Can I pay my fines without coming into the library?

Unfortunately, no. We do not have a way for patrons to pay fees online at this time.

Does my library card account expire?

Yes. Your library card expires so library staff can ensure your address, phone number and email are up to date.

• Regular library cards expire after one year after you are issued it. Then once you update your registration it will expire after every 2 years.
• Non-resident cards expire after 90 days or 1 year depending on the type purchased.
• Guest computer cards expire after 6 months.

Does the library keep a record of what I've checked out?

We don't, but you do! Library cardholders can "opt in" themselves and enable the Reading History feature in their accounts. Once it's turned on it will keep a log of items you check out going forward. Staff cannot read your hisory.

How can I renew my items?

If no one else is waiting for that particular item, you may renew it up to 2 times. You can renew your items by either logging on to your account through our website, coming in and asking to renew your items, or contacting Customer Service at 843-918-1275.

How do I get a library card?

Two ways: Come to the library and apply in person, or apply online for a "digital only card". Digital cards gain you access to our electronic resources, and can be "upgraded" to a real library card so you can borrow books and movies. For details on what is required, click on the link at the top of the page that says "Get a Card". Do apply online for a "digital only card", click here.

How many items am I allowed to check out?

The first time you use your library card you may check out 2 items. Once those items are returned your borrowing limits are expanded:

• 30 Books
• 10 Audio Books
• 5 DVDs and/or 10 Magazines

My card is expired. Can I renew my card over the phone?

Generally, no. The only exception is if you are physically handicapped and unable to make it to the library.

My information is correct. Why can't I log into my account?

Here are some other reasons why you might be prevented from logging in:

• Your account/registration has expired.
• Fines owed excedes $10.
• Bounced/returned mail from the Post Office.

Please contact Customer Service or call the library at 843-918-1275 and we can help you.

What if I forget my PIN?

It is not possible to reset a forgotten PIN online at this time. Please contact Customer Service for assistance.

What is my PIN?

Your PIN is the four digit number that you created when you were first issued your library card.

What is the fine policy?

There is a grace period of 1 (one) day on all overdue items. Past that day, all overdue items will charge $0.10 to your account per day, per item. The fines for New 14-Day items are $0.25 per day, per item. Fines for inter-library loans are $1.00 per day, per item. If the total amount of fines owed exceedes $10.00 the library account is blocked.

What is the loan period for my items?

All items have a three week loan period except for New Adult Fiction Books, which have a two week loan period, and Fiction DVDs, which have a one week loan period.

Can I return materials to an Horry County library branch?

Yes. The County has a courier that comes by our library twice a week and delivers items back to us. Horry County does not have the ability to check in items from your account however. Items will still display as "out" until they arrive back at Chapin Memorial Library. Late fines accrued during the transfer time from the County to Chapin Memorial are subsequently waived.

Can I still check out materials if I don't have my card with me?

Yes. If you show another photo ID such as a driver's license, you can check out materials the first time you forget your card. If you forget the card a second time it will be marked as lost and you must pay a $2.00 fee to replace it.

Can I use my card at any other libraries?

Nope. Chapin Memorial Library is not affiliated with, or linked to any other library system. That includes the Horry County Library system.

Can someone else besides me pick up a hold with my card?

Yes, but we would need permission from that cardholder first.

How can I put items on hold?

Option 1: Speak to a library staff member and we can do it for you.

Option 2: Search our catalog online and find the desired item yourself. Click on "Place Request". Enter your library barcode number and PIN.

How will I be notified for overdue items, items on hold, etc.?

When you are issued your card you have the option to be notified by either phone or email.

I lost my card. What do I do?

Contact us right away and we will stop the account. There is a $2.00 replacement fee to replace your card and any outstanding fines or fees must be cleared before a new card is issued.

I’m going on vacation. How can I get a longer due date?

Sure, we're flexible. Let staff know at the time of checkout and tell us when you plan on being back in town.

The item I requested is in. Where do I pick it up?

We keep all items on hold behind the Circulation Desk in Custoimer Service. It's the first desk you see when you walk in.

What if I lose or damage something that I borrowed?

If it's an item that you have checked out on your account or an associated account, you must either pay for full price of the item or buy an exact replacement copy. Contact Customer Service for details about buying replacement items.

Where do I return my materials?

You can return any of your materials at the circulation desk or in the book drop directly across from the building.

Can I reserve the main meeting room?

You would have to come in fill out a form regarding your organization and purpose for using the Meeting Room and then we can schedule a time on our calendar.

Does the library have a copy machine?

Yes indeed! The copy machine is located on the first floor lobby. Black and white copies are $0.15 per side and color is $0.25 per side. Cash only.

Does the library have a fax machine for public use?

Yes. Our fax machine is located at the Circulation Desk in Customer Service.The cost is $2.00 for the first 2 sheets, and $0.25 for each additional sheet per fax number. Faxes cannot be sent/received 30 minutes prior to closing.

Does the library have a quiet place to meet or study?

Yes, on the second floor in the Information Services area there are 2 study rooms available for public use:

• Small Meeting Room - Capacity 6
• Conference Room - Capacity 12

Rooms can be booked for 1 or 2 hour increments, with the option to extend based on availibility.You do not have to be a library cardholder to book a room. Please contact the Information Services Department at 843-918-1295 to check for room availibility.

