift key down, click in the first cell and drag to the last cell.
Select noncontiguous cells Hold the Ctrl key down and click in each cell to be included.

Insert Space

Rows Click on the row header, select the number of rows to insert, right click and choose Insert.
Columns Click on the column header, select the number of columns to insert, right click and choose Insert.
Cells Click the cell below or to the right of where you want to insert cells, right click and choose Insert, choose Shift Cells Down or Shift Cells Right

Delete Space

Rows Click on the row header, select the number of rows to delete, right click and choose Delete.
Columns Click on the column header, select the number of columns to delete, right click and choose Delete.
Cells Click the cell to be deleted, right click and choose Insert, choose Shift Cells Up or Shift Cells Left.

Center Text Across Columns

Enter the text in the first cell, select the number of columns to center across, and then click the Center Text icon on the tool bar.

Change Row Height

To make the row height fit the contents, double-click the boundary below the row heading OR choose Format, choose Row, choose Autofit.  
To change the row height for all the rows, click on the Select All button (the gray square to the left of A and above 1), click on the boundary below the row header and drag to the desired height.  

Change Column Width

To make the column width fit the contents, double-click the boundary to the right of the column. OR choose Format, choose Column, choose Autofit.  
To change the column width for all the columns, click on the Select All button, click on the boundary to the right of the first column, and drag to the desired width.  

Format Cells

Select the cell, right click and choose Format Cells, then choose the appropriate tab for the type of formatting:  

Paint Format

Select the cell with formatting you want to copy, choose the Format Painter icon from the toolbar, place the cursor in the cell or selected cells and click.

Format Numbers

Currency Select the cells to be formatted, click on the Currency Style icon on the tool bar.
Percentage Select the cells to be formatted, click on the Percentage icon on the tool bar
Commas Select the cells to be formatted, click on the Commas icon on the tool bar
Add a decimal Select the cells to be formatted, click on the Increase Decimal icon on the tool bar
Delete a decimal Select the cells to be formatted, click on the Decrease Decimal icon on the tool bar

Freeze Areas

Columns Click the column to the right of the one you want to freeze, choose Window from the menu, and choose Freeze Panes.
Rows Click the row below the one you want to freeze, choose Window from the menu, and choose Freeze Panes.
Both Click the cell below and to the right of the area you want to freeze, choose Window from the menu, and choose Freeze Panes.

Formulas

Copy across columns Select the cell with the formula, choose Edit, choose Fill, choose Right (or Left) OR click the Fill Handle on the cell with the formula and drag across columns
Copy across rows Click the Fill Handle on the cell with the formula and drag down rows. OR click the cell with the formula, choose Edit, choose Fill, choose Right (or Lefts).
Copy in selected cells Select the cell with the formula, hold the CTRL key while selecting cells, choose Edit, choose Fill, choose Right for columns, Down for Rows.
AutoSum Click the AutoSum icon on the toolbar, click the first cell and drag to the last cell to be included in the sum.
Paste Function Click the Paste Function icon on the toolbar, choose the function from the list, and follow the paste function wizard instructions.

Create a Data Form

Select the row with the column labels, choose Data from the menu bar, choose Form, and click OK.  

Sort

Select a cell in the list, choose Data from the menu bar, choose Sort, choose the column in the dialog box  
Select the cells to be sorted, click on the Sort Ascending or Sort Descending icon on the toolbar (sorts only the cells selected) or  

Create a Chart

Select the rows of data to be included, click on the Chart Wizard icon on the toolbar and follow the instructions in the dialog box.  
To create a chart sheet that uses the default chart type, select the data you want to plot, and then press F11.  

Printing

Set print area Select the area to print, choose File on the menu bar, choose Print Area, choose Set Print Area
Specify Headings Choose File on the menu bar, choose Page Setup, choose Sheet tab. Under Print Titles, enter the row range and column range that hold the labels.
Print labels on every page Choose File on the menu bar, choose Page Setup, choose Sheet tab, click in the box beside Row & Column Headings.
Center worksheet on page Choose File on the menu bar, choose Page Setup, choose Margins tab, click in the Horizontal and/or Vertical box under Center on Page at the bottom of the dialog box.
Print Gridlines Choose File on the menu bar, choose Page Setup, choose Sheet tab, and click in the box beside Gridlines.

Do you have any tips for using Powerpoint?

Yes. Have a look at our PowerPoint Quick Guide.

