Library Hours and Holiday Closings
Library Hours
Monday- Thursday: 10am-7pm
Friday: 10am- 3pm
Saturday: 9am-4pm (10am-2pm between Memorial Day and Labor Day)
Holiday Closings: 2024
Monday, February 19 – Presidents Day
Friday, March 29 – Good Friday
Monday, May 27 – Memorial Day
Wednesday, June 19- Juneteenth
Thursday, July 4 – Independence Day
Monday, September 2 – Labor Day
Monday, November 11 – Veterans’ Day Observed
Thursday, November 28 – Thanksgiving Day
Tuesday, December 24 – Christmas Eve
Wednesday, December 25 - Christmas Day
Tuesday, December 31 – New Year’s Eve
In-Service Days: 2024
Monday, February 19 - Presidents’ Day
Wednesday, June 19- Junetheenth
Monday, October 14th
The Basics
Returning Books
Q: Where do I return my books?
A: Either drop your books in the book return at the left of the front entrance, or place on the book return cart by the front desk.
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Q: There is a sticker on my DVD/videogame/audiobook that says not to place in book drop. Where do I return it?
A: Bring the item inside. Place on the return cart by the front desk.
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Q: Can I return a book from Cranberry at the Mars Library?
A: Yes. Any item borrowed from a library within the Butler County Federated Library System can be returned to any library within the system. For a list of BCFLS libraries, click here.
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Q: Can I return an interlibrary loan from Cranberry at the Mars Library?
A: No. Each library tracks their interlibrary loans separately. Please return your interlibrary loan to the library where you received it.
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Q: Can I return a book from outside the Butler County Federated Library System to the Mars Library?
A: No. If you borrowed a book from a different library system, such as Allegheny, please return it to a library belonging to that system.
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For more information, go here.
Books on hold/requesting books
Q: How can I place a hold?
A: Visit the library in person, give the library a call, or order online through the catalog.
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Q: How many items can I place on hold at one time?
A:
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Q: I placed an item on hold! Where do I pick it up?
A: Holds are kept behind the front desk. Go to the front desk and give a staff member you last name to check out your book.
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Q: How long does it take for a book from another Butler Library System library to get to the Mars Library?
A: There is a system in place where books from the libraries in the the Butler County Federated Library System are exchanged several times a week. Depending on which library is supplying the item, it will arrive between one to seven days.
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Q: How long will the book stay at the Mars Library when it arrives?
A: Holds are kept for three days. After this amount of time, the hold will be canceled and the item will be returned to the collection.
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Q: Why can't I place an item on hold?
A: Is your library card expired? Either call or visit the library to renew your card.
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Q: How will I be notified when my hold comes in?
A: Three options are available for hold notifications, email, texting, and phone calls. Let the staff know which option is best for you.
Collection items
Q: Are there just books in the Mars Area Public Library collection?
A: No. The Mars Area Public Library offers a wide range of magazines, DVDs, Blu-Rays, audiobooks, learning kits, video games, and more.
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Q: Where can I find more information about these items?
A: For video games, go here. For other items, use the 'format' dropdown on the library catalog to narrow your search to specific items.
Renewals
Q: How can I renew my book?
A: Download the app, log in to the catalog, or give the library a call.
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Q: Are there automatic renewals?
A: Yes. Your items will be automatically renewed three times unless the item is on hold for someone else.​
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Q: My book didn't renew? What happened?
A: There are two options, either someone else has placed a hold on the book or your card has expired. Call the library for more information.
Lost, Late, and Damaged Books
Q: My book is late! What are the fines?
A: Books, magazines, and other items have a fine of $0.25 per day. Items such as DVDs, video games, and the telescope have a fine of $1.00 a day.
Q: I have an overdue book and I haven't been to the library in a year! How much will my fine be?
A: Fines will accumulate at a rate of either $0.25 or $1.00 a day depending on the item. Once the fine reaches the price of the item, such as a $25 book, the fine will no longer increase.
