Libraries
Albany Public Library
2450 14th Ave. S.E. (Main Library)
302 Ferry St. S.W. (Downtown Carnegie Library)
541-917-7580 (main), 541-917-7585 (downtown)
library.cityofalbany.net/
Open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (M-W), 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (TH/F) and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (SAT) at the Main Library; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (M-F) at the Downtown Carnegie Library.
Hundreds of thousands of books, magazines, videos, CDs, tapes and more are available at Albany’s Main Library and historic Downtown Carnegie Library. Other resources include Internet access, microfilm of Albany newspapers back to 1859, public information assistance by skilled reference staff during regular library hours and access to the libraries’ Apollo online catalog. The children’s area of each branch offers weekly story times, monthly kids’ activities and help with homework and research.
To get a library card: Services and borrower cards are free to Albany residents with proof of residency. Those living outside the city limits must pay an annual non-resident fee of $60 per family, $30 for individuals and $10 for the children’s area only.
Brownsville Community Library
146 Spaulding Ave.
541-466-5454
Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (T/W/F), 1 to 7 p.m., (TH) and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (SAT).
The Self-Improvement Club, now known as the Brownsville Women’s Study Club, established the Brownsville library in 1911. The facility is a large one for the size of its service area and it offers a wide variety of educational and entertaining reading and resource materials. Library patrons can enjoy a quiet, comfortable reading room or do research in the newly organized genealogy/history room. Computer stations are used by students and Internet surfers.
To get a library card: Free to city residents with proof of residency. Non-residents pay an annual fee of $15 per family or $7.50 for seniors.
Corvallis-Benton County Public Library
645 N.W. Monroe Ave., Corvallis
541-766-6926
www.thebestlibrary.net
Open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. (M-F), 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (SAT) and noon to 6 p.m. (SUN).
The Corvallis library system boasts an annual circulation of about one and a half million items including books, periodicals, books on tape, videos, video games, DVDs, CDs and electronic information sources. A bookmobile travels regularly throughout rural Benton County to visit residents who would otherwise not have access to a library. Homebound patrons can get books delivered for free through the Dial-A-Book service.
The library also offers an Ask-A-Librarian e-mail service, online catalog access to library cardholders, access to many informational databases, downloadable audio books and wireless Internet access. The children’s area features several computer stations, weekly story times, a summer reading program, book clubs and other special activities for ages up to 18. Two self-checkout stations allow patrons to check out their own items, useful for those in a hurry.
To get a library card: Anyone who resides, works, or goes to school in Benton County may get a free library card upon showing verification of address. Others may purchase a card for $75.
Library Branches
Philomath Community Library
1050 Applegate St.
541-929-3016
Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (M/TH-SAT) and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (T/W).
Alsea Community Library
19192 Alsea Highway
541-487-5061
Open 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (M/W/SAT) and 2 to 8 p.m. (T/TH).
Monroe Community Library
668 Commercial St.
541-847-5174
Open 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. (M), 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (T/TH), 3 to 8 p.m. (W) and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (SAT).
Jefferson Public Library
128 N. Main St.
541-327-3826
www.jefferson.plinkit.org
Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (T-TH) and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (SAT).
The library is located in the historic Joseph Conser House and offers books, magazines, videos, DVDs, cassette tapes and books on cassette and CD. Free Internet access is also available and a number of children’s programs are offered, including homework help and a summer reading program.
The library is a member of the Chemeketa Cooperative Regional Library Service, which includes all libraries in Marion, Polk and Yamhill counties and which shares materials between the member libraries. The main Web site for CCRLS is www.ccrls.org.
To get a library card: Everyone who lives within the Jefferson city limits can receive a free library card upon showing two pieces of identification that show their address; one must be a picture ID. Children under 16 must have a parent’s permission to get a card. Non-residents can check out one item at a time for free or they may purchase a local option card for use only in Jefferson for $25. A full-service card good at all CCRLS libraries costs $60 per family per year.
Lebanon Public Library
626 Second St.
541-258-4926
Open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (M/T), 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (W/TH) and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (F/SAT).
