The Corvallis-Benton County Public Library acknowledges the great importance of private gifts and donations to the Library’s future development and growth. Your gift will help to assure the continued excellence of our Library. Gifts to the Library can be made in many ways. Gifts can be made in memory of friends and relatives, in honor of the living, in wills or bequests, to commemorate special occasions or anniversaries, and by individuals or groups. Donations can be made to the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library and/or the Friends & Foundation of the Library. All gifts and donations to both the Library and the Friends & Foundation are tax deductible. Donors can specify how their gifts are to be used, with the guidelines of the Library’s donation policy. A copy of this policy is available online or from the Library Administration office located at 645 NW Monroe Ave. Gift plates identifying the person being honored and/or the donor may be placed in books. The Friends & Foundation of the Library accept gift books for their Book Sales at the Library. Donations may be dropped off at the Friends of the Library Sorting room directly off the parking garage entrance of the Corvallis Library. Receipts are available for tax purposes. Please call 541-766-6928 for more information about donating to the Friends & Foundation of the Library.
See the Friends & Foundation of the Library website.
How to Get a Library Card
See our Get a Library Card for information about getting a library card.
See also “Checking Out Materials” and “Fines” under Information.
Need to renew your card?
Residents may renew their accounts without visiting a branch by sending a picture or scan of a current utility bill to cardrenewal@corvallisoregon.gov. The utility bill must clearly show their name, street address, and the date. Please note, we cannot renew an account when only a PO box is shown. Residents may block out the account number on the bill if they like. Staff will confirm contact information and renew the account. The image of the bill with then be deleted.
Fine art in a publicly accessible setting is one of the great resources of any community. The Corvallis-Benton County Public Library Foundation Board of Directors committed itself to raising $50,000 for the integration of art into the design and construction of the new library. Thanks to their hard work, and the generosity of the community, seven wonderful architectural art projects were installed in the library when it opened in 1992. Since that time the Library’s art collection has grown in number from gifts made to honor loved ones to participation in Artists in Education projects. The City of Corvallis Public Arts and Culture Advisory Commission has a Public Art Selection Committee which manages the selection of art pieces for all city facilities and properties. They work with staff on the selection of art for the Library. Those interested in finding out more about art in the Library should contact the Library Director at 766-6928.
Checkout Information
- Library materials will have a 4-week check-out period, with 3-week renewal periods.
- We do not charge late fines on any overdue materials. We do assess fees for lost or damaged items.
- Most items can be renewed up to 5 times, except:
- Items with holds and Lucky Day items – no renewals
- Magazines, Maker Kits, STEAM kits, Launchpad tablets – 1 renewal
- DVDs, air quality monitors, kill-a-watt devices, and videogames – 2 renewals
- The loan period for Book Club Bags is 2 months. (Already in a book club? Check out Books for Book Clubs)
- Items may be returned to any Corvallis-Benton County Public Library location. Bookdrops are open 24 hours.
Checkout Limits
These limits apply to a standard, full-service library card, but the limits may be different for some of the other types of library cards we offer (Classroom, Community, Passport, etc).
- 500 items total may be borrowed at one time, but some types of items have other limits that apply (see below).
- Book Club Bags: 20
- DVDs: 100
- Library of Things: 4
- Lucky Day: 2
- Magazines: 120
- Videogames: 4
Self-Check Stations
The self-check stations allow you to check out your own materials and provide you with a checkout receipt. (You also have the option of having receipts emailed to you.) There is also a Spanish language option.
Patron Loan History
Have you ever wanted to keep a list of what you have checked out in the past from the Library? Now you can! The Library’s computer system features the ability to turn this function on just for you. If you don’t like it, you can ask to have it turned off.
The information is accessible only to you from your account on the library’s web page.
FAQs on Privacy and your Loan History
1. Is My library record private? Yes, in most cases. The Library does not reveal details about your account to anyone without your permission. The only exception is if the Library were ordered to do so by a court. The Library can, of course, use your patron record to help recover overdue materials.
2. How often does the Library receive such court orders? Almost never. The library has not received any kind of court order for library records in many years. The Library has never received a court order under the USA Patriot Act. It is possible under a court order that the Library may not be allowed to tell you your records were released.
3. How much information about me does the Library have? We keep only enough information about you to ensure our materials are returned and to determine your identity. We have your library card number, name, phone number, address, email address (if you have given it to us), your date of birth (to differentiate among people with the same name). We have a record of what you currently have checked out, any materials for which you owe fines, and any holds you have. We do not have a record of materials checked out and returned, unless you have specifically requested that we keep your loan history on file.