Text Formatting

To do this:

Windows Keyboard:

Change Font

CTRL+Shift+F, then use up/down arrow keys, click Enter

Change Point Size

CTRL+Shift+P, then use up/down arrow keys, click Enter

Increase Font Size

CTRL+Shift+>

Decrease Font Size

CTRL+Shift+<

Bold

CTRL+B

Underline

CTRL+U

Italic

CTRL+I

Superscript

ALT+CTRL+Shift+>

Subscript

ALT+CTRL+Shift+<

Plain Text

CTRL+Shift+Z

Spelling Checker

F7

Center Paragraph

CTRL+E

Justified Paragraph

CTRL+J

Left-Aligned Paragraph

CTRL+L

Right-Aligned Paragraph

CTRL+R

Deleting and Copying

Delete Character Left

Backspace

Delete Word Left

CTRL+Backspace

Delete Character Right

Delete

Delete Word Right

CTRL+Delete

Cut

CTRL+X

Copy

CTRL+C

Paste

CTRL+V

Undo

CTRL+Z

Create a copy of the text

CTRL+Drag

Working with Text

Character Right

Shift+Right Arrow

Character Left

Shift+Left Arrow

End of Word

CTRL+Shift+Right Arrow

Beginning of Word

CTRL+Shift+Left Arrow

Line Up

Shift+Up Arrow

Line Down

Shift+Down Arrow

Select All

CTRL+A or F2

Select Any Text

Drag with left mouse button depressed

Select Word

Double-Click

Select Paragraph

Triple-Click

Drag and Drop

Select and Drag

Working with Slides and Files

New Presentation

CTRL+N

Open a Presentation

CTRL+O, CTRL+F12

Save

CTRL+S, F12

Save As

F12

Print

CTRL+P

Find

CTRL+F

Replace

CTRL+H

New Slide (menu)

CTRL+M

New Slide (no menu)

Shift+CTRL+M

Exit/Quit

CTRL+Q or ALT F4

Move from Title to Text

CTRL+Enter

Move from Body text to Title of Next Slide

CTRL+Enter

Standard Toolbar

Formatting Toolbar

Do you have any tips for using Word?

Yes. We have a Word Quick Start Guide to help you.

Menus and Toolbars

Show or Hide Toolbars Right click on any toolbar, click toolbar name to view or hide
Show or Hide Horizontal Ruler Click View menu, click next to Ruler to display if not displayed
Add/Remove buttons to Toolbars Right click on any Toolbar, choose Customize, click Commands tab. Select desired category, drag desired button to toolbar where you want it to appear.

Selecting Text

Select a word Double click on word
Select a paragraph Triple click in paragraph
Select character by character Click and drag over desired area
Select word by word Double click and drag over desired area
Select a continuous block Select beginning text of block, move to ending text of the block, press the Shift key and click at end of the block

Editing Text

Copy Text Select text then right click and choose copy OR click Edit menu-Copy OR Ctrl+C
Paste Text Select text then right click and choose paste OR click Edit menu-Paste OR Ctrl+V
Drag and Drop Select text, left click and hold button. Drag text to new location and release button.

Formatting Text

  Select text, right click then choose desired options OR Use toolbar buttons

Formatting and Editing

Section and page breaks Insert menu, then choose Break. Choose Section or Page
Format Painter Select the cell with formatting you want to copy, choose the Format Painter icon from the toolbar, place the cursor in the cell or selected cells and click.
Change Margins Click File menu, choose Page Setup, use Margins tab OR move margin slider on Ruler
Change Indents Display Ruler. Slide indent markers to desired locations.
Change line spacing Select lines, right click, choose Paragraph then Indents and Spacing. Change Line Spacing
Change page orientation to Portrait or Landscape Click File menu, choose Page Setup, then the Paper Size tab
Find and Replace text Click Edit menu, choose Find or Replace
Check Spelling Right click on red squiggles or click Spelling and Grammar button.
Create Header/Footer Click View menu, choose Header and Footer. To switch between the two use Switch between button
Insert Page Numbers Click Insert menu, choose Page Numbers, select options
Create Numbered or Bulleted lists Add or remove Bullets by clicking or Numbers by clicking on the toolbar. Change bullet or number styles by right clicking on a list and choosing Bullets and Numbering