Where can I park at the library?

As long as you are a full access card holder, we can give you a parking pass to park in library designated spots along the ocean side of the building (Chester Street) for FREE during library hours. There are also a small number of regular parking spots in front of the building, as well as handicapped parking. If you do not have a library parking pass or do not use the front parking lot, the City of Myrtle Beach uses parking meters in high-demand areas year-round. Information on parking meter payment options can be found here.

Does the library accept donations (money, books, etc.)?

Yes, the library generally accepts books, DVDs, and magazine donations as long as they are in good condition. Click here for a complete list of acceptable items.

Does the library have any book clubs?

Yes, the library has several book clubs. "Chapin's Chapters" usually meets the thrird Tuesday morning of every month. Our "Evening Book Club" meets on fourth Thursday of every month. There are reading clubs for youth and young adults but the schedule varies. Please refer to our Calendar of Events for times and book titles, schedule confilcts and holidays. In addition, usually in late winter or early spring there is a shorter themed book discussion group called "Let's Talk About It" that runs for approxamatley 8 weeks. Watch our website for announcements.

Do I need a library card to attend a program?

Nope. Our programs are open to all visitors. But if there are limited spots or materials required for a particular program we do ask that you call ahead and reserve a spot.

Is the library currently hiring?

Job postings are managed by the City of Myrtle Beach. You can visit their employemnt page at page at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/myrtlebeach

When is the next book sale?

The Friends of the Chapin Library have books and other media available for purchase all year round. For more information click here.

Can I get a passport at the library?

No, you cannot get a passport at the library.

Can I renew an inter-library loan?

It all depends on the policy of the lending library. Please contact Information Services and then we will contact the lending library for you.

Can I request an item from another library system?

Yes, but it depends on whether other libraries are willing to lend us their material. The first step is filling out an Inter-library Loan form. Or if the desired item is less than 1 year old, please fill out a Request to Purchase form instead.

Does the library carry tax forms?

No. The IRS and SC State no longer distribute paper tax forms to the library. In fact, it's been several years. Information Services staff however can print the forms you request for $0.15 a page.

Does the library carry textbooks?

No, we do not carry any textbooks.

Does the library offer tax assistance?

Yes, during tax season only. The library tries to arrange for VITA and/or AARP to provide free volunteer tax preparation for our patrons. The days and times vary from year to year. 

Please see our Calendar of Events for details.

I'm taking an online course. Does the library offer exam proctoring services?

Yes. Please refer to the proctoring details here.

What if the library doesn't own a particular item I'm looking for?

If it's a new release within 6 months of the street-sell date, you can make a Request for Purchase and we will consider adding it to our collection. If it's something that's been out a while, we can try and Inter-Library Loan it for you. If it's none of the above, then contact our Information Services staff and explore other options.

Can I install my own programs on a library computer?

Nope. It is not possible to alter or customize public equipment for specific users. 

Can I print from my laptop or phone?

Yes you can! The library has partnered with the PrinterOn service and they offer several methods for printing from mobile devices. All documents may be retrieved from the print vending station on the second floor of the library in the Information Services Department. Costs are $0.15 for black and white and $1.00 for color, per printed page/side. 

1. Laptop or Desktop Computer - Upload your file(s) to our mobile print portal and follow on-screen instructions. http://www.printeron.net/chapin/library
2. By E-Mail - Forward your e-mail and/or file(s) to one of the addresses listed below. 

• B&W : chapin-library-bw@printspots.com

• Color : chapin-library-color@printspots.com

3. Tablet or Mobile Device - Download the PrinterOn app for your cell phone or mobile device. Once the app is installed, search for "Chapin Memorial Library" in the app. Follow on-screen instructions.

• Android : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.printeron.droid.phone

• Apple iOS : https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/printeron/id406584999?mt=8

Can I still access the computers if I don't have my card with me?

No, unless you remember your barcode number and PIN. Otherwise, you would have to pay $2.00 to replace your card.

Does the library have a scanner?

Yes we do! Our Library Document Station™ is located upstairs in the Information Services Department. This all-in-one, self-serve station enables you to scan documents, book pages, or photos, and convert them to PDF, JPEG, PNG or Microsoft Word format. The scanned files can then be sent to a mobile device, emailed, or copied to a user-supplied USB drive. The minimum fee is $1.00 which includes 10 scanned pages/sides. Once the minimum fee has been met, additional scanned pages are $0.10 each. Scanned files can also be printed out through our existing print payment system. Regular printing fees apply.

Does the library have computers with internet access for public use?

Yes, you would just need to go to the circulation desk and ask for a Computer Access card if you do not already have a Full Access library card.

Does the library have public wi-fi?

Yes. The network name or SSID is called ChapinGuestAccess. The signal is open and unencrypted. No password is required, however, users must agree to our Internet Policy each day their device connects to our network.

Does the library provide computer classes?

No, the library does not offer any computer classes in a traditional setting at this time. However, we do have subscriptions to free online training courses that you can take on one of our public access computers or learn from home. Our computers don't have speakers, but you can use your own earbuds to listen to the instructional videos.