Frequently Asked Questions

The library tries to make it easy for library customers to move through its branches by offering:

• Accessible parking spaces, ramps, and restrooms at all branches.
• An open-floor, easily traversable layout at its branches, with no interior stairs at any branches except the Fredericksburg Branch, which has elevator access to all floors.
• Drive-up book drops and wheelchair-accessible doors at many branches.
• Walkers or wheelchairs are available at many branches upon request.
• Porter & Howell elected to put needlepoint bipolar ionization systems, opens a new window, which kill the COVID-19 virus within an hour.
• Curbside Service is available at most branches.
• Location pages on the website have information about what accessibility features are at each branch.

Please contact your local library branch if you have questions about specific features at that location.

You may request a meeting room, study room, or privacy pod online or by calling or visiting the branch and asking a staff member to submit a request on your behalf. An email address must be included in the request form to ensure receipt of our terms and conditions. A library card is required to make a reservation for a meeting room. If you do not have an email address or a library card contact the research desk for assistance.

Yes. Learn how to apply filters for younger users within each app with this blog post.

Note: Parents and caregivers can set preferences in the library's apps to limit the content that is displayed. Please keep in mind that these aren't the sophisticated parental controls that commercial apps can offer, and it may be the right decision for your family to wait to use these apps with your child when they are older.

Black-and-white printing is available at no charge from any library computer or Chromebook.

We offer simple notary services by appointment at most library locations. Confirmation of a notary appointment does not guarantee your documents can be notarized. Learn more about our notary services here.

Yes. To get details and read the terms and conditions, go here.

Each library branch has fax capabilities that are available to the public at no charge. If you have questions or need assistance, contact the Research Desk at your preferred branch. 

Fax Numbers of Each Branch

• Cooper: (804) 224-1330
• Fredericksburg: (540) 899-9867
• Howell: (540) 899-1707
• Library Administration Center: (540) 834-0767
• Montross: (804) 493-0446
• Newton:  (804) 472-5104
• Porter: (540) 659-1909; alternate fax: (540) 659-8309
• Salem Church: (540) 785-0427; alternate fax: (540) 548-1029
• Snow: (540) 582-1052
• Towne Centre: (540) 318-3977

Free public-access computers are available for use on a first-come, first served basis. Also, all of our branches are set up with free wifi access. In addition to the Internet, you can use a number of online databases. You might also want to view our Use of Computer Resources policy.

The CRRL region includes Stafford, Spotsylvania, and Westmoreland counties and the city of Fredericksburg. These localities supply a portion of their tax money to support the CRRL, and anyone who resides, owns property, or is a student, a teacher or county and city government employee within the region may obtain a library card free of charge.

The library has reciprocal agreements with the counties of Caroline, Culpeper, Fauquier, Orange, and Prince William that allow those residents to obtain free cards either by showing a card from their library or proof of residency. All others outside CRRL's jurisdiction must pay an annual family fee of thirty dollars. Senior citizens (62+) pay fifteen dollars.

Your library card is good at all of the CRRL branches. A CRRL library card allows you to:

• check out print, audio, and video materials
• access our online databases through our website
• download eBooks, eAudio, Streaming Video, and eMagazines
• check out at any branch and return to any other branch
• check out videos for a week and all other items for two weeks
• renew in person, by telephone or online unless reserve requests have been recorded for those items

We have a few learning resources that are offered in Español. You may go here to explore.

We have copiers at each branch. Copies are free.

The library does not charge overdue fees. Replacement fees are still being charged for lost or damaged items. Overdue fees were eliminated on January 1, 2023, and accumulated overdue fees were waived.

Making Payments in a Library Branch:

• Express Checkout: Express checkout machines accept credit card/debit cards, mobile payments, and cash payments. A receipt can be printed, emailed, or both.
• Customer Services Desk: Customers Services staff accept cash and check payments. A receipt can be printed.
• Online Payment: Credit/debit card payments are accepted online. A receipt can be printed.  
  • Click on “Log in/My CRRL” in the upper right corner.
  • You will be directed to "My Library Dashboard." Click on "Fees" under "My Borrowing."
  • If any fees are owed, the fees will be listed, and you will see a “Pay Fees” button.
  • Click "Pay Fees" and a payment window will be launched.
  • You can check or uncheck any individual charge and, for each charge, may change the amount in the “Payment” box to a lesser amount if you do not wish to pay the full charge at that time.
  • After specifying payment amounts, click the “Submit.” You will be directed to a “Payment Options” page where you can select “Pay From Credit Card” then enter your credit card information.