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1. I forgot my PIN number. How can I get that?

If you have an email address associated with your library account, go to the Catalog and look under "My Account" for the link to "Forgot your PIN?" Follow those instructions to retrieve your PIN number.

You can contact our E-Branch Manager at 318-226-4784 for help getting your PIN. You can also call your branch of Shreve Memorial Library. 

2. Wow. The library has e-books! How can I learn how to borrow them?

Many of our branches offer classes to help you get started learning how to use our digital services. Check out our Computer Classes page for information on upcoming classes. 

We also offer online tutorials that have everything you need to know. You can find them on our Shreve Memorial Library Academy. 

3. Can I stream videos from Hoopla or Overdrive onto my TV?

Yes, it is possible to connect your computer or tablet to your television if you have the appropriate connections or devices. Newer TVs should have an HDMI port, and using an HDMI cable you can connect your computer to your TV. If you have an Apple TV or Google Chromecast, you can use a tablet to stream to your TV. 

If you have an Apple TV, Fire TV, or Roku, you can now download the Hoopla app for those devices and stream items borrowed from your Hoopla account.

4. Is there any page that lists all of the online services?

Yes! The State Library Database page, called the Louisiana Library Connection, is the one-stop shop for all our online resources. On that page, you can see the resources available from Shreve Memorial Library and those available through the State Library of Louisiana. To use the resources on the site you will have to enter your Shreve Memorial Library card number. 

5. What are Overdrive, Flipster, Hoopla, etc.?

Shreve Memorial Library works with these companies to provide library patrons with digital and downloadable content. The companies license the items that library cardholders can borrow using their Shreve Memorial Library card. Overdrive has e-books, audiobooks, and streaming video. Flipster is for magazines, and Hoopla has movies, music, TV shows, audiobooks, e-books, and comics. You sign in and use each separate service in a different way, but for most of them you will need your library card number and PIN.

6. What are the basics about these services?

Overdrive

• Borrow e-books, audiobooks, video, and music
• Can use on a computer or digital device
• Can borrow 5 items at a time (see Shreve Memorial Library’s policies)
• Keep items for 2 weeks
• Can return items early
• May have to place items on hold (up to 10 items)
• For additional help, visit the Overdrive Help page
  

Flipster

• Read magazines online in your browser anytime
• Borrow magazines for offline reading on your tablet using the Flipster app
• Keep the magazines for up to one week
• Access 81 titles through Shreve Memorial Library (click here for a list of titles)
• To get additional help, visit the Flipster Help section 

Hoopla

• Stream or borrow movies, TV shows, music, audiobooks, e-books, or comics
• Can download app for your smartphone or tablet
• Can borrow 10 titles per month
• Keep movies and TV shows 3 days; music for 1 week; audiobooks, e-books, and comics for 21 days
• To get additional help, visit the Hoopla Support page

Show All Answers

1. How do I contact a librarian?

Call your local branch to speak with a library staff member. You can also use our Ask a Librarian service to chat with a librarian, send a text message, or email. 

2. How do I get a library card?

Anyone who lives, works, goes to school, or owns land in Caddo Parish may register for a library card. Active Barksdale military personnel (including spouses and children) may also register. To register online, visit our online catalog and click on the My Account link at the top of the page. When the box opens, click on the green "Register" link. Fill out the online registration form. 

When you complete the form, stop by any branch with your ID to receive your card.

3. How do I search for library materials?

You can search the library by visiting our online catalog. You can also find information about our online resources on our E-Books & More page.

4. How do I get my PIN number?

You should receive your PIN when you first register for your library card. If you do not know your PIN, call any branch of the library and verify your account information to get your PIN. You can also email csheaffer@shreve-lib.org to get your PIN number.

You can also get your PIN online if you have an email address associated with your library card. Visit our online catalog, click My Account and then click Forgot Your PIN? to reset your PIN number through your email. 

5. How do I find the library's hours?

Visit our All Locations and Hours page to see our hours and branches. 

You can also find the hours on the individual Branch pages. Go to Branches in the top menu and then click on the branch name to see when that library is open. See all our branches and hours.

6. How do I access my account online?

You can place holds, renew items, and check your account in our online catalog. To access your account, click on My Account and enter your library card number and PIN, and then click Log in. If you do not know your PIN, view the Get my PIN page.