Tables

Insert a table Click insertion point where table will go, click Insert Table button, click and drag to choose number of rows and columns
Select a cell Move insertion point to lower left corner of cell (changes to a black arrow) then click
Select several cells Select cell and drag selection over desired cells
Select entire row Move insertion point to left edge of row until it becomes a white arrow then click
Select a column Move insertion point above column until it becomes a black arrow then click
Add a tab in a cell CTRL+Tab
Insert/Delete rows Place insertion point below where you want to add or delete row. Click Table menu, choose Insert or Delete
Insert/Delete columns Select column to the right of where you want column inserted or deleted. Click Table menu, choose Insert or Delete
Merge or split cells Select cells, click Table menu, choose Merge Cells or Split Cells
Changing row heights or column widths Position insertion point at the edge of cell to be changed until double-arrowed resize tool appears. Click and drag to new size.
Show gridlines Click Table menu, choose Show Gridlines
Show/Hide cell borders Select cells, rows or columns to be alerted, right click, choose Borders and Shading, under Borders tab, choose borders

Inserting Items

Insert Images Click Insert menu, choose Picture then either Clip Art or From File
Insert Date Insert menu then choose Date and Time

Tracking Changes

Highlight Select text, click Highlight button. Use drop arrow to change colors or None to remove highlighting
Insert Comments Position insertion point where Comment will go. Click Insert menu, choose Insert Comment
Track Changes Turn tracking on or off by double clicking TRK button on status bar. Gray means feature is off

Standard Toolbar


image1

Formatting toolbar


image2

Do you have copiers?

We have three black and white copiers. Copies are $0.10 per side. Sizes available are 8.5 x 11 (letter) and 11 x 14 (legal). The copier in Nonfiction only takes cash and the copiers in Circulation and Children’s only take the print card. We do not have a color copier but we do have a scanner in the Technology Hub that can be used to make a color scan which can then be printed with the color printer for $0.50 a page.

Do you have microfilm and microfiche readers?

Yes. We have a machine that reads both microfilm and microfiche. Scans can be converted to several file formats including .pdf and .jpg and can be printed, emailed, or saved to a disc or removable drive.

Printing costs $0.10 a page. We have back issues of many popular magazines on microfiche and the Birmingham News 1988 – Present, the Wall Street Journal 1995-2001 and the New York Times 1991-2002 on microfilm. Call the Nonfiction Department 205.444.7840 for more specific information.

Does the library accept donations of materials?

We gladly accept all materials except magazines. Receipts are available for tax deductions. All donated materials will be reviewed by the appropriate department and will either be added to the library's collection or sold in the Friends of the Library Bookstore.

Does the library have a public vending area?

Food and drink can be found at the Coffee-ol-ogy cafe' located in the Library Plaza.

Additionally the library has a lounge area with a microwave for public use on the lower administrative level. This area is open during the following hours:

Does the library have word processors or typewriters available for public use?

Yes.  Computers are available on a first come, first serve basis. Printing is ten cents per black and white copy and fifty cents per color copy. The Library also provides a typewriter on a first come, first serve basis. This typewriter is located in the Circulation Department.

Does the library proctor tests?

Yes. However, we may not be able to accommodate everyone's needs.

You can register online for our services. Please read the information and guidelines carefully to determine if our free services will work for you by going to our Test Proctoring Services page.

 

How can I make a donation to the library in someone's memory or honor?

Patrons who would like to make a donation in someone's memory or honor can send a check along with a letter stating the person's name for which the donation is being made, the amount donated, and any special book request to:

The Library will purchase a book with the money and a book plate will be inserted into the book's front cover with the appropriate information. The Library will notify the family about the donation.

How do I apply for a job at the library?

The Hoover Public Library is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, creed gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status or any other legally protected status.

 

For current open positions with the City of Hoover go to http://hooveral.org/ .
Look for the Job Opportunities link on the left hand side of the page.

How do I get a library membership?

Library Card is FREE to all ages living in Jefferson County or the City of Hoover.

What You Need to Obtain a Membership

JCLC Library Card To be eligible for a Jefferson County Library card, the patron must have a picture ID and proof of address.  These needs can be met by a valid driver’s license with a current address or a combination of 1 from the identification column and 1 from the address column.

Identification Address
   
Passport Post marked piece of mail with patron’s name and current address
State issued ID Lease or deed with patron’s name and current address
Military ID Insurance card with name and current address
  Checkbook with current address
  Pay stub with current address
If the patron is a minor, their parents or guardian may assume responsibility for the card provided they meet the above criteria. If the patron is 18 or over, they must provide their own information.

