Library Cards

If you live in Boone or Callaway Counties, you’re eligible for a free DBRL library card. You can get a card at any age, but applications for those under 18 require a parent or guardian’s signature.

How do I get a library card?

Online
Adults (18+) can request a library card online. We’ll mail your card along with instructions for activating it.

Parents or guardians can request a card for a minor.

By Postal Mail
Complete a paper application, and bring it to your library or mail it to us. We’ll mail a card back to you.

In Spanish (en español):

Please mail applications to:

Daniel Boone Regional Library
P.O. Box 1267
Columbia, MO 65205

In Person
You can get a library card at any DBRL location or bookmobile. You’ll need a photo ID and proof of current address (e.g. a utility bill).

How do I renew my card?

Renew your card online, over the phone or at check-out. Cards need to be renewed every two years.

What if I lose my card?

Please let us know immediately so we can assign you a new card number and transfer your record. This protects you in case someone tries to use your lost or stolen card. There is a 50¢ fee for a replacement library card.

How do I access my account?
  • Online through the catalog. Your barcode number is on the back of your library card. Your password (also sometimes called your PIN number) is usually your birth date in the format MMDDYYYY.
  • In person, you must have your library card number to check out items, renew, place holds, have your library record accessed by staff or use a library computer. We value your right to confidential library records, therefore, we will only release account information to you (including over the phone or via email) if you have the card number or can verify your identity as the cardholder. This includes parents wishing to see a child’s record.
What if I forget my password?

Some library resources will ask you to log in with a PIN number or password. Your PIN is usually your birth date in the format MMDDYYYY, unless you have changed it.

For example, if you were born on March 20, 1970, your PIN would be 03201970.

If you change your PIN and forget it, you can reset your password online or contact the library.

How do I update my contact information?

You can give us updated information in person, by phone or through this online form.

Check-outs, Renewals & Holds

How long can I keep my check-outs?
  • Most books, CDs, DVDs and other items check out for three weeks although some collections have special rules to assure better availability.
  • Kits (Little Red Reading bags, Play as Learning kits, STEAM kits, etc.) check out for four weeks.
  • Book discussion kits check out for eight weeks
  • Wi-Fi Hotspots check out for four weeks (no renewal).
  • Devices such as Launchpads and Telescopes check out for one week (no renewal).
How do I renew items?

You can renew most items up to three times unless they are on hold for someone else.

We will automatically renew your checked out items on their due date if they are eligible for renewal. This means any item that’s not on hold for another patron or hasn’t already been renewed three times will be renewed for you. You will get an email notification with a list of your automatic renewals and items that can’t be renewed and will need to be returned soon.

You can also actively renew your items three ways:

  • Online through the catalog. Log in with your library card number or username and PIN (usually your birthdate). Under the “My Borrowing” heading, click on “Checked out.” Select the items you want to renew and click “Renew Selected.”
  • Over the phone.
  • In person at the library.

You will need your library card number and the item’s barcode number.

How do I place a hold or request a book?
  • Online through the catalog. Log in to your account, and then find the title you’d like to place a hold on by searching the catalog. When you find the title and format you want, click the green “Place a Hold” button, select the location where you’d like to pick up your item and confirm your hold.
  • Over the phone.
  • Or in person at the library.

You will need your library card number.

You can also request books not available in the DBRL catalog through our interlibrary loan service.

What happens when items are overdue?

We do not charge fines for overdue items.

If items you borrow are overdue, we send you a notice to remind you. If you still don’t return them, we send a bill for replacement costs, and your card is blocked. You won’t be able to place holds, check out or download anything until either the overdue items are returned in good condition or your replacement bill is paid.

Ultimately, failure to return library materials may result in prosecution for theft under the Missouri Revised Statutes, sections 570.200 and 570.210. Patrons with overdue items, the value of which exceeds an amount determined as excessive by DBRL, may be referred to a collection agency for either return of the materials in acceptable condition or payment for replacing the materials.

What is my PIN number or password?

Some library resources will ask you to log in with a PIN number or password. Your PIN is usually your birth date in the format MMDDYYYY, unless you have changed it.

For example, if you were born on March 20, 1970, your PIN would be 03201970.

If you forget your PIN, you can reset your password online or contact the library.

Interlibrary Loan

If the item you want is not available in the DBRL catalog, you might be able to borrow it through our interlibrary loan service. This service will search for copies of requested materials across the state and farther.