4. Aren’t library records public records by law, since the Library is a public agency? Yes, but libraries are allowed to exempt information about patrons which allows specific materials and/or has their address or phone number. It is public information whether or not a person has a library card.
Do you have a great idea for a program or event that you think the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library would like to sponsor or co-sponsor? If so, fill out this event proposal form (pdf). A library staff member will get back to you in 5-7 business days. Please note: for proposals at our Alsea, Monroe, or Philomath libraries, contact those locations directly.
Facility Needs Assessment
In November 2017, Hacker Architects completed a Facility Needs Assessment of the Corvallis Library Facility and Library Block. Their recommendations are currently being discussed and opportunities for public input are coming soon. Read their recommendations here.
Fines
- We do not charge late fines on any overdue materials. We do assess fees for lost or damaged items.
- When you owe $25.00 on your account, you will not be able to use your card until you bring the total under $25.00.
Please visit the Friends & Foundation of the Library website.
Placing Holds
- You may place a hold on an item at any Library catalog computer, online via the Library Catalog, or by calling Circulation at 766-6926 and have your Library Card bar code number ready.
- You will receive an automated notification when your item has arrived.
- You have 8 days to pick up your hold.
- You may have 99 items on reserve on your card at any one time.
The Library Advisory Board meets quarterly on the first Wednesday in February, May, August and November at 6:30 pm in the 2nd Floor Board Room of the Library. Library Board meetings are always open to the public.
Corvallis-Benton County Public Library Advisory Board Purpose Statement (from CORVALLIS MUNICIPAL CODE 1.16.220)
A Corvallis-Benton County Public Library Board is hereby created. The Board shall consist of eleven members. Five shall be appointed by the Mayor. The Benton County Board of Commissioners shall appoint five members to the Board. The Board shall advise City Council on all matters pertaining to the operation, expansion, and level of service provided by the library. In addition, the Board shall have all of the powers and duties authorized by state and city laws. This Chapter shall not be construed to prevent those members of the Board appointed by the Board of Commissioners of Benton County, Oregon, from acting simultaneously as the County Library Board under state law.
Our mission:
Enrich, Excite, Explore!
Our vision:
The Corvallis-Benton County Public Library will be an inspiring and vital part of the lives of people of all ages and backgrounds in our communities. We will:
- Be responsive, flexible and innovative in providing resources and services that enhance the quality of life for all
- Foster an impassioned spirit of exploration and discovery
- Strengthen our sense of community by encouraging civic and cultural engagement
- Support learning and knowledge
Renewals
As long as there are no holds on your items, you may renew:
- online using your library card number and pin.
- by phone by calling 766-6926 and have your Library Card bar code number ready.
- by taking your items to the self check system of any Corvallis-Benton County Public Library locations.
Strategic Plan
Our Strategic Plan covers 2016 – 2021.
Search the catalog for Book Club Book Bags.
Unfortunately, we no longer offer Interlibrary Loan (ILL) services. This service was cut June 2013 in response to budget cuts as it was our most expensive and least utilized service. We are very hopeful we can bring it back someday, though there is no timetable for this as of now.
Interlibrary Loan Alternatives in the Corvallis Area
- You can get a library card for a one time $1.00 fee at Oregon State University Libraries if you are a resident of Oregon. A library card at OSU allows you to check out materials from their locations; however, it does not give you access to their Interlibrary Loan services
- The Corvallis Family History Center can get any microfilm in their catalog for a fee and it can be kept at the Family History Center for 50 days. The whole transaction can be done online.
- The Murray Memorial Library (Good Sam Regional Medical Center-Corvallis) and Stanley K. Davis Library (Samaritan Albany General Hospital-Albany) can help with health-related research needs, which includes access to special databases and other resources from within their locations. More info about these libraries can be found here: http://www.samlib.com/About.aspx.
- The Albany Public Library offers a library card to anyone outside of Albany for a fee and this includes access to their Interlibrary loan services. They charge a fee per Interlibrary Loan request received. Contact them for more information.
- You can submit a purchase suggestion on our website for the item in case it is something we might consider purchasing for our collection.
- Overwhelmed by these options? Simply start by contacting a reference librarian here at the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library and we can help try to connect you to a source you may be able to obtain your item from.