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Q: My book is late but I still need it! Can it be renewed?
A: Renewing overdue books varies from case to case. Call the library to speak to a staff member.
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Q: My dog ate the book! What do I do?
A: Fill out a lost/damaged form at the library. You will be charged the cost of the item so it can be replaced.
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Q: I left my book in California! What do I do?
A: Fill out a lost/damaged form at the library. You will be charged the cost of the item so it can be replaced.
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For more information, go here.
Butler County Federated Library System
Q: What is the Butler County Federated Library System?
A: The Butler County Federated Library System, or BCFLS, oversees the operations of the nine libraries within the Butler area.
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Q: What libraries are in the Butler County Federated Library System?
A: Butler Area Public Library, Cranberry Township Public Library, Evans City Public Library, Mars Area Public Library, North Trails Public Library, Prospect Community Library, Slippery Rock Community Library, South Butler Community Library, and Zelienople Area Public Library.
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For more information, such as addresses, websites, and phone numbers, go here.
Library Cards
Q: How do I get a library card?
A: Bring a proof of address, such as a driver's license or a bill with your name and address, to the Mars Library. You will fill out a form and receive a card.
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Q: Is there a fee for getting a library card?
A: No. There are no fees for your first library card in the Butler County Federated Library System.
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Q: I lost my card, can I replace it?
A: Yes. There will be a $2.50 replacement fee, and be aware that if you find your lost card it will longer work.
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Q: What age can my kid(s) get their own library card?
A:
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Q: Can I get a Mars Library if I live outside of the Butler area?
A: Yes. As long as you already have a card with the library system that operates in your area, such as the Allegheny County Library Association, you can get a card with a Butler library.
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Q: What if I've just moved and don't have a current proof of address?
A: As long as you have something with your name and new address on it, such as a temporary driver's license or a utility bill, you can get a card.
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Q: Can I use a Mars Library card at the other Butler County Federated Library System libraries?
A: Yes. There are nine libraries in the Butler County Federated Library System, and your Mars Area Public Library card will work at all of them.
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Q: Do I need a Mars Area Public Library card if I have a card from a different library in the Butler County Federated Library system?
A: No. Any card from one of the nine libraries in the Butler County Federated Library system will work at all the libraries.
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Q: Do library cards expire?
A: Yes. Your library card will expire exactly one year from the date you received it.
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Q: How do I renew my library card?
A: Either call the library or visit in person. The staff will have you confirm that the information on your card, such as your address, has not changed during the past year and renew the card for another year.
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For more information, go here.
Checking out
Q: How long are items checked out?
A: Three weeks.
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Q: Do different items have different check out periods?
A: No. All items within the Mars Area Public Library are checked out for three weeks.
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Q: Is there a self check out?
A: Yes. To check items out yourself, download the Mars Area Public Library App.
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Q: How many items can I check out at one time?
A: 25. But remember that you have 25 late items the fine will quickly grow.
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Q: Can I pick up books on hold for family members?
A: Yes. As long as you either have the library card of your family member or can answer a few questions such as their birthday, address, etc., you will be able to pick up the item.
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Q: I left my card at home! Can I still check items out?
A: Yes. Either the staff at the front desk your last name and address or give them your ID and you can still pick up your books.
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For more information, go here.
Interlibrary loans
Q: I can't find the book I want in the Butler County Federated Library System! How can I get it?
A: Make an interlibrary loan request either in person at the Mars Area Public Library or electronically through here.
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Q: How long will it take for my interlibrary loan to arrive?
A: Interlibrary loans arrive at the Mars Area Public Library through the postal service, and can be sent from any library in Pennsylvania. Because of this, it can take between a week to three weeks for interlibrary loans to arrive.
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Q: How will I be notified when my interlibrary loan comes in?
A: You will be called by the interlibrary loan librarian when your item arrives.
