Frequently Asked Questions

General

1. When did the Library open?
   The Mequon-Thiensville Library opened on June 27, 1953, at 188 S. Main Street in Thiensville. This first library was stocked with 2,500 donated items and staffed by volunteers. As the communities grew, the Library quickly outgrew the tiny storefront. In response to these needs, Mequon resident and philanthropist Frank L. Weyenberg donated the funds to construct a new permanent structure. The Frank L. Weyenberg Library opened at its current location on August 22, 1971, with 12,370 books, 250 records and 5 newspaper and 57 magazine subscriptions. It was built to house up to 60,000 items. By 1992 the Library's collection numbered over 80,000 items. To meet the growing needs of the communities, a major expansion was dedicated on September 18, 1994.



2. Who was Frank L. Weyenberg?
   Frank L. Weyenberg was a self-made man who started the Weyenberg Shoe and Manufacturing Company in Milwaukee. It became one of the largest shoe makers in the country, employing thousands of people from the area. After retiring in 1968, Frank Weyenberg and his wife, Helen, wanted to give something back to the Mequon and Thiensville communities. On Christmas Eve 1969, he phoned Mequon Mayor James Eagan and offered to fund the construction of a new library. Frank Weyenberg lived in Mequon and in Florida until his death on July 4, 1976, at the age of 94. The Weyenberg Shoe Company is today known as the Weyco Group, and is still headquartered in Milwaukee. They manufacture Nunn-Bush and many other high-end leather and dress shoes.



3. Does the Library accept donations?
   Donations of books and other items are accepted as long as they conform to the Library's Gifts and Grants policy. Donated items become the property of the Library to use at its discretion. Monetary donations can be made to either the Library directly or to the Weyenberg Public Library Foundation. Generally, smaller donations that are intended for a specific purpose, such as buying a book on a particular subject or in memory of someone) should be made to the Library, while larger donations intended to improve library services or without a specific purpose can be made to the Foundation. We are happy to work with you if you would like to make a donation for a specific purpose - please contact the Library Director for more information.



4. Are there study rooms available?
   The Library has 9 study rooms for patrons. They are available on a first-come basis and there is no time limit for their use. The rooms can comfortably fit one or two people at a time. Paid services such as private tutoring or sales are not allowed.



5. Can I rent a meeting room?
   The Tolzman Community Room is available for community non-profit groups to reserve at no charge. Room policies and a downloadable reservation form can be found here or at the Library Circulation Desk. The room can hold up to 60 people. Food and beverages may be served at meetings provided the Kitchen and Cleanup fee is paid in advance. A high-intensity projector is available to rent, but the requesting group must provide its own notebook computer to use with it. A projection screen is available to all groups at no charge.



6. How do I reserve the display case in the lobby?
   The lobby display case can be used by community groups and organizations to promote their activities. The case is reserved for a month-long block, so we ask that groups who reserve it ensure that the content is relevant for the entire month and not for promotion of a specific event. Reservations must be made several months in advance. To check on the availability of the case, email community@flwlib.org or call the Community Relations Associate at 262-242-2593, extension 37.



7. Can I use the gallery space on the second floor?
   The second floor gallery is currently booked for 2009. If you would like to leave your name on a callback list for future openings or for the 2010 calendar year, email community@flwlib.org or by calling the Community Relations Associate at 262-242-2593, extension 37.



8. Will you post a meeting notice for me?
   The Library will commonly post notices about local events sponsored by nonprofit groups on the Community Events board. All notices must be submitted to the Reference desk for approval by library staff. Notices posted without approval will be removed.



9. Are your events and programs free to the public?
   Yes. All programs and community organization meetings are presented free of charge and are open to the general public.



10. Is the library associated with the public pool next door, the softball field or the park?
    The Library is not associated with those facilities. They are managed by the City of Mequon. For questions or information, call the Mequon Parks Department at 262-236-2918.