Guidelines

  •  Membership valid in all Jefferson County Libraries
    Check out up to 100 items at a time
  • Books, Music CD’s, Books-on-Tape, Books-on-CD, Playaways, Puppets, CD-ROMs, & Non-Fiction VHS Tapes/DVDs check out for 3 weeks
  • Popular DVDs and Video Games check out for 1 week.  Limit 15 popular DVDs at a time
  • Renew materials for an additional 3 weeks from date of renewal, EXCEPT for VHS Tapes, DVDs, computer related books, and items with reserves
    Renewable materials can be renewed only once before the item must be returned for at least 24 hours
  • Late charges are 15¢ per day for Books, Music CD’s, Books-on-Tape, Books-on-CD, Playaways, Puppets, and CD-ROMs
  • Late charges are $1.00 per day for DVDs, VHS Tapes and Video Games
    Replacement library cards are $3.00

Additional Privileges

  • Friend’s Bookstore
  • Use of Library computers
  • Free Computer Classes
  • Online Databases
  • Downloadable Audio Books
  • Check the current library calendars in our downloads section just to the right in PDF format for additional programs and Library Theatre events.

How do I reserve a meeting room?

Policy Statement

Use of the meeting room facilities is subject to the rules and regulations established by the Library Board of Trustees.

In accordance with the Library Bill of Rights, the primary purpose of library meeting rooms is to serve the needs of library-sponsored programs and services, and such functions shall always have priority. Otherwise, priority for use of the meeting rooms will be given to (1) Friends of the Library meetings or programs, and (2) City of Hoover meetings and functions. The Hoover Public Library provides meeting room space when available for use by Hoover community groups and organizations whose goals are civic and educational only. Each application will be reviewed and evaluated individually. The Board may examine the groups past history, goals and purposes to ensure equitable use

Guidelines

  1. Applicants for meeting room use must be residents of Hoover, and have a current Jefferson County library card.
  2. Groups must have 501c3 certification or be able to verify non-profit status, and whose goals are civic and educational only. On the basis of equity, library meeting rooms are not available to organizations whose memberships would overburden the library’s facilities.
  3. Meeting rooms are free to Hoover residents unless the group provides refreshments or catering for its members.
  4. A non-refundable fee, due at the time of application, is required per meeting when providing refreshments or catering. If a group provides refreshments or catering without the required usage fee, the group will not be permitted to meet until the account has been settled. The library does not provide tablecloths, dishes, eating utensils or coffee making supplies and appliances. All catering requests by meeting room patrons shall be directed to Coffee-ol-ogy, who shall have the right of first refusal.
  5. All meetings held in library meeting rooms must be free and open to the public. Groups using the room may not charge admission, sell items or request donations for attendance or participation.
  6. The following hours are available for meeting room usage: Monday – Thursday: 9:30 a.m. - 8:45 p.m., Friday: 9:30 a.m.-5:45 p.m., Saturday: 10:30 a.m. - 5:45 p.m. and Sunday: 2:30 p.m. - 5:45 p.m. Groups will not be able to enter rooms early or remain later than the designated time previously set by the groups contact person at the time of application.
  7. A maximum of 12 meetings per calendar year with no more than one meeting per month will be scheduled. (This limit does not apply to Library sponsored programs or municipal meetings and functions).
  8. Groups wishing to book a meeting room must submit a meeting room application online, or to the Fine Arts Staff, by phone or in person, no later than one week prior to the date requested. All applicants are subject to approval by the Fine Arts Coordinator. If approved, the Fine Arts Staff will confirm your reservation. The library reserves the right to withdraw a previously approved meeting room reservation. When this is necessary, as much advance notice as possible will be given to the organization.
  9. The library does not endorse the views of groups meeting in the facility. The library does not sponsor/ support the various groups using the meeting room(s), and publicity announcing meetings should in no way imply library sponsorship.
  10. The name or address of the library is not to be used in handouts or advertising of any kind except as a source of location. No group may use the library as a mailing address. Groups may not use the library’s phone number as a contact for program information.
  11. Meetings of groups of individuals under 18 years of age must have an adult sponsor in attendance. Groups of children 12 years old and under must have at least one adult sponsor for every five children. Groups of young people ages 13 - 17 must have an adult sponsor for every ten young people.
  12. Signs, decorations, or other objects are not to be taped or attached to walls or doors in any manner. The equipment listed on the meeting room application may be reserved for use only in the meeting rooms. No equipment or furniture is to be removed from the meeting rooms. Groups using the rooms are responsible for reimbursing the library for any damage to library furniture or equipment.
  13. Groups or organizations using this meeting space may not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disabled status in the provision of services.
  14. Programs may not be disruptive to the library or its mission. The library reserves the right to ask any group to leave its premises if the behavior of the group is deemed disruptive or inappropriate according to library service policy.
  15. The library may cancel use of the meeting rooms to any group that fails to comply with these rules and regulations.
Start the Meeting Reservation process.