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Q: Can I renew my interlibrary loan?
A: Yes. Request a renewal through the interlibrary loan librarian. It may take a while for the renewal to process, so you will be called when your item has been renewed.
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For more information, go here.
Library Etiquette
Q: Can I eat/drink in the library?
A:
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Q: How quiet should I be in the library?
A:
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Q: Can my kids play in the children's area?
A: Yes. While play is the work of children, please remember that you are in a library and keep the volume down.
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Q: I took an item from the shelf and can't remember where it goes. What should I do?
A:
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Q: I need to run errands! Can I leave my kids by themselves?
A: No. Parents or caregivers need to be present in the library at all times.
Donations
Q: I love the Mars Library! How can I donate?
A: To donate to the annual campaign, go here. To buy something for the Mars Area Public Library from our Amazon wishlist, go here.
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Q: I'm a local author and my book was just published! Can I donate a copy of my book?
A: Yes. We are always happy to receive books from local authors!
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Q: I'm clearing out my house! Can I donate my books?
A: Yes. For donations of more than two bags, please drop your items off on Mondays between 3pm and 7pm and Fridays between 10am and 3pm.
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Technology
The basics
Q: How do I log in to the catalog and other online resources?
A: Your username is your library card barcode number, without any spaces, and your PIN/password is the last four digits of your library card barcode.
Q: I'm logging in somewhere and it is asking for a PIN/password but I never made one!
A: Your PIN/password is the last four digits of your library card barcode.
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Q: Do you have places where I can get ebooks and eaudiobooks?
A: Yes. For more information, go here.
Printing, faxing, and more
Q: Do you have fax machine?
A: Yes. Per page it is $0.25 for local, $0.50 for inside Pennsylvania, and $1.00 for outside of Pennsylvania.
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Q: Do you have printing from computers/scanning and printing services?
A: Yes. It is $0.10 a page for black and white and $0.50 a page for color.
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Q: Do you have mobile printing?
A: Yes. For more information, go here.
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Q: Can you scan something and send it to my email?
A: Yes. Scanning and emailing services are free.
Computers
Q: Are there computers available for patrons to use?
A: Yes. Walk past the front desk as you enter the Mars Area Public Library and turn left.
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Q: How do I log into the patron computers?
A: Log on using your library card barcode.
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Q: Can I print from the patron computers?
A: Yes. Visit the front desk to have a staff member put money on your library card.
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Q: I don't have a library card! Can I still use the patron computers? Can I still print from the computers?
A: Yes. Ask at the front desk for a guest pass. Pay at the front desk when finished printing.
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Q: How long can I be on the patron computers?
A: One hour. If there are no other patrons who need to use the computers your time may be extended.
Other technology services
Q: I just got a new piece of technology, and I don't know how to use it! Can someone at the library show me what to do?
A: Yes. Call the library to schedule a 30 minute tech-time appointment with our outreach librarian.
Events and Programs
The basics
Q: Where do I find information about events and programs?
A: For information about Adult Programs, go here. For Teen Programs, go here. For Children's Programs, go here.
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Q: I went to the library but was told the event or program was canceled! What happened?
A: If a event or program does not meet a minimum number of registrations then it is cancelled. Please register for anything you would like to attend.
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Q: Is registration required?
A: Unless a program expressly states that registration is not required, registration is necessary.
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Q: I tried to register for an event or program but it was full! What do I do?
A:
Children's events and programs
Q: What are your children's events and programs? Where can I find information about them?
A: Visit the Children Events tab under the Events and Programs dropdown menu, or click here.
Craft kits and take-and-makes
Q: What are craft kits, and how often are they available?
A:
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Q: What are take-and-makes, and how often are they available?
A: Occasionally an Adult/Teen program can easily be done at home instead of at the Mars Area Public Library. When this happens the crafts will be placed out in the vestibule to be picked up. The information about the Adult/Teen craft will always have a note that it is a take-and-make when this happens.