FAQs
The Library in the Forest is currently open Sunday, 1-5pm; Monday & Tuesday, 9am-8pm; and Wednesday-Saturday, 9am-6pm.
Curbside service is available Monday-Saturday, 10am-6pm call 205-978-0155.
We offer a variety of other ways to check-out materials or access resources from home:
- Check out digital resources, available 24/7! Our wide range of digital resources are accessible from home using your library card — including eBooks, eAudiobooks, streaming movies, online databases and more.
- Having trouble accessing digital offerings? Call 205-978-0155 or get help from our librarians at Drop Us a Line.
- Curbside service continues with pick-ups available daily from 10am to 6pm, Monday through Saturday. Click here to reserve materials online or call 205-978-0155.
- Remote lockers at Liberty Pharmacy are open. Click here to reserve materials online or call 205-78-0155.
Does the Library in the Forest have an app?
Yes! The Vestavia Hills Public Library app is available for both Apple and Android devices. Download today to check your account, search the catalog, use your digital library card, renew items and get the latest recommended reads:
Apple (App Store)
Android (Google Play)
How do I apply for a library card?
Click here for information and to register for a library card online!
Can my child get a library card?
Yes! A parent or legal guardian must be present and both parent (or guardian) and child must sign the application and responsibility statement. The parent/legal guardian must show a driver’s license with current address or a form of government-issued ID and verification of current address (such as a piece of mail, lease agreement, checkbook, billing statement, etc.).
Where can I use my library card?
You can use your library card at any Jefferson County Public Library. For a complete list of locations and hours, CLICK HERE. Please note that if you borrow materials from other Jefferson County libraries, checkout time, late charges and return requirements may vary.
How long will my card be valid and is it easy to renew?
Library cards are valid for two years. When your card expires, you may renew it at any JCLC library by showing your driver’s license or other government issued photo ID and verification of current address.
Lost/Stolen Library Card
Report lost or stolen cards to the library immediately, as you are responsible for all items checked out on your card. Call 205.978.0155 during normal library hours or email contact.us@vestavialibrary.org.
How many items can I check out at a time?
You may have a maximum of 150 items checked out on your card at a time.
Checkout & Return Guidelines
Books, audiobooks, playaways (self-playing audiobooks), NOOKs and music CDs may be checked out for 3 weeks. DVDs, Blu-Rays, and HotSpots check out for 7 days. Patrons may check out a maximum of 150 items at any given time.
Materials from other JCLC libraries can be requested by patrons for pick up at the Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest. These requests can be made online by visiting the JCLC database or by calling 205.978.0155.
Books, audiobooks, CDs and DVDs may be checked out and returned to any public library branch in Jefferson County unless otherwise stated. If you are returning materials to the Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest, please take advantage of our quick access exterior return slots located near the main entrance.
Can I place a hold for materials to be picked up?
Yes. Hold items are available for pickup utilizing Curbside Pickup or the remote lockers at Liberty Pharmacy. Be sure to reserve materials online or by calling 205.978.0155 ext. 2 at least 24 hours prior to pick-up.
Can I request materials from other libraries to pick up at the Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest?
Yes! Materials from other JCLC libraries can be requested by patrons for pick up at the Library in the Forest. These requests can be made online (CLICK HERE) or in person.
How do I renew materials?
Any non-digital item checked out at a JCLC location will be renewed automatically at the end of its lending period, with the following exceptions:
- Another patron places a reserve on that item
- The item has reached its maximum number of renewals (2 for most items)
- Your account has accrued $5.01 or more in fines
- If the item is not renewable
- Your account activity has been blocked
- The item is an eBook (digital item)
You may also renew items in person, online by clicking the “Renew Online” button below or by calling 205.226.3790 (anytime) or by calling 205.978.0155 during normal library hours. Be sure to have your library card available. All items can be renewed twice unless another patron has the item on hold.
You will be notified by the courtesy email notice that your item has been automatically renewed. If you opted to not receive courtesy email notices, you will not be notified. You will be alerted with the standard notice, however, when the item is overdue.
Late Charges
Fines for overdue books, audiobooks, playaways (self-playing audiobooks), and music CDs are $0.25 per day. Fines for DVDs, Blu-rays and NOOKs are $1.00 per day. Hotspots are $5.00 per day.
Notice will be provided via mail, phone or email for any overdue library materials. If the late charges are not paid when overdue materials are returned, those charges will be billed to your card for future payment. Late charges may be paid in-person at any Jefferson County library or online.
Can I pay overdue fines online?
Yes! Click the button below to pay fines online.
What if I don’t have the money to pay my overdue fines?
Turn in your overdue items anyway to prevent accruing even more fines. You can still check out items if your fines are $5.00 or less.
What if an item I checked out from the library gets damaged or lost?
You are responsible for all items checked out on your card. Click HERE to view overdue and replacement fees.
Interlibrary Loan
Interlibrary loan (ILL) acquires books, photocopies of non-circulating materials (such as magazine articles), and government publications not already owned by the public libraries of Jefferson County.
ILL request forms may be submitted in person at any public library in Jefferson County or online. To place an online request, visit WorldCat Discovery and search for the desired title. After locating the selection, click on the ILL icon and complete the online form. For additional information, visit www.jclc.org.
Library Patron Confidentiality Act
All library patron information is confidential. Employees must, therefore, treat all patron matters accordingly as stated by the Privacy Act (Code of Alabama 41-8-10). No patron information, including home address, phone number, and materials checked out, may be revealed to anyone, except to the patron, with proper identification. The content of patron records may not be disclosed to anyone except under subpoena. Employees will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal, for improperly revealing information of a confidential nature. (Code of Alabama 41-8-10)
Is photography allowed at the Library?
Casual amateur photography, filming, and videotaping is permitted in the lobby, outdoors and in program areas of the Library for patrons and visitors wanting a remembrance of their visit, provided that the photography does not distract, disturb or interfere in any way with Library patrons or operations, or capture any identifiable likenesses of individuals without their permission.
No commercial, professional or media photography or filming may occur in Library facilities without the prior written permission and approval of Library Director or Deputy Director. Such approval shall contain the conditions under which the commercial/professional/media photography or filming will take place, and address the rights to ownership of the photos/films. Photographers must submit a Photography Request Form a minimum of 72 hours prior to the requested photography session date. The request will not be valid until official approval from Library Administration is received via email by the requester. Click HERE to view the Photography and Videography Policy and submit a Photography/Videography Request Form online.
Community organizations hosting scheduled programs, events or meetings in the Library’s meeting rooms may arrange for their own photography or videotaping/recording of their event, provided that the photography or videography does not distract, disturb or interfere in any way with Library patrons or operations, or capture any identifiable likenesses of individuals without their permission. Such photography and videotaping is restricted to the space reserved by the group, and the group is responsible for any necessary releases and permissions.
Can I register to vote at the Library?
Yes, the library offers voter registration forms. You can complete and submit the form onsite or complete later and mail.
Can I donate books to the Library?
Normal, yes. Donations will be reviewed by a librarian and either added to the library’s collection or given to the Friends of the Library Bookstore to be sold.
I need a place to study with a group. Does the Library have study rooms?
The library has four study rooms available for patron use available on a first come, first served basis. Click HERE for guidelines regarding the use of study rooms.
