Library Collection FAQs

  • Book Group in a Bag

    Simplify your book group experience by utilizing a Book Group in a Bag. Each set includes 10 copies of the selected title, and you can keep it for 6 weeks! This is an excellent option for all types of book clubs—whether personal, business, or educational. You’ll discover titles suitable for adults, teens, and children. Read more here.

    Email us at bookgroupbags@crrl.org for assistance.

    We aim to have your Book Group in a Bag to your pick-up branch before your selected pick-up date. No worries, you will still have the bag for 6 weeks from your requested date, even if it comes into the branch early. Occasionally, the date originally selected is during a time when your pick-up branch is not open. Please look at your branch’s hours before coming to pick up your bag.

    You may reserve Book Group in a Bags back-to-back if they are not on hold for any other customers. Please email bookgroupbags@crrl.org for assistance with that.

    You can reserve up to twelve Book Group in a Bags with your library card.

    You will receive an overdue email reminder each day that the Book Group in a Bag is overdue, until all ten copies and the bag have been returned.

    Yes, we add new Book Group in a Bag titles quarterly. You can see all new titles in our online catalog here.

    We love to hear recommendations of titles that book groups are interested in reading; please email those to bookgroupbags@crrl.org or through the Ask Us page. Titles are selected according to a number of different factors, such as availability, affordability, and appeal to general readership. Recommendations cannot be individually responded to.

  • Library of Things

    The Library of Things extends the library’s mission of inspiring lifelong learning by providing non-traditional items that engage and delight. Browse the collection here.

    At this time, donations are not being accepted for the Library of Things.

    Please submit suggestions for the Library of Things here, opens a new window. Due to the volume of suggestions, we are unable to respond to each request.

    Central Rappahannock Regional Library’s Library of Things offers a variety of items, some of which have electrical components or other pieces that must be handled with care according to specific instructions. 

    Borrowing any item from the Library of Things indicates acceptance of the following terms of use:

    • Central Rappahannock Regional Library is not responsible for any injury, loss, or property damage that may occur from use. 
    • Borrowers agree to read the included instructions and follow all safety precautions. 
    • Decisions about use and supervision for children under age 18 rest with the parent or guardian. Grow a Reader packs are recommended for ages 3 and up, with adult supervision. 
    • All Library of Things items are for entertainment purposes only. 
    • Full replacement costs (not to exceed $200) will be charged should the item be lost or not returned for any reason.

  • Interlibrary Loan (ILL)

    Fill out this form online. Research desks at all branches have a paper form as well.

    Most libraries will not loan their new books. Try our Suggest a Purchase service for anything less than 6 months old.

    ILL (interlibrary loan) services are available to CRRL resident card-holders in good standing. Customers from other jurisdictions should initiate an ILL from their home libraries.

    The lending library sets the due date. If you will need it longer, please email: ill@crrl.org or call 540-372-1144 ext. 7035. We will contact the lending library and get back to you.

    There is a flat fee of $5.00 per item borrowed, even if you do not pick up the item. This covers the postage to mail the item between libraries. Some libraries charge an extra fee to loan materials - but we will always check with you before moving forward.

    Once the ILL fee is added to your account, you can pay it online by logging into your online account and going to the "fees" page. You can also pay in the branch via card, check, or cash when picking up the ILL.

    Note: items loaned from the University of Mary Washington and links to digital formats incur no charge.

    Interlibrary loans can take 3-6 weeks, depending on the availability of the item. For status inquiries, please email ill@crrl.org or call 540-372-1144 ext. 7035.

    Returns are accepted 24/7 via bookdrops or in branches during open hours. Interlibrary Loans must be returned to a staff person. 

  • Digital Collection

    OverDrive holds are tied to the specific library card number that a you logged in with when you placed the hold. If they you don't log in to OverDrive or Libby with that same card number, you will not see the title waiting for them. We recommend checking to see if you/your family has multiple library cards and, if so, sign in with the other card/cards until you see the title you requested. You may also have used a family member's or friend's card without realizing it.