Get Involved

BiblioTech reimagines the library and its relationship to the community it serves. When you get involved with BiblioTech you have a key role in providing individuals a vehicle to recognize the empowerment that comes with embracing technology and the life changing impact of the digital world.

With your support, you can help sustain BiblioTech programs that open up new possibilities for many people that otherwise would be limited in their means to learn and grow.

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Corporate or Foundation Giving Learn more

Volunteer

Volunteer

Your help is needed! Learn more

Explore BiblioTech, see it for yourself!

Schedule a tour today of Laredo’s first digital library.

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Forms & Policies

Contact Us

8501 Casa Verde Rd
Laredo, TX 78041

Ph: (956) 236-6887

Hours of Operation

Regular

Monday - Friday
4:00pm - 8:00pm

Winter & Summer

Monday - Friday
12:00pm - 5:00pm

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Icons made by Freepik from www.flaticon.com is licensed by CC 3.0 BY

eCard Policies

An eCard is a virtual card that allows BiblioTech Users to remotely access electronic resources, including online resources available through our website. If eCard users wish to access on-site computer access, workshops, or check out library materials the user must upgrade (at no cost) to a physical BiblioTech Digital Library Card.

You do not need an eCard if you already have a BiblioTech Digital Library Card. Your standard card allows you all the benefits of an eCard (and more).

How long does it take to get an eCard?

Just follow the prompts on the registration form and your eCard number will be emailed to you within one business day.

What can I do with my eCard?

An eCard gives you access to the following:

• Online Resources – magazine, journal articles and much more from online databases
• Downloadable eBooks, audio, video, magazines and music
• Newsletter and New Title Alert subscriptions

What can’t I do with my eCard?

You must upgrade (at no cost) to a standard library card in order to do the following:

• Access on site computers
• Workshops
• Check out items from our digital library

How do I upgrade to a standard library card?

Bring photo identification with your name and current address, such as a driver’s license or Texas state ID. You must apply in person. Child must be accompanied by parent or legal guardian and present their Texas state ID at the time child registers.

How do I update my account information?

By going to the information desk on location and asking Lab Technician to update your information.

Eligibility Requirements

• Be a Webb County Resident

Register for an eCard

By clicking the button below I agree that I have read the Eligibility Requirements stated above.

Become a Vounteer

Name
First Last
Phone
Email

Organization Name

Phone
Email

Program / Class Name

Targeted Age Group

Select how you would like to help

Teach a Class

Tutor

Organize a children’s activity

Other
Specify

Any Special Request or Accommodations:

BiblioTech Volunteer Policies

Becoming a Volunteer

1. Register with BiblioTech
2. Request a Volunteer Form
3. Undergo a brief interview
4. Undergo a background check

Volunteer Code Of Conduct:

• Exhibit professionalism at all times
• Ensure the safety of all participants
• Do not engage in any form of bullying, harassment, or use of profane language
• Adhere to all BiblioTech Digital Library Policies
• Report any unsafe behavior to staff member present
• Do not engage in immoral conduct
• Do not engage in unlawful harassment

• Verbal conduct: epithets, derogatory comments, slurs or unwanted comments, and jokes
• Visual conduct: derogatory posters, cartoons, drawings, or gestures
• Physical conduct: assault, restraint, touching or other physical interference
• Threats and demands
• Retaliation
• Do not engage in sexual harassment under the law which includes unwelcome sexual advances, request for sexual favors , and other verbal or physical conduct of sexual in nature

Volunteer Dress Code:

Casual clothing is acceptable when volunteering. Volunteers should use good judgment in dressing and grooming appropriately. Volunteers who have direct contact with the public should avoid wearing attire that expresses a political or religious slogan or statement. All volunteers should refrain from
wearing clothing that might be considered obscene, profane, harassing or suggestive in nature.

Attendance:

We understand volunteers donate their own time of the day; however, we appreciate a call in advance when unable to attend or instruct the class. If unable to find a replacement please call and let staff know so the attendees can be notified of the change.

Meeting Room Request Form

Group Name

Name of Representative
First Last
Phone
Email

Alternate Contact Name
First Last
Phone
Email

Purpose of Meeting

Expected Attendance

First Choice Date
Month
Day
Year

Time Frame

Hours

:

Minutes

AM/PM

Second Choice Date
Month
Day
Year

Time Frame

Hours

:

Minutes

AM/PM

Any Special Request or Accomodations
My signature below indicates that I agree to ensure that my organization will abide by the policies of BiblioTech with regard to Classroom use. My signature below indicates that I will assume all responsibility and liability of attendees and of all equipment use within the classroom. I have assured that all viewing material is appropriate for public view. I have received a copy of the Classroom Policies.

