Find answers to our most commonly asked questions. 

About WILD

Is Wilderness Coast a library?

In short, no. Wilderness Coast Public Libraries is a library consortium serving Wakulla, Jefferson, and Franklin County public libraries. WILD has an office in Jefferson County but we don't have the same services as a library (e.g. use of copier and fax, books to check out, etc.). To find those services, please visit one of our member libraries.

What is a library consortium?

"The term “library consortium” means any local, statewide, regional, interstate, or international cooperative association of library entities which provides for the systematic and effective coordination of the resources of school, public, academic, and special libraries and information centers, for improved services for the clientele of such library entities." - Definition from the Cornell Law School Legal Information Institute 

In short, a library consortium is created by multiple libraries banning together and agreeing to share certain resources in order to better serve their communities.

Library Cards: Questions and Issues

I can't sign into my account. It says my library card has expired, what do I do?

Library cards expire every year on the anniversary of when they were created. To get your library card renewed, you have a few options. 1. Call or visit your local library. 2. Call Wilderness Coast or fill out the form on our Contact page, making sure to include your name, card number, and the reason you're contacting us. Whichever you decide, you will be asked to confirm the accuracy of or update your account information, then the staff member will renew your card and you'll be good to go.

How do I get a library card?

 If you live in one of our member counties (Wakulla, Jefferson, Franklin) simply visit your local library and ask one of the staff at the front desk. You will need a valid photo ID with an address in the member county or provide a piece of mail if you've just moved. If you live outside one of our member library counties, there is a $10 fee but the process is the same. Our member libraries only accept cash and check.

How do I get a replacement library card?

Visit the library you received your card from and tell a staff member at the front desk that you have an account and need a replacement card. You will need a valid photo ID and there will be a $1 fee.

What if I live outside one of the counties you serve but still want a WILD library card? 

See: How do I get a library card?

What is my PIN to sign in with my library card?

Your PIN is the last 4 digits of your library card number.

What is Fine-Free?

All WILD Libraries are now fine-free! Find out just what that means below.

What does it mean to be fine-free and why did the library decide to implement this practice?

Fine-free means no fines will accrue for overdue items. 

Public libraries throughout the United States have been eliminating fines for many years and seeing positive results, such as:

• Increased access to materials and services
• Reduction of inequities resulting from overdue fines, especially for children
• Improved customer relationships with the library
• Increased staff time and efficiency
• Research shows that small fines do not impact the return rates of materials.

We decided it was time to start helping our communities and the individual people that come to our libraries in this small but impactful way.

What if I have lost or damaged a book?

While our libraries have eliminated overdue fines, patrons are still responsible for fees associated with the replacement of lost or damaged items they check out.

What is the difference between a fine and a fee?

Overdue fines are the daily charges applied to items not returned by their specified due date. These are the fines that will no longer be charged to patrons. Fees represent the charges applied for lost, damaged, or unreturned materials and are still in effect. In addition, fees are still charged for library services and products such as replacement or out-of-county library cards, copying, and printing.

How will the Library encourage people to return overdue items if there are no fines?

Patrons are encouraged to return materials in a timely fashion to the library so others may enjoy these shared resources. Items not returned within 30 days of their due date will go to lost status and patrons will be billed for their replacement.

Patrons will continue to be responsible for reconciling any lost items or fees on their library account by either returning the items or paying the replacement fee. Patrons with lost items on their library account cannot check out additional physical materials from the library.

Are other libraries fine-free?

The movement to go fine-free has enjoyed wide support. This map from the Urban Libraries Council shows other fine free libraries: https://www.urbanlibraries.org/member-resources/fine-free-map

There are never any fines or fees for downloadable or streaming e-content such as checking out e-books from our Digital Catalog

Physical and Digital Materials

What is the difference between physical and digital materials?

"Physical materials" refers to anything you can walk into the library and check out, i.e. books, audiobooks, laptops, board games, etc. "Digital materials" refers to anything you can find on OverDrive and the Libby app, i.e. e-books, e-audiobooks, e-magazines, etc. 

How do I access WILD's digital materials?

Signing into OverDrive or Libby is easy with a valid library card. Simply go to the sign-in page for the site you are trying to access and follow the steps. For a more detailed walk-through, check out (this page).

How do I request that WILD add an e-book, e-audiobook, or magazine to the digital collection on OverDrive and Libby? How do I request that a book (or other materials) be added to the physical collection at my local library?

Fill out the Request Materials form HERE. We will do our best to purchase your requested materials with our next order but please be aware that not every book is available on OverDrive, however, we will do our best to inform you if that is the case. Additionally, you can contact your local library to make book requests (especially helpful if you would like for the book to be in your local library). You can find our member libraries' websites (here).

More Questions

What holidays are WILD libraries closed?

Our office and all of our member libraries observe most national U.S. holidays. For more information on your local library, please visit their website.

I would like to recognize a team member for exceptional service or point out a lack of adequate service and how it can be improved.

 For any service-related comments, please fill out our Patron Satisfaction Survey.