7. How do I renew items online?

Items may be renewed at any time on or before the due date by telephone, in person, or using the online catalog provided there are no requests on the item.

To renew items online, visit our online catalog, then:

1. Click on My Account
2. Enter your library card number and PIN
3. Click on Checkouts
4. Click the checkbox next to the material you wish to renew.
5. Hit the Renew button on the top left.

Once you renew the items, you will see the new due date listed.

8. How do I find available jobs at the library?

Available jobs are listed on the Employment page. You can apply for library jobs using the instructions on that page. Find the link under About Us in the top menu.

9. How much is it to make copies at the library?

Black and White Copies and Prints 

$.10 cents per page 

Color Copies and Prints 

$.40 cents per page 

Faxes, Sending and Receiving 

$.10 per page

10. How do I connect to the library's Wi-Fi?

1. Turn on your laptop or electronic device.
2. Log into your laptop or electronic device.
3. Browse available wireless networks.
4. Connect to Shreve-WiFi.
5. Open your Internet browser.
6. You will be directed to the library's Wireless Internet Policy.
7. Read and scroll down to the bottom of the page.
8. Click "Accept" button.

If you need assistance in following these steps, please ask library staff for help.

11. How do I reserve a meeting/study room at the library?

To reserve a room at the library, you must have a Meeting Room Policy form on file at the location where you reserve the room. This form must be renewed annually at each branch where you want to reserve a meeting or study room. The individual presenting the form must have a valid ID when submitting the form. Reservations are made on a first-come, first-served basis and may be booked up to 90 days in advance.

To see what branches have meeting and study rooms, visit the Meeting/Study Room page. You can also click on the branch page and find the link for "Reserve a Room" on the right-hand side. If you have a form on file for the branch where you want to reserve a room, you can create an account on our website and put in reservation requests. You can do this by finding the room you want to reserve and clicking the Request Reservation button. You will receive an email confirming your request. 

You can also call the branch where you want to reserve a room and a staff member will assist you. 

12. How can I support the library?

Join the Friends of Shreve Memorial Library 

One of the best ways to help support your library is to become a Friend of the Shreve Memorial Library. Visit the Friends website to learn more and to get a copy of the printable membership form. 

The Friends of SML sponsor annual book sales held downstairs at the Main Branch, 424 Texas Street, and hold special book sales at other times during the year. To prepare for these book sales, Friends and volunteers participate in work mornings on the second Saturdays throughout the year. 

We usually post notice of upcoming book sales about a month in advance on the library's home page. 

Donations 

Materials for the book sales come largely from patron donations. If you would like to donate materials for the book sales, drop them off at your local branch. 

Volunteer 

Visit the Friends of the Shreve Memorial Library site to learn more about volunteering for the Friends book sale and work days. 

To volunteer at your local branch, speak with the staff and request a copy of the volunteer form. Volunteers will have to complete a background check and drug screening before volunteering at the branch.

13. How do I place a hold on library materials?

If an item is checked out to someone else, or is available at another branch, you may place a hold on the item and have it delivered to your local branch when it is available.

1. Visit our online catalog and log into your account by entering your User ID and PIN.
2. Search for the material.
3. Click on the "Place Hold" link.
4. Choose your pickup location.
5. Click "Place Hold".

14. How do I borrow e-books from the library?

You can borrow e-books from the library by visiting either Overdrive or Hoopla. Shreve Memorial Library subscribes to both of these services that offer e-books, as well as other digital resources.If you want more help using these resources, visit our E-Branch page.

15. How do I get on the web using a library computer?

If you are using a public access computer at the library, simply type in an address in the web browser to go to a new page from the library's home page. If you are trying to go to Google, Yahoo, or Facebook, type in the bar at the top of the screen to search for those pages.

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1. What are public records?

Louisiana Revised Statutes 44:1A(2)(a) defines “public records” as: All books, records, writings, accounts, letters and letter books, maps, drawings, photographs, cards, tapes, recordings, memoranda, and papers, and all copies, duplicates, photographs, including microfilm, or other reproductions thereof, or any other documentary materials, regardless of physical form of characteristics, including information contained in electronic data processing equipment, having been used, being in use, or prepared, possessed, or retained for use in the conduct, transaction, or performance of any business, transaction, work, duty, or function which was conducted, transacted, or performed by or under the authority of the constitution or laws of this state, or by or under the authority of any ordinance, regulation, mandate, or order of nay public body or concerning the receipt or payment of any money received or paid by or under the authority of the constitution or the laws of this state, are “public records,” except as otherwise provided in this Chapter or the Constitution of Louisiana.

