Visiting the Library FAQs

  • General Questions

    For Personal Use

    FVRL welcomes personal, non-commercial photography, filming, and creation of videos in our facilities and at library events as long as it doesn’t interfere with other library patrons. Here are our guidelines:

    • Respect the wishes of others: Ask permission if your photos or videos will include other people, and be respectful if they say no.
    • Minimize disruption: Be aware of how lights or noise could be a problem. If you have large equipment, please get an okay from library management beforehand.
    • Be aware of traffic flow: Please don’t block stairwells, exits, or access to library resources. Respect staff member instructions.
    • As always when in a library facility, please follow FVRL’s Rules of Conduct and all staff instructions. Staff may ask photographers to stop filming if the guidelines above are not followed.

    Other purposes

    For journalism

    If you are a journalist, we appreciate notification before you film or take photos. Please contact jalder@fvrl.org. We encourage you to check with staff before beginning and leave us a business card before you go.

    For nonprofit or commercial use

    If you are taking photos or filming for your nonprofit business or commercial (non-news-related) purposes, you need to get permission at least seven business days in advance. Email jalder@fvrl.org, including the following information:

    • Name and description of the organization or individual making the request
    • Project description, including the context and way in which the library is to be portrayed and the intended use of the resulting material
    • Provisions for how the library and district will be credited
    • Date(s) requested
    • Time and duration of proposed shoot
    • Number of people and amount and type of equipment involved, including vehicles
    • Potential disruption (sound, light, physical, etc.) of library activities
    • Proof of adequate insurance coverage and a signed indemnification agreement
    • Location releases, if necessary—to be submitted for review by the library in advance

    Please note: There may be rental fees based on project scope and location.

    Note about FVRLibraries Staff and Photography

    FVRL staff may occasionally take photographs in the library’s public spaces and at programs for use in print and electronic publications (including social media). If you prefer not to be photographed, please let the photographer know.

    In the Libby app

    In the OverDrive app 

    Please note: the OverDrive app was discontinued on May 1, 2023. As Amazon has accepted the Libby app into the Amazon Appstore for newer Kindle Fire tablets to download, the OverDrive app will be removed from the Amazon Appstore on June 7, 2023. Older Fire owners will still be able to use the OverDrive app for now if it was previously downloaded.

    OverDrive in your browser

    Yes, if they are legally defined service animals.

    Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act in allowing individuals with disabilities to bring personal service animals onto library premises and into public areas of the library.

    The law defines only dogs and miniature horses as service animals. FVRLibraries’ Rules of Conduct prohibits bringing non-service animals in our buildings except as authorized by staff.

    Please read our Service Animals in the Library (PDF) handout for more information.

  • Computers, wi-fi, printing, and scanning

    Internet computers offer filtered internet access, the library catalog, and our online resource collection, along with a suite of software including:

    • Microsoft Word
    • Microsoft Excel
    • Microsoft PowerPoint
    • Microsoft Publisher
    • Fusion (Software bundle for the vision-impaired, including Jaws and ZoomText)

    Learn to use the Microsoft Office 2021 versions of Excel, PowerPoint, and Word products here:

    Internet computer sessions are 60 minutes. If no one else is waiting for a computer, patrons may extend their sessions in 30-minute increments.  

    For your own privacy, please save all downloads and personal files to a USB drive or other external device.

    Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about our remote printing service.

    Where can I find basic instructions?

    On FVRL's Print, Copy, Scan, or Fax page.

    What if I want to print an email or email attachment?

    For all FVRLibraries locations except White Salmon Valley Community Library, forward your email to one of these addresses, depending on whether you want to print in black and white or in color:

    For White Salmon Valley Community Library only, forward your email to one of these addresses, depending on whether you want to print in black and white or in color:

    Please note: emails forwarded to the White Salmon Valley Community Library email addresses can only be printed at White Salmon Valley Community Library. 

    Once you forward your email, you should receive a reply within a minute or two containing your release code so you can retrieve it from the printer.

    At the print release station in the library, enter the release code listed in the confirmation email you received. 

    The email itself and each of its attachments will then show up as separate print jobs, so you can pick and choose which documents you actually want to print.

    Note: this method of printing emails does not allow cardholders to redeem the $3 weekly printing credit. To redeem your credit while printing emails, you'll need to follow the directions for printing from a webpage, Google Suite, or password-protected page below.

    How can I print from a webpage, Google Suite file, or password-protected page like an email or boarding pass?

    Convert your file or page into a PDF. Here are instructions for saving as a PDF in a few common operating systems:

    • On a Chromebook, type ctrl+p. Verify that "Save as PDF" is the print option, then click Save. Choose a name and location for the PDF file. Upload the saved PDF to ePRINTit.
    • On a Mac, Choose File > Print. Click the PDF pop-up menu, then choose "Save as PDF." Choose a name and location for the PDF file. Upload the saved PDF to ePRINTit.
    • On a Windows 10 PC, Select File > Print. Select "Microsoft Print to PDF" as the printer, then click Print. Choose a name and location for the PDF file and click Save. Upload the saved PDF to ePRINTit.

    You can print any of these file types: .pdf, .jpg, .jpeg, .png, .gif, .bmp, .tif, .tiff, .doc, .docx, .ppt, .pptx, .xls, .xlsx, .html, .htm, .txt, .rtf, .pub, .odt, .odp, .ods, .xps

    I used my library account number but didn't get any free prints! Why not?

    You must use your library account to log into one of FVRL's public internet computers at least once before the printing system will recognize you and apply the credit.

    I sent my print job from home. Where and when do I pick it up?

