SPECIAL COLLECTIONS:

MOBILE HOTSPOTS

The Herman Brown Free Library offers hotspots for patron check out. These devices allow users to connect up to 10 devices to the Internet with no limitations on data usage.

ELIGIBILITY

The Herman Brown Free Library lends Wi Fi hotspots to Burnet County Library System cardholders ages 18 or above, in good standing.

TERMS OF USE:

By checking out a HBFL hotspot, you agree to these terms and conditions:

  1. Hotspot checkout is limited to one per household for a period of 7 days, with no renewals.

  2. Hotspots must be returned to the lending branch's circulation desk.

  3. The cardholder is responsible for damages or expenses resulting from use or misuse of the device, including damage, loss, or theft. The library reserves the right to deny future use.

REPLACEMENT COST:

Damaged/Lost Charger: $15.00

Damaged/Failure to Return Hotspot: $120.00

Late Fee per Day: $1.00

Use of the hotspots are subject to Mobile Beacon’s Permitted User Minimum Terms of service:
https://www.mobilebeacon.org/permitted user minimum terms of service/

Hotspots are filtered for content and malware. Certain websites will be inaccessible with these devices.

PROCEDURE:

  • Patrons must present their library card or photo identification at the circulation desk. Once a hotspot is checked out, it becomes the patron’s responsibility. If any technical problems are encountered, the patron should return the device immediately to the circulation desk.

  • Overdue hotspots will be deactivated within 24 hours after the due date and charged a $1.00 late fee per day.

  • Hotspots may NOT be returned through the book drop. Doing so will result in the loss of future hotspot use. Hotspots must be returned directly to a library staff member, who will verify that all components of the hotspot are accounted for before checking it in from the borrowing patron’s account.

  • A returned hotspot must remain available in the library for 2 business days before a patron may check it out again.

  • Hotspots may not work in all areas. The library cannot guarantee that you will be able to use the hotspot at any given location. To see if you are in an area covered by the T-MOBILE network, view their coverage map at: https://www.t-mobile.com/coverage/coverage-map

*SAFETY PRECAUTIONS*

  • Keep battery/device dry and away from water and liquids.

  • Connect only to supplied USB charging cord.

  • Always keep out of reach of babies and children.

  • Do not use if battery appears damaged, deformed, discolored, overheats, or emits a foul odor.

  • Store device away from sunlight and extreme temperatures. Do not leave device in your vehicle.

  • Do not use near gas stations, chemical plants, blasting areas, below deck on boats, near stored fuel, or dusty areas. Sparks from the device in such areas could cause an explosion.

  • This device can cause medical equipment to malfunction. DO NOT use in hospitals or medical clinics. Keep 6 inches away from pacemakers at all times. at all times. If you suspect that the device is interfering with your medical device, turn the hotspot OFF immediately. Some hearing aids may be affected by using this device.

LIMITATIONS:

Hotspots may not work in all areas. The library cannot guarantee that the hotspot will be usable at any given location.

HISTORY AND GENEALOGY COLLECTIONS

The Burnet County Library System recognizes its obligation to assist the public by providing materials pertinent to the area.

The Burnet County Library System supports state and local history and acquires works by and about local authors and interests. The System is under no obligation to add items to its collections that do not meet the selection guidelines.

The Elizabeth Van Gorkom Genealogy Research Center is part of the Herman Brown Free Library and is the repository for Burnet County history. This collection includes local history and genealogy and genealogical resources. Additions and deletions from this collection are at the discretion of the Herman Brown Free Library director.

STEAM KITS

The Herman Brown Free Library’s STEAM kits are specifically curated with Pre-K to 4th grade students in mind, helping to build skills and learning in circuits, robotics, computer science, engineering, art, language, creativity, math, problem solving, and more. The range of STEAM kits includes games, robots, computers, and phonics. Each type of kit offers unique skills and activities to students.

ELIGIBILITY:

The Herman Brown Free Library lends STEAM kits to Burnet County Library System cardholders, in good standing, ages 18 or above.

TERMS OF USE:

By checking out a STEAM kit, you agree to these terms and conditions:

  1. STEAM kit checkout is limited to 2 per household for a period of 14 days, with no renewals.

  2. STEAM kits must be returned to the lending branch's circulation desk.

  3. The cardholder is responsible for damages or expenses resulting from use or misuse of the kit, including damage, loss, or theft. The library reserves the right to deny future use.

  4. Adult supervision is required when using STEAM kits.

  5. Kits will be checked for contents when checked out and returned.

If a component does not work, please alert library staff as soon as possible.

REPLACEMENT COST:

Please replace batteries as needed.

Damaged/Lost charges will evaluated on a case by case basis. Kit replacements cost is noted on each STEAM kit.

Late Fee per Day: $1.00

SPECIAL COLLECTIONS POLICES: