Policies and facts about the library
Who can get a card?
Anyone living in the city limits of Sikeston, owning property in the city limits of Sikeston, or residing in the Sikeston R-VI School District in Scott County may obtain a library card free of charge. On their first visit to the library, a person should present one source of identification with his/her name and current address, and complete an application form available at the circulation desk. Children must be 5 years old to have a library card. Children under the age of 18 must have a parent or legal guardian complete their application for a card.
Lending Policy
Books may be checked out for a period of 14 days and may be renewed once for the same period if there are no requests to reserve the book during the original check-out period.
Audio books may be checked out for 2 weeks with a limit of three titles.
DVDs may be checked out for 2 days with a limit of 2 videos per family.
Effective July 1, 2024, the library no longer charges fines for overdue materials. After 60 days, overdue items are marked as lost, and the borrower is billed for the replacement cost of the item. No borrower will be allowed to check out any materials or use library computers when outstanding charges for the entire family exceed $20, or if any individual family member has fines exceeding $10.
Each borrower is limited to a total of 10 items checked out at any time.
The Library’s collection
The library has over 45,000 books, audiobooks, videos, and magazines. Back issues of the local newspaper are available for viewing on PDFs and DVD.
Large print books and books on CD are available for all patrons. The library is handicap accessible.
The library reference department has books and other materials to assist the library staff in helping patrons solve their reference queries.
Backing the library’s own holdings is the library’s participation in the Missouri Evergreen consortium, which allows patrons to manage their own library accounts and to request books from other member libraries. A courier service connects the Sikeston Public Library to almost every other public, academic and special library in the state of Missouri. Books are borrowed and transported through the courier service at no charge to the patron borrowing the material.
The library’s Materials Selection policy, along with the procedure for reconsideration of materials held by the library, can be accessed here.
Internet availability and usage
The library has computer stations available to patrons to go online for reference and research purposes only. Non-card holders may use the library’s computer stations for a $5.00/hour fee.
Each patron must read the Internet policy before “surfing the Net.” Children under the age of 14 must have a parent/legal guardian with them while using the Internet. Click here to read the full Acceptable Use Policy for Internet usage at the Sikeston Public Library.
Wireless Internet access is available throughout the library for those who choose to bring their own devices.
Wireless printing is also available, providing that the device is connected to the library’s wireless network.
For Children
Books, magazines, and encyclopedias for the young child through eighth grade are available. The children’s librarian can assist with information and readers’ questions. Group tours, class visits, and library instruction are available by advance arrangement.
Preschool Storytime for ages 2-5 is held every Wednesday from 10-10:30 a.m. Evening programming for children is periodically scheduled; check at the library or follow the library’s Facebook page for further details.
Other Services
The McAmis Community Room is available to nonprofit groups or organizations for civic, cultural or educational programs only. There is no charge for use of the facility, and organizations using the room may not charge their attendees for the program. Library programming and events have priority for use of the McAmis Community Room
Patrons may obtain copies for $0.20 for letter size (8.5 x 11 inches) and $0.25 for legal size (8.5 x 14 inches). Patrons may also use the library’s fax service at $2.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page. Incoming faxes are $1.00 per page.
Book discussion groups are held each month, usually on the third Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Other programs are offered on an ongoing basis free of charge. Check with the library for upcoming events.
Orientation tours of the library are available by advance arrangement. Ask for details at the circulation desk.
Gift books or monetary contributions to enrich the library’s collection or services are welcome. Lasting memorials for loved ones of friends and family are also encouraged.
The annual book sale is a four-day event held every spring, usually in early April. Donations of used books for this annual event are taken continuously.