Nearly 45,000 items are available to Lebanon residents at the city library including a collection of large-print books, magazines, newspapers, videos, DVDs and books on tape and on CD. Patrons can also access the Internet and do word processing at the library’s computer stations. Story times for toddlers and preschoolers are offered weekly, as is a summer reading program for children in preschool through high school. There is also an adult summer reading program. People can renew their books, check to see if a book is available and put items on hold through the library’s online system at www.lebanon.plinkit.org.
To get a library card: Proof of residency must be shown to get a free library card. Those living outside the city pay $50 for a family per year, $40 for seniors and $15 for a child card, which includes all children in the family but is good only for the children’s book section.
Linn-Benton Community College Library
6500 S.W. Pacific Blvd., Albany
541-917-4638, 541-917-4645 (reference desk)
libref@linnbenton.edu
lib.linnbenton.edu/library/portal2.html
Open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. (M-TH) and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (F). Summer hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (M-TH).
LBCC’s library is open to all district residents. The library has open book shelves for leisurely browsing, wireless computer access for personal laptops and a quiet study atmosphere. The library also provides computers and printers for drop-in access to the Internet and other electronic information sources. Magazines, newspapers, tapes, videos, DVDs and copiers are available. Reserve materials for classes are provided for supplementary reading and viewing. The library staff offers assistance with information and research needs. Materials not available at LBCC may be obtained at no charge through interlibrary loans.
To get a library card: Proof of residency in Linn or Benton counties required.
Oregon State University Valley Library
Jefferson Way (near the main entrance to the campus), Corvallis
541-737-3331
osulibrary.oregonstate.edu
Open 7:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. (M-TH), 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. (F), 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (SAT) and 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. (SUN). When school is not in session, the library is open from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. (M-TH), 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. (F), 1 to 6 p.m. (SAT) and 1 to 9 p.m. (SUN).
The Valley Library offers more than 1.6 million books and journals, electronic databases and an extensive reference section. It features several special collections including the papers and memorabilia of two-time Nobel Prize winner Linus Pauling and his wife Ava Helen Pauling; records of other important 20th century science discoveries, including a section on atomic energy science; and a unique collection of Northwest art created by regional artists. The library also has portals to a Linus Pauling DNA Web site, an Oregon Explorer Natural Resources Web site, Oregon Multicultural Archives and an OSU Baseball Centennial Web site.
To get a library card: Oregon residents, members of the OSU Alumni Association, Friends of the Library and Extension volunteers 16 years of age and older can get a card at the circulation desk with proof of Oregon residency, proof of age, photo identification and a forwarding address.
Sweet Home Public Library
1101 13th Ave.
541-367-5007
ci.sweet-home.or.us/index.aspx?NID=75
Open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. (M/T/TH) and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (F/SAT).
Sweet Home’s city library has a circulation of about 38,000 items including 1,400 videos, DVDs and CDs. The library receives a lot of support from the Friends of the Sweet Home Library, who sponsor three major fundraisers during the year to purchase more books, shelves and other resources the library needs. The Friends also sponsor the Bookends bookstore, at 1234 Main St., to raise funds for the library. Other services include a summer reading program for children and computer workstations for both adults and children to use.
To get a library card: Library cards are available to Sweet Home residents with proof of residency. Users living outside the city limits pay $35 per household.
Harrisburg Public Library
354 Smith St.
541-995-6949
ci.harrisburg.or.us
Open 3 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (M), noon to 6 p.m. (T-TH) and 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (F).
Harrisburg’s city library has a circulation of about 12,000 books, 100 videos and 100 audio books. It also offers a variety of activities throughout the year including special reading events and speakers.
To get a library card: Library cards are available to Harrisburg residents with proof of residency. Nonresidents pay $10.
Scio Public Library
38957 N.W. First Ave.
503-394-3342
www.scio.plinkit.org
Open 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m. (M/W/TH/F), 3 to 8 p.m. (T) and 1 to 4 p.m. (SAT).
Scio’s city library has a circulation of about 12,000 books, videos, DVD’s and audio books. There is a summer reading program for toddlers through middle school children. The library also offers a variety of activities throughout the year including a children’s story time, Chautauqua speakers and a weekly genealogy class.
To get a library card: Library cards are available to Scio residents with proof of residency. Adult users living outside the city limits pay $30. Children’s cards for those in eighth grade or younger are free. Teens pay $5.