Learn more on our Library Delivery page.
The Corvallis-Benton County Public Library has several meeting rooms available for use by the public. Reservations may be made with the Library Administration Office, by emailing LibraryMeetingRoomReservations@corvallisoregon.gov or by phone at 541-766-6928.
Main Meeting Room: $25 per hour
Room Capacity: 120 seated / 257 standing
Amenities include:
- 120 chairs
- 15 rectangular tables, 6 semi-circle tables
- Built-in counter space at back of room suitable for concessions or handouts
- AV equipment: wireless and lapel microphones*, 3 presentation TVs
- Dry-erase board with markers/eraser
- Kitchenette with sink, microwave, refrigerator/freezer
- Podium
- Steinway piano
*Must be requested at time of reservation.
2nd Floor Board Room: $20 per hour
Room Capacity: 12 seated
Amenities include:
- 12 chairs
- Large conference table
- Presentation TV (HDMI hookup – must provide own laptop)
- Dry-erase board with markers/eraser
For more information, please read the Meeting Room Policy
See the Bookmobile page for all outreach programs.
BookBox – for local public schools
Connections – Connecting the public library with schools
Library Passport Program
Visitors of Corvallis/Benton County
Am I eligible for a Passport card?
- Current cardholders of participating Oregon libraries are eligible to apply for a limited-use Passport library card at any branch of the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library (CBCPL).
- Note: the Oregon State University Valley Library is a participating library, and any resident of Oregon is eligible for a card at the Valley Library for a $1 fee.
What can I do with a Passport card?
- Check out 5 items at a time for up to 4 weeks.
This applies to books, books on CD, DVDs, music CDs, Playaways, and magazines. - Place 5 items on hold at a time.
How do I get a Passport card?
- Bring your home library card and photo ID to any branch of the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library.
- Be prepared to follow CBCPL policies regarding checkout periods, limits, and lost fees.
What can I not check out?
- Sorry, but the Passport program does not include checking out devices or equipment like Maker kits, STEAM kits, Launchpad tablets, or downloadable electronic titles such as e-books, e-audiobooks, or e-magazines.
- Your home library may already provide you with access to electronic resources, but if not, please ask us about other options.
Where do I return the materials?
- Please return all materials to the same library (or library system) you borrowed them from.
Are there any fees for the program?
- The program itself is free. Just bring any borrowed items back on time to avoid any overdue or lost item fees!
Residents of Corvallis/Benton County
Am I eligible for a Passport card?
- You are now! CBCPL has joined the Oregon Passport Library Program. This means if you are traveling elsewhere in Oregon, you can stop by a participating library and sign up for a Passport card there.
What can I do with a Passport card?
- Each participating library chooses the Passport Card benefits, so this will depend on the library you visit.
How do I get a Passport card?
- Requirements will also vary depending on the library. At a minimum, plan to bring your CBCPL library card and a photo ID, but please check with the library you plan to visit first.
- Also, be prepared to follow that library’s policies, including checkout periods, limits, and overdue or lost fees.
Where do I return the materials?
- Please return all materials to the same library (or library system) you borrowed them from.
Are there any fees for the program?
- The program itself is free. Just bring any borrowed items back on time to avoid any overdue or lost item fees!
Public Computers at the Library
See the Public Computers page.
Computer Use Guidelines
- Each person is limited to 1 hour of computer use per day on General Adult (GA) or Youth Services (YS) computers and 15 minutes on an Express computer.
- Violating time limitations or tampering with computer software or hardware is not permitted and may result in loss of computer use privileges.
- The Library is not responsible for any damage or loss of data arising from the use of our computer equipment, programs or other library materials.
- The Library Code of Conduct and Library Internet Access Policy apply to the use of all library computers.
Learn more about our Random Review program and search for past Random Reviews on our Random Review page.
The Corvallis branch has 4 study rooms available:
- 2 study rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- 2 study rooms may be reserved up to one day in advance by calling 541-766-6793, emailing askalibrarian@corvallisoregon.gov, or texting 541-326-0100. One reservation may be made per week.
- Room capacity is 10.
Free. Paper and online.
For OSU Students: Extended Campus 541-737-9281OSU Testing Coordinator: Samantha Shew
Benton Center 757-8944 757 NW Polk, Corvallis, OR$20 per test; if dually enrolled, testing is free.