Circulation

1. Who can get a library card?
   Any resident of Wisconsin may apply for a Frank L. Weyenberg library card. If you live in Milwaukee or Outagamie Counties, you may purchase a non-resident card for a fee of $75.00 per year.



2. How do I get a library card?
   You can apply for a card at the Circulation Desk. Please bring a valid WI driver's license or ID and proof of residency with you. A child must be 5 years or older to sign up for their own card. A parent or legal guardian must sign the registration application on site for children under the age of 18 and are responsible for any charges incurred by their child. Your library card is valid at all libraries in Wisconsin, excepting those in Milwaukee and Outagamie counties.



3. Can you hold items for me?
   Requests can be placed either through the EasiCat online catalog, by calling the Reference Desk at 262-242-2593, extension 12, or via email at flwref@esls.lib.wi.us.



4. How long can I keep my items?
   A 21 day loan applies to most items. New items circulate for 14 days. DVDs, videos and Kindle readers have a 7 day loan period. There are no limits on the number of items a patron may check out.



5. What are the overdue fines?
   Late charges are $0.25 per day per item. Videos, DVDs and Kindle readers are $1 per day. Late charges accrue until the item is either returned or declared lost and paid for.



6. I have lost or damaged an item, what should I do?
   Please come into the Library as soon as you are aware that an item has been lost. Late charges accrue until an item has been declared lost and paid for so promptness is essential. The item replacement fee plus a processing fee of $10.00 will be added to any late charges. Patrons may not substitute items or gifts in lieu of payment for lost or damaged materials.



7. Can I still check items out if I owe a fine?
   Patrons may continue to check items out as long as their total fines and fees are under $5.00 and their card has not been blocked.



8. I lost my library card, how do I get a replacement?
   Lost library cards should be reported as soon as possible so your account can be frozen. There is a $5.00 fee for a replacement card. Proper identification must be provided for a card replacement.



9. I lost my password/PIN, can you tell me what it is?
   Your password is usually the last 4 digits of your phone number, unless you have personally changed it. If that does not work, please contact the Circulation Desk in order to reset your code.

Services

1. Is internet available at the library?
   The Library has a total of 11 public computers with internet access (7 in the reference section, 2 in the Young Adult section and 2 in Children's). Patrons can access them using their library card for up to 1 hour per day. In addition, wireless internet access is available throughout the Library for patrons who bring their own internet-capable devices. Patrons must obtain an access code for WiFi service at either the Circulation or Reference Desk.



2. Can I work on a paper/use a word processor/etc?
   The public computers in the reference section have Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint available to patrons.



3. Can I make copies or print items from a computer?
   Copies and prints are $0.25 per page, and can be printed out near the reference desk. Copies and prints are available in black and white only.



4. Does the Library have a public phone?
   No. There is a pay phone available in the lobby of Mequon's City Hall, located next to the Library, and during the summer months, at the municipal pool.



5. Does the Library have a fax machine?
   The Library does not offer faxing services. There are several local businesses that do provide fax services. You can contact the Reference Desk at 262-242-2593, extension 12, or via email at flwref@esls.lib.wi.us if you need help locating one.



6. Does the Library have a notary public?
   The Library does not provide this service. Most banks will have a notary public on staff, and you can call Mequon City Hall at 262-236-2914.



7. Does the library have tax forms?
   From mid-January through mid-April, the Library provides a limited quantity of Federal and Wisconsin forms for personal returns. In addition, the Library has public-access computers from which federal and Wisconsin forms can be downloaded and printed for a fee. The Library charges $0.25 per page for each printout. Federal tax forms can be downloaded from the IRS's website, www.irs.gov . Wisconsin state tax forms can be downloaded from the Department of Revenue's website, revenue.wi.gov



8. Besides books, CDs and movies, is there anything else I can check out?
   The Library offers several special collections. The M-T Senior Art League offers original paintings that can be checked out. The Library has a puppet collection located in the Children's Department. Via the Library's website, patrons can check out downloadable digital media, such as audio books, music and videos. The Library also owns Kindle readers that circulate to cardholders of the Eastern Shores Library System.