In other words, public records are any documentary materials without regard to their physical form or characteristics, which were used, are being used, or which were retained for use by a “Public Body.”

In the 21st century, this includes not only traditional paper records, but also digital records, including email, websites, social media sites, text messages, databases, and digital video, audio, and photograph files.

2. Is there a constitutional right to view public records?

The Louisiana State Constitution (Article XII, Section 3), provides that: No person shall be denied the right to . . . examine public documents, except in cases established by law.

Although this provision does not constitute an absolute guarantee, in most instances there is indeed a constitutional right to review these documents.

3. Who is responsible for making public records available to the public?

State Law (LA RS 44:1A(3)) provides that a “custodian” is the person who heads the public body, or a representative specifically designated by the head of the public body. If there is no designated custodian, the public agency head is the “custodian” by default.

4. How long must records be kept?

Some public records are permanent records and must be kept for all time, such as the conveyance records of real estate transactions at the Parish Court Clerk’s office (LA RS 44:36). The general rule for non-permanent records is that the record must be kept for at least three years, or the period prescribed by a retention schedule that has been filed with and approved by the Louisiana State Archives.

5. Is there information of public bodies that cannot be accessed by the public?

Yes. Title 44 of the Louisiana State Revised Statutes provides multiple exemptions due to confidentiality requirements and legislative exemptions. They include, but are not limited to:
- Records involved in a legislative investigation.
- Most records of law enforcement agencies pertaining to pending criminal litigation that exists or is anticipated to exist (except initial arrest/booking report).
- Certain tax records, welfare applications, and applications and disciplinary activities of many professional licensing boards.
- Minutes of executive sessions held pursuant to the Open Meetings Law (LA RS 42:17)

Section 4.1 of Title 44 was added by Act 882 of 2001, consolidating all exceptions not already included in the Title, referencing appropriate sections from the entire RS.

Finally, Section 13 of Title 44 specifically exempts records of library use and registration and these records are never disclosed by Shreve Memorial Library except when required by subpoena, search warrant, court order, or other legal action.

6. What about privacy concerns?

Article I, Section 5 of the Louisiana Constitution establishes the right to privacy so that persons are protected, not from all invasions of privacy, but only from “unreasonable” invasions of privacy. There are no legislative provisions that specifically define the parameters of this basic right, leaving that determination to the courts when the expectation of privacy is used to limit the right to inspect public records.

7. Are there limitations on who may examine the records?

Section 31 provides that any person may obtain a copy or reproduction of any public record, except as otherwise provided.

Any person over 18 has the right to inspect and copy a public record that is not exempt from examination, with the custodian bearing the burden of proof that the record is ineligible for inspection.

Requests to inspect, copy, or otherwise reproduce a public record may be made in person or in writing.

In addition, in the interest of transparency and open access to information, Shreve Memorial Library policy has waived the age requirement for accessing library records, making this option available to everyone.

8. What information will I be required to give in order to gain access to the public records?

When an in-person request is made, the only information a custodian may request is age, identification, description of the requested records, and signature in a register. The Shreve Memorial Library does not employ these requirements, save the description of requested records.

For written requests, the Shreve Memorial Library requires at least one form of contact information, as well as a specific description of the requested records.

9. Why must I include contact information when submitting a Public Records Request?

At least one form of contact information is required, so that we may notify you as to the status of your request. Contact information may include an email address, telephone number, fax number, or mailing address. You may provide more than one form of contact information; the more information we have, the easier it will be to reach you, and the faster we will be able to process your request.

10. What information should I include in the description of requested records?

When writing your description, please be as specific as possible. Include information like the category of records being requested, any pertinent topics, names, dates, or times, and any formats you wish to include or exclude, such as paper or electronic records. The more detailed your description, the more likely we will be able to provide you with the exact records you require in the shortest time period possible.

11. When can I inspect the documents?

The custodian must give all reasonable aid and comfort to the person desiring access to public records. The inspection must occur during regular business hours unless otherwise authorized by the custodian. If the requestor wishes to examine records outside of working hours, he may be required to provide advance payment for the custodian’s overtime pay. This arrangement will be made at the discretion of the custodian.