How to Request Materials From Another Library

  1. Search FirstSearch (WorldCat) to find an item available from another library.
  2. Select the title you want and click the “Borrow via DBRL ILL” link.
  3. Sign in to your interlibrary loan account using your library card number.
    (The first time you log in, you’ll be asked to verify your account information.)
  4. Review your request and click submit.
  5. You will be notified when the item is ready for you to pick up at your library or bookmobile.
    (Unfortunately, interlibrary loan items cannot be picked up at Library-To-Go lockers.)

Notes

  • Interlibrary loan service is only available for residents of the Columbia-Boone County and Callaway County Library Districts.
  • Recently published materials are not available for interlibrary loan. (You can suggest that we purchase those items.)
  • Items loaned through this service are subject to the loan period and overdue fees of the loaning institution.

Copying, Scanning, Faxing & Printing

All branches have the following services available:

  • Photocopying — 10¢ for black and white copies and 50¢ for color copies.
  • Scanning — use the copiers to scan documents and save them to a USB drive or send them to an email address, for 10¢ a page.
  • Faxing — 10¢ per page. (Patrons can send but cannot receive faxes at the Columbia Public Library.)
  • Printing — 10¢ for black and white printing. Color printing requires staff assistance and costs 50¢ per page.

Downloading & Streaming Services

Want to enjoy eBooks and digital audiobooks, music, magazines, movies and TV on the go? Your DBRL card has you covered. Check out the following services.

Flipster: access popular magazines via the app or through a web browser.

Freegal: weekly music downloads and ad-free streaming music.

hoopla: streaming and downloadable audiobooks, comics, eBooks, music, movies and TV shows.

Kanopy: streaming films and other videos.

OverDrive/Libby: downloadable eBooks, audiobooks and digital magazines.

Note: Your PIN number is usually your birth date in the format MMDDYYYY.

Bookmobiles & Other Vehicles

If you would like to request a visit from a library vehicle at your event, please fill out our external event request form. We recommend that you contact us four weeks in advance.

Big Bookmobile

The bookmobile has regular stops in a number of locations and offers a full array of library materials and services for all ages. You can also pick up items you’ve put on hold. Call the Outreach Department for more information: (573) 817-7097.

Bookmobile, Jr. & Book Rover

Loaded with books and other materials for kids to check out, Bookmobile, Jr. and the Book Rover make monthly visits to child care centers in our area and attend special events. Call Children’s Services for more information: (573) 817-7045.

Book Bike

The Book Bike brings library information and resources to community events throughout Boone and Callaway Counties March-October. At most Book Bike visits, you can check out books, get a library card and learn more about library programs and services. For more information, contact us.

Community Resources

Don’t know where to start or what to do?

Need help completing an application, getting started with a healthcare provider, or getting a referral for other community resources and services?

Our Community Resource team can help! You can get in touch by asking for them at any desk or call them at 573-817-7031. If they are not available, leave a voice message or complete a referral form at any desk and they will get back to you within two business days.

They can help with applications and referrals for things like:

  • Clothing
  • Education
  • Food
  • Healthcare
  • Jobs and Vocational Training
  • Shelter and Housing

Outreach, Home & Community Facility Delivery

Deliveries to Homes

If you have a Daniel Boone Regional Library card, but can’t visit our buildings because of age, illness or disability, we’ll bring the library to you.

We deliver or mail library materials to:

  • patrons in senior citizen’s homes.
  • the residences of people of any age who have a long term-illness or disability.

Deliveries to Retirement Centers and Other Community Facilities

In addition, a number of retirement homes, long-term care facilities, senior centers, food banks, group homes, fire stations and correctional facilities are on our regular delivery routes.

We also can come to your home to assist you in signing up for the Wolfner Talking Book and Braille Library.

Contact our Outreach Department for help using these services at (573) 817-7097.

Meeting Rooms

Who can use meeting rooms?

Meeting rooms are available for free at all of our branches for use by:

  • nonprofit organizations;
  • government agencies;
  • groups conducting educational, civic, cultural and intellectual activities. (And yes, this includes book clubs!)

Guidelines

Your group can reserve a room once a month. We accept online reservation requests as early as 45 days in advance of the requested date or as late as three days in advance. If you need to book sooner than that, please contact the library.

Meeting rooms cannot be used to sell or advertise products or services.

For full guidelines, see the DBRL Meeting Room Policy.