How do I sign up for an email account on Yahoo?

  1. Open Internet explorer or another web browser then open the Yahoo web site www.yahoo.com
  2. Click on the “Free Email: Sign up” link near the top of the page.
  3. Fill in the answers to a few questions.
  4. Click Create my account.
Remember: Don't forget your login name and password. You will need it next time you log in.
Links
Yahoo's email Frequently Asked questions.

How far back do your copies of the Birmingham News go?

We currently keep paper copies of the Birmingham News for up to twelve months.

The NewsLibrary database has full-text articles from April 27, 1993 – Present. Articles are easily searched by date or keyword.

Our microfilm collection of the Birmingham News runs from January 1, 1988 – December 31, 2008.

I need literary criticism of a story or on an author. What resources does the library have?

The Nonfiction Department has several print and electronic resources that will meet your needs. We also have a very large collection of books on literary criticism that you can check out. For the best chance of getting what you need for your assignment, visit us as far in advance of your due date as possible.

Is tax help available? How do I sign up?

Federal and state forms are available in the Business Department as soon as they are received from the IRS each year. Forms are also available for free from www.irs.gov The AARP provides free tax preparation assistance. Appointments fill quickly. Please call the Business Department 205.444.7816 after January 1st for more information and to make an appointment.

What is the difference between "fiction" and "nonfiction"?

“Fiction” refers to literature created from the imagination. Mysteries, science fiction, romance, fantasy, chick lit, crime thrillers are all fiction genres. Examples of classic fiction include To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens, 1984 by George Orwell and Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. Our Fiction Department also has a large selection of popular movies and television shows on DVD.

“Nonfiction” refers to literature based in fact. It is the broadest category of literature. The Nonfiction Department has books and videos in many categories including biography, business, cooking, health and fitness, pets, crafts, home decorating, languages, travel,  home improvement, religion, art and music, history, self-help, true crime, science and humor. We also have a section of popular and award-winning documentary DVDs.

What’s the best way care for library materials?

  1. Return library materials in the same condition as you received them. Handle them gently. Do not mark, highlight or underline in books. Do not cut out pages or pictures. Be sure to return all items (CDs, maps, patterns, etc) included with the book.
  2. Let Circulation know if an item needs to be repaired. Do not make the repair yourself.
  3. Keep your items from getting wet. Bring a plastic grocery bag with you to the library on a rainy day. Don’t read library books in the bath.
  4. Use a bookmark. Turning down pages (“dog-earing”), using paper clips, and sticky notes can all do lasting damage to a book.
  5. Keep food and drink away from your items. Food and beverage stains attract bugs and can promote the growth of mold.
  6. Keep library materials away from pets, especially teething puppies!
  7. Don’t keep library materials in the car. Especially in the summer, temperatures can get hot enough to melt book covers, loosen glued bindings and warp audiobooks.
  8. Be extra careful with books at the beach! Once a book has been dropped in the sand, it’s almost impossible to get completely clean. Sunscreen stains and direct sunlight can damage all library materials.
  9. If returning items through the book drop, drop them in gently, one at a time.
  10. Teach your children to respect and take care of library items.

When will the library have another book sale?

The Friends of the Library operates a bookstore located in the Library Plaza. Paperbacks sell for fifty cents and hardbacks sell for one dollar. Book store hours are Monday 12-4, Tuesday 10-6, Wednesday - Saturday 12-4, and Sunday 2-5.

Where are the biographies? How are they organized? What’s the difference between a "biography" and an "autobiography"?

Biographies can be found in the Nonfiction Department. They are organized by the last name of the person they are about. An “autobiography” is simply a biography written by the notable person themselves. Popular autobiographies include Don’t Hassel the Hoff  by David Hasselhoff, Clapton by Eric Clapton, Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt and Me: Stories of My Life by Katharine Hepburn.

Where can I find full-text magazine and journal articles for my research paper?

Hoover Public Library offers access to several electronic databases in addition to providing access to all databases available through the Alabama Virtual Library. Searching these databases will allow you to find entire articles on almost any subject from the basic to the highly technical. You can print articles or email them to yourself. From home, you will need your Jefferson County Library Card to access some of the databases. You do not need a card to access the databases from the library.

List of Our Databases.

Instructions for using the popular EBSCOhost databases (bookmark) PDF File