    Come to the print release/payment kiosk at any FVRLibraries location except White Salmon Valley Community Library to print and pay for your printing. Print jobs sent to White Salmon Valley Community Library must be retrieved at White Salmon Valley Community Library. They will not show up at any of our other locations. You have 24 hours to print your pages.

    On which day does the weekly credit renew?

    Sunday.

    Can I print from my mobile device (in the library or from anywhere)?

    Yes, you can. Either email your print job (see above question) or use the ePRINTit SaaS app for Apple iOS or Android. From the app, you can print documents, emails, photos, or webpages.

    Please note: In the app store, select the app named "ePRINTit SaaS" and NOT "ePRINTit Mobile".  

    Once you select the item you wish to print in the app, select the button that says "Nearby" and pick a library location. 

    No matter which library you choose, you can retrieve your print job from any FVRLibraries location except White Salmon Valley Community Library. Print jobs sent to White Salmon Valley Community Library must be retrieved at White Salmon Valley Community Library. They will not show up at any other location. 

    How do I pay for my remote printing?

    Pay at the payment kiosk at the library. It accepts cash (coins and $1, $5, and $10 bills) as well as credit cards and debit cards up to a $5 limit (in other words, large jobs need to be split into $5 increments if you're paying with a card).

    You’re welcome to send a fax at any FVRLibraries location*—it’s free! If you’re not sure where to find the fax machine or how to use it, just ask a staff member. We’re happy to help.

    Here’s how to send a fax:

    1. Press the power button to turn on the fax machine.

    2. Place your document in the feeder (text facing up) or on the glass (text facing down).

    3. On the touchscreen, tap the “Fax” icon and then the “To:” box.

    4. Type in the fax number using the touchscreen or buttons. (If you’re using the glass, follow the prompts to finish scanning.)

    5. Tap “Send” on the touchscreen or press the green triangle button.

    6. Wait for the confirmation sheet to print—it should say “OK” in the status field.

    7. Finally, check with the person you’re sending it to and make sure everything came through clearly.

    Please note: The North Bonneville Community Library’s fax machine is only available during staffed hours—Wednesdays and Fridays from 2–5 pm.

    Wi-Fi is available 24/7 at all of our locations except for Goldendale Community Library. Wi-Fi is available at Goldendale Community Library between 6:00 am and 10:00 pm. Bring your personal laptop, tablet, smartphone, or eReader to the library and use the internet without a time limit either in the building or outside.

    Our wireless internet service is free and does not require a special password. To connect:

    1. Open the browser on your laptop or device and navigate to fvrl.org.
    2. You should be redirected to a screen with our internet access policy. You must accept our policy to join the network.

    If you have trouble connecting, please consult a staff member.

    Keep in mind:

    • At certain times of day, the library experiences heavier Wi-Fi traffic. If you accept the policy and are not immediately connected, try accepting the policy again.
    • If you don’t see the internet policy accept screen, try turning the device's Wi-Fi off and back on. This should prompt the device to search for the library signal and reconnect.

    Wi-Fi outside Cascade Park Community Library is provided by the City of Vancouver.

    For a full list of local Wi-Fi locations, see the Washington Wi-Fi map.

  • General questions

    Details about the Charging Stations

    • There are two charging stations. One is a DC Fast charger that operates at up to 100 kWh. This has both CCS1 and CHAdeMO plugs. The second is a level 2 charger that operates at up to 7.2 kWh and has a J-1772 plug. 
    • There are three parking spots dedicated to the EV charging stations at the south end of the parking lot. There are 31 parking spots between street parking and the parking lot including two ADA parking spots which are unaffected by the addition of the EV chargers.
    • While none of the built in plugs are Tesla’s NACS, adaptors to convert CCS to NACS are supported. Tesla Destination Chargers are available at Skamania Lodge for customers and guests. The closest Tesla Superchargers are in Hood River or Troutdale.   
    • The charges are available 24/7. They also have dedicated lighting, and are close enough to the library building to have 24/7 access to library wifi.
    • If the chargers are not working, reach out to  Flo.  The company maintains and supports the chargers and are available 24/7 at 855-543-8356

    Costs Associated with the Charging Stations

    • Both chargers are $ 0.48 per kW. The chargers are operated by Flo, who has an iOS and Android app that can handle payment on their network and several others, they also accept debit and credit cards, and Apple and Google Pay. 
    • There are no idle fees  for staying plugged in after your charging session is complete.
    • Per  RCW 46.08.185 “It is a parking infraction, with a monetary penalty of one hundred twenty-four dollars, for any person to park a vehicle in a parking space served by publicly available electric vehicle supply equipment if the vehicle is not connected to the charging equipment.” 

     

     

    Lucky Day books are extra copies of popular titles—you won't find them listed in the catalog, aside from copies that are currently checked out, so you have to visit the library in person and look on the shelf to see if it is your Lucky Day.

    If you check out a Lucky Day copy of a book you had on hold, the computer will automatically cancel your hold for you, since you don't need to be on the wait list for it anymore.

    You may have only two Lucky Day titles checked out at one time. You can keep them for three weeks, but you can't renew them.

    Yes, food and drinks are welcome in designated areas of the library. To keep our spaces clean and comfortable for everyone, please enjoy your snacks and drinks in those areas only. If you’re unsure where these spaces are, just ask a staff member or check for posted signs.

    Yes! Library staff can provide tours, presentations, or other services for your group—whether it’s at one of our libraries or at another location. To get started, fill out our group visit request form with some details about your group’s interests and goals. Please submit this form at least 30 days in advance if possible.

    If you’re looking for help for just one person, please use our individual library help request form instead.