If you are at least 18, show us your identification and verification of your current mailing address when you register for a library card. Acceptable forms of address verification include:

• California Drivers License / Identification with current address
• Bank check with Name and address imprinted
• Current Utility Bill
• Current Post Office Box Receipt
• Piece of mail, postmarked within the last week

If you are under 18, show us verification of your current mailing address. Your parent’s or guardian’s signature is required, which holds them responsible for all materials checked out with your library card.

Internet access is available for patrons:

• Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 6:45 p.m.
• Wednesday 10:00 a.m. – 5:45 p.m.
• Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 1:45 p.m.

A fine-free Library card is required; black & white copies are 15¢ per page and color copies are 65¢ per page.

Individuals & Families–50 Total Items

• 10 Magazines
• 10 Audios
• 2 Encyclopedias
• 10 DVDs/Blu-rays Per Family
• 1 Hotspot
• 1 Connectivity Kit
• 1 Pass

50 Total Limit

Checkout e-magazines just like e-books through the Overdrive website or the Libby app. Here’s a link to videos that shows you how to read e-magazines. Go here.

Here’s a link to videos for each type of device that shows you how. Go here.

Here’s a link to step-by-step instructions. Go here.

Here’s a link that shows you how. Go here.

Here's a link to Hoopla's help for more information. Go here.

Here’s a link that shows you how. Go here.

No, you don’t have to visit the library to renew a book although we are always happy to see you! Items are set to auto-renew up to 5 times as long as there are not requests for them. Hotspots and Connectivity Kits do not auto-renew.

You can check the status of your materials by going to the library website and logging into your account using your library card number and the last 4-digits of your phone number. Also, from within the 805 area code, you can call 800-354-9660 and follow the automated instructions.  You will need your library card number to use the system.  Of course, you can call us and talk to a real person during library business hours at 805-525-3615 and press Option 3.

If you are 18 years or older, you can stop by the library to check one out or use your Library card to place a hold to pick one up later.  The library card has to be active for 3 months before devices can be checked out. (And remember, wireless access is available at no charge at all Library locations.)

Adults (18+) who have a valid Library card that has been active for at least 3 months can borrow a HotSpot. Don’t have a Library card? Apply online.

You can borrow it for 7 days. Overdue hotspots will incur fines ($1/day) and have Internet access deactivated after their due date.  A reactivation fee may be charged.

Hotspots can be requested like other Library materials. When you place a hold, you will be placed on a waiting list to receive the next available hotspot. Requests can be suspended or “paused” to help control when an item becomes ready for pickup.

Because of the geographic nature of our region, it is possible hotspot coverage in some areas may not be available when there is no cell phone capability, particularly in Cuyama and Simmler. We anticipate coverage will be excellent throughout most of the three counties in which Black Gold libraries operate.

No. Texting/SMS messaging is not available.

10 devices at a time.

You can return the hotspot to the Library, either inside or in a bookdrop. You must return the device with all the original packaging and accessories. Please fully charge the battery before you return the device.

Borrowing and using the device is free! If the device is lost or damaged beyond repair, a $100 fee will be charged to your Library account. Fees for unreturned parts of the hotspot package are:

• Case – $10
• Cord – $10
• Charger – $10
• SIM Card – $10

Your Internet usage is not tracked by the Library or the service provider. The Library maintains records of which patrons have checked out Library materials for the duration of the checkout period and may use that data to maintain proper operation of the Library in accordance with our Privacy policy. We eliminate personally identifiable information from those records as soon as the items are returned and processed. The Library does not have access to or collect specific usage data. The Library does not provide patron information to the service provider. The only data about the HotSpot program that the Library collects is the total amount of data transmitted and received by each device during a billing cycle and anonymous circulation data related to checkouts of the hotspot devices.

You can access full documentation for the ZTE Falcon Z-917 hotspot at T-Mobile‘s website. If you have problems using the device, the instructions for resetting the device or for removing and reinserting the battery may be useful.