Linn-Benton Community College 541-917-4781 Health & Occupation Building, Room 111 6500 Pacific Blvd SW, Albany, OR 972321$20 per test; if dually enrolled, testing is free.
Tutoring Club 791-8886 Douglas Hambley Albany location only: 915 9th St. Albany$15 per test. Paper exams only; no online testing.
See also “Wireless Use Agreement.”
Using the Wireless Network at the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library
All branches of the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library offer wireless access. To use the wireless network you must have a wireless computer or other device that uses the IEEE 802.11b and/or 802.11g WiFi standard. These networks provide speed up to 4 mbps (megabits/second). The wireless network is accessible from most locations in the library and for some short distances outside the building. The wireless network is available 7:00am-10:00pm in Corvallis and 24/7 at all other locations. The wireless network is unsecured and you are solely responsible for virus/spyware protection on your device. To connect to the wireless network using a Windows computer, take the following steps:
- After you turn on your computer, double click on the wireless connection icon which should appear in the lower right taskbar. If it’s not there go to Start-Settings-Control Panel-Network Connections-Wireless Network Connection and double click on that icon.
- Click on the “View Wireless Networks” button. You may see one or more wireless networks listed. Choose the one called “Library” – unsecured wireless network. At the branch libraries the wireless network names will usually include the branch library name such as Monroe Library.
- After a few seconds it should connect. If you have used it before it may already say connected. If you are located far from the wireless antenna it may take longer to connect. At the Corvallis library you will need to agree to the Wireless User Agreement that first displays in your browser.
- Open your web browser and you should be able to go anywhere on the Internet. There is no time limit on how long you may use the network.
Even at the branch libraries where the Wireless Use Agreement does not need to be clicked on, using the Library’s wireless network at any location means you agree by default to all the provisions of the Wireless Use Agreement below. Violation of any provision of the agreement could result in warning of improper use, banishment from the Library and/or criminal prosecution.
Some possible wireless connection problems:
- The wireless service is not started on your computer. Go to Start-Settings-Control Panel-Administrative Tools-Services and make sure the Wireless Zero Configuration service is started.
- Your wireless device is set to automatically connect to another wireless network. Go to Start-Settings-Control Panel-Network Connections-Wireless Network Connection-View Wireless Networks. Click on the “Change Advanced Settings” link. In the “Preferred Networks” window make sure the “Library” network is the first choice.
- Your TCP/IP connection is not set to automatically obtain an IP address (DHCP). Go to Start-Settings-Control Panel-Network Connections-Wireless Network Connection-View Wireless Networks. On the General tab highlight “Internet Protocol TCP/IP” and click on Properties. The “Obtain an IP address automatically” choice should be checked. The “Obtain DNS server address automatically” choice should also be checked.
Contact 541-766-6483 for more information about the Library’s wireless networks.
When connecting to the CBCPL wireless network in Corvallis you must agree to the Wireless Use Agreement below. At the CBCPL branch library locations, agreement is implicit when you use the wireless network there. At Corvallis you will need to open an Internet browser and click on the Agree button before you can gain access to the Internet. If the agreement page does not come up immediately in your browser, you can copy and paste in this address to access it:
Wireless Use Agreement
Use of the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library (CBCPL) wireless network means that you understand and agree to the terms of the CBCPL Code of Conduct and Internet Access Policy. Failure to comply with either of these policies can lead to suspension of library privileges and/or prosecution.
In addition, use of the CBCPL wireless network implies understanding of and agreement with the following:
1- I understand that the CBCPL wireless network is an ?open network? which means that information transmitted on this network is not encrypted. As a result CBCPL does not guarantee the privacy of information you transfer over the network or Internet.
2- I understand that connecting to the CBCPL wireless network is at my own risk and I agree that CBCPL shall have no liability for any damages, direct or indirect, occurring as a result of the use of the CBCPL wireless network. Virus protection and the security of information stored on or transmitted by your wireless device is your responsibility.
3- I agree that I will not use the CBCPL wireless network unlawfully. This includes, but is not limited to, using CBCPL resources to violate copyright agreements, federal or state obscenity laws, harass others through the Internet, or attempt to compromise the security of any other computers or networks.
4- I understand that CBCPL staff do not provide any technical assistance for wireless connectivity and that I am solely responsible for connecting and configuring my own equipment.
5- I understand that CBCPL cannot guarantee the signal quality, bandwidth availability or any specific Internet site access at any time. In addition printing services are not available to wireless users.