Commercial uses of meeting rooms are prohibited: this includes solicitations, admission or other charges, fund raising activities or sales

Personal furniture or equipment may be provided it’s the group upon prior approval

Classroom and furniture must be left clean and in original arrangement

If group fails to show without any prior cancellation future events may be declined

Reservations outside of working hours must be arranged and confirmed ahead of time to make appropriate accommodations for the group

No food or drinks are allowed inside classroom

No smoking, vaping, or alcoholic beverages allowed

No open flames, burning incense, or lit candles allowed

Schedule a Community Event

Name
First Last
Company or Organization

Phone
Email

Select how you would like us to participate

Introducing meeting to a group

Presentation for a group

Information table
Event Date
Month
Day
Year

Would you like Techie, our mascot, to attend

Yes, Please!

Not Really
Please provide more details about your event

Schedule a School Activity

Name
First Last
Company or Organization

Phone
Email

Select how you would like us to participate

Introducing meeting to a group

Presentation for a group

Information table
Event Date
Month
Day
Year

Would you like Techie, our mascot, to attend

Yes, Please!

Not Really
Please provide more details about your event

Schedule a Tour

Name
First Last
Company

Phone
Email

When would you like to come by?
Month
Day
Year

Anything else you would like to ask or mention about your request?

Computer & Internet Use Policies

BiblioTech provides internet access as a means to enhance the information and learning opportunities for the citizens of Webb County. BiblioTech has established this policy to ensure appropriate and effective use of BiblioTech resources.

BiblioTech policies, including the code of conduct, public computer use policies and internet policies apply to guest users as well as library card holders. Users should be aware that the inappropriate use of electronic information resources can be a violation of local, state and federal laws and can lead to prosecution. The user will be held responsible for his/her actions using the Internet. Users are expected to abide by the policies below, which include generally accepted rules of network etiquette. The BiblioTech internet has a web filtering system to block access to sites that may be deemed inappropriate in a public location.

Users will be able to accept or deny compliance with this policy upon opening a web browser on either a library device or their personal computer when connecting to BiblioTech wireless. If the patron does not accept, he/she will be prohibited from using the internet services at BiblioTech. Users may still have access to the offline applications on the public computers, ex: Microsoft Word, if they have agreed to the Computer Use Policy which appears when logging onto a BiblioTech device.

All library resources are property of Laredo Housing Authority unless otherwise indicated.

Definitions

The term “computers” may refer to, and includes, hardware and associated peripheral equipment such as tablets, desktops, printers, scanners, or any other equipment that may be attached to a computer or to the network.

Children Under 16

Access to the Internet is available to all patrons; however, this service may be restricted at any time for use not consistent with BiblioTech guidelines. Parents of children under 16 years of age assume responsibility for their children’s use of the library’s Internet service by signing their child’s library membership registration.

Disclaimer

Users access the library computer hardware, software and documentation at their own risk. BiblioTech is not responsible for equipment malfunction, loss of data, any damages to the user’s disks, data etc. or electronic transactions of any type which are related to the public use of library computer resources. BiblioTech is also not to be held responsible for personal items lost or stolen in the library or outside of the library space. This includes items owned by the patron or currently being leased by the patron from BiblioTech. For this reason, we ask that you keep within sight of your personal belongings as well as library devices after they have been check-out in your name.

Public Use Machines

Devices Time Limit for Desktop, Tablet, and Laptop

Use all devices that are available for in-library use, including desktops, Tablets, and laptops, are available to library card users for 60 minutes per session.

Desktops

All users must sign-in before using a public computer. This will either place the user on a waiting/reserve list or allow them to begin their computer session. Some computers may not be available for public use if otherwise reserved for use by a BiblioTech class. At the end of the initial 60 minute session, public computer users will be able to submit their name waiting list. If there are no other users on the waiting list, after signing-in, users will be allowed access for an additional 60 minutes.

Tablets

Tablet users may be able to renew their session for an additional 60 minutes or add their names to a device check-out waiting list at the circulation desk. There is no limit to the number of sessions a user may have during hours of operation. The public computers will automatically shut down 5 minutes prior to the closing of the BiblioTech, even if time is left on a patron’s computer session, tablets should be returned 5 minutes prior to closing.

Wireless Internet

Internet access is available to non-members through two ways: Wireless internet access is available to those that have their own electronic devices. Guest access is available on the public desktops for up to 30 minutes. Guests can receive login information at the circulation desk. Prior to accessing the internet, those using the wireless internet will be automatically asked to read and accept the internet use policy. Access to the wireless internet will be denied unless the rules and regulations stated in the policies are accepted.