If a record is immediately available and is not actively in use, it must be presented upon request. If a record is not immediately available, it must be made available within three (3) days. If a record is absent from the office, the custodian must certify to the requestor the reason for the absence, current location, individual in possession of the record, and when it was removed from the care of the custodian. The certificate must include detailed answers to any questions posed by the applicant (LA RS 44:34).

12. How much does it cost?

A requestor may view records in person at no cost. For duplication costs, the Shreve Memorial Library has adopted a fee schedule which is available in person and on our website.

13. What if the record contains both public and private information?

The custodian may separate exempt matters from the public record and may observe the requestor to ensure confidentiality is maintained. The custodian will provide copies of public records at a reasonable charge, except when the requestor indicates he is indigent and submits a request for fee reduction or waiver.

If a request is made for a record that may be exempt from inspection, the custodian must made a determination, notifying the applicant in writing within 72 hours of the request.

14. What can I do if there is a violation?

Pursuant to LA RS 44:35, if an applicant has been denied the right to inspect a record by the custodian’s determination, or by the passage of five (5) days since the request, he may file a civil suit for mandamus, injunction, or declaratory relief and may receive attorney’s fees, costs of court, and damages if the suit is successful. The burden of proof is on the custodian to sustain his denial of access. Any non-compliance with an order of the court may be punished as contempt of court.
In addition, the Shreve Memorial Library provides an administrative appeals process. This option does not preclude your right to take legal action, but is simply another avenue available to ensure your request has been managed appropriately.

Section 37 provides that if a custodian or other person hinders a requestor attempting to inspect a public record, that individual shall be fined not less than $100 and not more than $1,000 for the first offense, and shall be put in jail for not less than one month nor more than six (6) months. Upon a second or subsequent conviction, the fine increases to not less than $250 up to $2,000 with a jail term from two to six months.

Title 14, Section 132 and 133, provides that whoever commits the crime of first degree injuring public records or filing false public records shall be imprisoned for not more than five (5) years with or without hard labor or shall be fined not more than $5,000. The crime of second degree injuring public records carries an imprisonment term of not more than one (1) year with or without hard labor and/or fines not to exceed $1,000.

15. What are my rights?

As a requestor, you have the right to:
- Provide only that information that is needed to fulfill your request.
- Examine public records created and maintained by the Shreve Memorial Library.
- Obtain a response within three (3) business days after the receipt of your request.
- Appeal a denial of your request.
- Apply for a fee reduction or waiver.
- View redacted and/or partial records if your request includes confidential records in which unfettered access may violate an individual’s right to privacy.
- Receive thorough, timely request and appeal responses.

Show All Answers

1. How often do the volunteers meet to work?

We meet once a month on the 2nd Saturday from 9am to 12pm in the basement of the Shreve Memorial Library.

2. I want to be an active working volunteer for the "Friends". How do I volunteer?

You can pick up a "Friends" application at the circulation desk of the Main Library or any of the Branches and check the box that says you would like to be an active member. You can also find applications on this website or join on the day of the book sale(s) at the Shreve Memorial Library.

3. Are any of the volunteers paid?

Volunteers can take up to 5 books (no Bestsellers, DVD/CD, VHS or Cassettes) at the end of a Saturday work session.

4. Is there a "Friends" job for me since I can't lift heavy boxes?

Although there are plenty of boxes that need moved, there are lots of other jobs to be done that do not require heavy lifting.

5. What happens to the money from the Book Sales?

The money that is generated from the Book Sales is used in many different ways to support the Caddo Library System. A large portion of the money is given back to the library branches to fund various projects. The Friends organization also helps fund things like the Book Walk at the Red River Revel, the meal for the hundreds of SML staff members at their annual Staff Development Day, and funding "Get Out & Vote" campaigns during years a library bond issue is on the ballot.

6. How often do the Friends of SML hold book sales?

The Friends of SML holds an annual book sale in April. Other Book Sales will be held as the occasion warrants, so please check back to the website periodically to find out dates for future sales.

7. How can I donate to the Friends?

Book, DVD, music CD, and Audio Book donations can be dropped off at any branch of SML.

8. Where is the book sale located?

The book sale is held in the basement of the main branch of SML. The library is located in downtown Shreveport at 424 Texas Street.