Columbia Public Library Meeting Rooms

Reserve online or call: (573) 443-3161

Friends Room
Capacity: 50 people
Features: a small kitchenette and a retractable projector screen.

Conference Rooms A & B
Capacity: 10 people
Features: a whiteboard and a retractable projector screen.

Callaway County Public Library Meeting Room

Reserve online or call: (573) 642-7261

Friends Room
Capacity: 30
Features: a small kitchenette. This room can be divided into two rooms, each holding up to 30 people.

Holts Summit Public Library Meeting Room

Reserve online or call: (573) 606-8770

Community Meeting Room
Capacity: 20
Features: access to a small kitchenette. This room can be divided into two rooms.

Southern Boone County Public Library Meeting Room

Reserve online or call: (573) 657-7378.

Meeting Room
Capacity: 21
Features: a small kitchenette.

Tech Help

Drop-in and One-on-One Tech Help

Get help at biweekly drop-in tech help sessions at the Columbia Public Library: Device Advice and Tech Help Drop-ins

You can also request an appointment for One-on-One Tech Help for virtual or in-person assistance at any library location.

Tech Classes on Special Topics

Classes on various software and tech topics are offered each month at the Columbia Public Library. Topics include Google apps, digital organization, artificial intelligence, etc. See all upcoming Columbia tech classes.

Online Courses Through LinkedIn Learning

DBRL provides cardholders with access to free online learning through LinkedIn Learning. Take high-quality video courses on digital photography, web development, business leadership, using your smartphone and much more! You’ll find courses for beginning, intermediate and advanced learners.

Library Computers & Wi-Fi

The library provides computers for accessing the internet, checking email, research, etc. There is no charge to use these computers, and to log on you need either an active Daniel Boone Regional Library card or a temporary guest pass. The library’s computers are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information, read the complete Computer and Internet Use Guidelines. Please be courteous to those around you and don’t use your phone at the computers. Read the complete Code of Conduct Policy.

Can I reserve a computer?

Each library location has internet computers available on a first-come, first-served basis. They cannot be booked in advance.

What do I need to use an internet computer?

Log on with your library card number and birth date. Visitors age 18 or older may request a guest card (photo ID required). You may use the internet computers for at least one hour per person per day. Depending on computer availability, your time may be extended for an additional hour or more.

What software do library computers have?
  • Popular web browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge)
  • Microsoft Word, Excel, Access and Powerpoint
  • Microsoft Publisher
  • Links to the library’s catalog and research resources
How much does printing cost?

Basic black and white printing costs 10¢ per page. Color printing requires staff assistance and costs 50¢ per page.

Can I save files?

Yes. Save any work you want to take with you to your own USB flash drive before your time is up. You cannot burn (save) information to CDs or DVDs. You cannot download software onto library computers.

Does the library have Wi-Fi?

All four libraries have free, building-wide wireless internet access. Wireless printing is also available. Please ask staff for assistance. It is the sole responsibility of all wireless device users to provide updated antivirus and anti-malware software on any device while using the library’s network.

Does the library have computers for kids?

Yes. Children’s computers feature:

Library Tours and Field Trips

If you or your group would like a tour of one of the libraries, we would be happy to show you around. Tours can be customized to feature demonstrations of resources such as the online catalog, research resources and various specialized collections and services.

Invite the Library to Your Event

Speakers from the library can be scheduled to meet with your group, virtually or outdoors, to talk about libraries and library services. The Daniel Boone Regional Library encourages a love of reading that extends beyond the library’s walls.

We recommend that you contact us four weeks in advance about visits, as we consider requests in order of submission.

Passport Services

If you’re making plans for international travel, you can apply for a U.S. passport at the Columbia Public Library and the Callaway County Public Library in Fulton. Call the library to make an appointment. See our passport services page for hours, passport checklist and fees.

Notary Services

Free notary services are provided in the administrative office on the second floor of the Columbia Public Library. Hours are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4:45 p.m., but please call ahead to make sure that a notary will be available at the time of your visit. (Note: Friday hours will be discontinued beginning September 13, 2024.)

Important reminders:

  • Do not sign documents to be notarized ahead of time. They must be signed in front of the notary.
  • Please bring a current, valid, official, government-issued photo ID such as a state-issued driver’s license/nondriver’s license, passport or military ID.
  • Proof of ID must be the original, physical document. Photographs or copies of any sort cannot be accepted by the notary.