Rules and Responsibilities for Facility and Equipement Use

Use of BiblioTech’s equipment for the transmission, dissemination, and/or duplication of information must comply with federal and state laws. BiblioTech expects all users to comply with such laws, including but not limited to those related to copyright, computer hacking, and child pornography. Computer users will also refrain from any activity that unreasonably interferes with BiblioTech patron/staff comfort, safety, use or quiet and peaceful enjoyment of the library, including but not limited to:

• Display of sexually explicit or pornographic materials.
• Harassment of other users or violation of their privacy.
• No harassment or bullying including libeling, slandering or maliciously offending other users.
• Violation of copyright laws or software licensing agreements.
• Attempting to crash, degrade performance or gain unauthorized access to BiblioTech’s or to other computer systems and networks.
• Damaging equipment, software or data belonging to BiblioTech or other users.
• Making any loud or unreasonable noise, or other disturbance, including disruptive use of personal entertainment devices.
• Tampering with filtering or software.
• Using the library card number of another person, including a relative, to access the computer system.
• Hacking into the computer systems.
• Manipulating BiblioTech computer systems to override established time limits .
• Refusing to leave a computer after being suspended from computers, or continuing to create a disturbance while using BiblioTech equipment.
• Violations may result in the loss of Internet and/or library privileges. Illegal use of the computers also may be subject to prosecution by local, state or federal authorities.

Before Borrowing a Device

What you need to know before you borrow

You must be at least 18 years old and present a photo ID to borrow a BiblioTech device. You will be asked to sign our user agreement form each time you borrow a device. Parents/guardians can borrow devices for their children.

User Agreement
Electronic devices may be borrowed for 7 days. If a device is more than 8 days overdue a $35 fee will be charged to the user. This will stop the patron from being able to borrow BiblioTech materials. If the item is returned in good working order, the replacement cost will be reversed and fines may be waived at the discretion of the manager-on-duty, based on the circumstances.

Late Fees
Late fees will be added and accrued until item is returned. The $35 dollar replacement fee and late fees will have to be paid in full before patron is allowed to borrow again. Late fees are as followed:

• 1 – 3 Days Late $2.50 per day
• 4 – 7 Days Late $5.00 per day
• 8 or more days $35 charge fee

Damages and Liability
By borrowing a device and signing our digital user agreement form, the user agrees to assume any and all legal liability for the cost of repair or replacement fee of $35 of a device in the event of loss due to theft, damage, negligence or misuse while the device is checked-out on his or her account. Please contact the library with any questions or concerns.

Loan Periods and Borrowing Requirements

Loan Periods

• Tablet- 7 Day checkout
• Wireless Hotspots – 7 Day checkout
• Apple iPad – 1 hour in-house checkout

Borrowing Requirements

• Patrons over the age of 18 may checkout 1 device at a time.
• Patrons under the age of 18 need parent consent and signature.
• Devices may be renewed once, in person, if there is not a waiting list for the item.
• The Tablets are pre-loaded with eLibrary and applications.
• Patrons age 18 may checkout 1 wireless hotspot at a time.
• Wireless Hotspot checkouts are limited to 1 device per household.
• Wireless hotspots cannot be renewed and patrons must wait two weeks between wireless hotspot checkouts.

Meeting Room Policies

Only confirmed meeting room reservations for specific dates and times entitle an organization to use a meeting room. Confirmations will be made by telephone or sent via email to the applicant. No unconfirmed meetings are permitted on library premises, without the expressed approval of administration.

Requirements of meeting space use:

1. Meetings should cause no interruption or inconvenience to ongoing library activities.

2. BiblioTech Administration reserves the right to limit organizations which hold periodic meetings to once per month for each group in an effort to encourage the broadest use possible.

3. Application for the use of the meeting space should be made at least 1 week in advance and not more than 90 days in advance, using Meeting Room Request Form. The application should be made by a person over the age of 18 who will be responsible for the group’s adherence to the rules and regulations. The Meeting Room Request Form is available on the BiblioTech website or at the branch.

4. At least one adult over the age of 18 must be present for all youth group activities.

5. The library must be notified promptly of any cancellations. Failure to do so may be grounds for declining future meeting space use.

6. The meeting space is not available for: Non-library social functions, including, but not limited to, showers, parties, etc
Political endorsements, political fundraisers or other political activities.

7. Smoking and alcoholic beverages are prohibited.

8. Meeting space should be left in a clean and uncluttered condition. Tables and chairs should be returned to their original positions. Any equipment should be returned to its proper placement.

9. Groups are responsible for any damage to the meeting space and its contents during their use.

10. Meeting space is available during library hours. Meetings must adjourn and meeting space must be vacated 15 minutes before library closing time. Any meetings outside library hours must be approved and accommodated by a technician or coordinator.

11. The use of the meeting space does not constitute an endorsement of an organization’s policies or beliefs.

12. All viewing material must be appropriate for public view. Offensive, disturbing, harmful, obscene material may not be projected.

13. The organization assumes the responsibility for accommodation and specific articles of compliance as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

14. BiblioTech is not responsible for theft or damage to property brought into the meeting space.

15. BiblioTech Administration reserves the right to cancel or suspend any permission granted to a group or organization that violates the rules and regulations of the meeting space or library.