ABOUT INA PULLEN SMALLWOOD MEMORIAL LIBRARY
Visit Our Library and Make It a Habit
Since the late 1940s, Ina Pullen Smallwood Memorial Library has been an integral part of Chickasaw.
In the fall of 1947, The Chickasaw Study Club formed a library primarily for the children of the community. The city officials gave the use of a small room in the Chickasaw Recreation Center. Books were collected by means of a book drive and on February 8, 1948, the City saw the formal opening of the library.
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By 1952, the room provided for the library became too small, so the City remodeled another room in the Recreation Center for library use. But the library wasn't done growing. In 1957, an additional room was provided. When the Recreation Center underwent a period of construction (with providing more space for the library in mind), the library was temporarily moved but forced to move again when rain water kept entering the building. The second move found the library at the business block at the rear of the stores fronting the highway.
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Even after construction, it became clear within a few years that the library was outgrowing the space. The 1970s consisted of the City pursuing ideas of enlarging the library. Work began in September of 1975 and the library was once again temporarily moved for a 15 month stay in the larger room of the Civic Center complex. The Open House ceremony took place in April 1977.
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Our story certainly does not end there, nor does the library's growth. Our mission is to strengthen our community through literacy and lifelong learning by providing equal access to materials for everyone. We’re not only a place to come and read - we’re a center for discovery, creativity, and empowerment.
With our growing collection of digital media, we’re helping to engage with a new generation of learners and establishing the foundations to bring people, ideas, and information together into the future.
LIBRARY CARD INSTRUCTIONS
In order to obtain a library card, an ID must be presented at the time of registration.
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Chickasaw residents with proof of residence such as a driver’s license and/or a bill with address will receive free membership.
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Non-residents must pay a one-time fee of $10 and present ID.
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Junior Library Cards are available to youth ages 6 thru 14. A parent or guardian must fill out a form claiming responsibility for any items checked out by the child being registered for a card.
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You can view your account online and renew your items online with your Library Card number and PIN by logging in to your Account on our Library Search Page. Usernames and Passwords are given by the library staff to patrons with a library card. Call the library, email, or give us a visit if you wish to receive your Log In codes.
INFORMATION CONCERNING BOOK CHECKOUTS, FINES, FEES, ETC:
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Faxing Fees: $1 per page
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Scans are free.
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Copy Fees: Black & White – 0.15¢ per page/ Color – 0.59¢ per page / Walk-In Prints - 0.25¢ per page for Black & White, 0.59¢ for Color.
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DVDs and CDs Rentals: 1 week, $1 per DVD
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Book Checkout: 2 weeks (0.25¢ overdue charge per day until returned)
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Lost Items: Must be reimbursed at replacement cost. Items not returned, lost or permanently damaged are charged to your account based on replacement value.
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You are responsible for any items checked out under your library card.
NOTARY SERVICES
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Notary Fee: $2
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Everyone who is signing the document MUST be present before the Notary.
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Everyone must bring a current/valid government issued photo ID for every person who will be signing the document. This alos applies to witnesses. Expired IDs cannot be accepted.
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Documents must be filled out completely (DO NOT SIGN the document until you are present before the Notary). Add "N/A" for not applicable when needed.
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Witnesses must be provided by the responsible parties. Witnesses cannot be patrons in the library. Witnesses must be known to you, must be willing to stand up in court on your behalf, and must be over 18 years old.
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DO NOT SIGN THE DOCUMENT UNTIL THE NOTARY IS PRESENT. If a pre-signed document is brought to the Notary, the Notary will be unable to provide notary services.
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Notaries will not provide service if the customer, document, or circumstance of the request for notary services raises any issue of authenticity or uncertainty for the notary.
As of March 4th, 2020
BOOK DELIVERY SERVICES
Can’t get to the Library? We’ll bring the library to you!
For those who are unable to take themselves to the library, you can give us a call at the library to request books and we’ll have someone bring it to your home address!
[Call (251) 452-6465 for more information on how to register. Or message us via Facebook or our website.]
*This service is for Chickasaw residents only until further notice.
We also have Audio and eBooks available on our website! [Click this link to access our growing title selections.]
CHALLENGE OF LIBRARY MATERIALS FORM
Patrons who object to the presence pf certain materials in the library's collection and who are unwilling to accept that the inclusion of these materials conforms to the goals, principles, and standards outlined in our policies regarding the Library Bill of Rights - Articles III and VI, may submit a Challenge of Library Materials Form to the Library Board and Library Director.
CLICK HERE to download / print the form. Bring the form to the library or send it by email.
IN A SMALLWOOD LENDING LIBRARIES
Our lending libraries are located at Mauvilla Park and Legg Park. Check them out when you visit.
Mauvilla Park - 318 Myrtlewood Ave, Chickasaw, AL 36611
Johnny Legg Park - at the corner of Gulf St and Viaduct Rd in Chickasaw, AL
Mauvilla Park - 318 Myrtlewood Ave, Chickasaw, AL 36611
REVIEWS
5 Stars
This library will always hold a special place in my heart!
Victoria Walden
12/10/2021
5 Stars
Jeremy Burson
10/27/2021
5 Stars
Kim Norman
07/16/2021
5 Stars
A tight-knit community of fine people who care about historic preservation.
James McInnis
06/14/2021
5 Stars
A nice and calm place for reading and getting work done. The staff is nice and helpful.
Matthew Glass
03/30/2021
5 Stars
Great small town library
Robbie Miles
02/16/2021
5 Stars
I love the new renovations that they have done I was Look at this beautiful place They have done such wonderful work on the inside of this library I could not believe my eyes when I walked in there today The last time I have been in the library in Chickasaw my son was probably 7 years old and he's 32 now Great job on the library and I love all the old history that it has going on Maybe other people could donate more history for our beautiful little library with a elevator go figure love it great job city of Chickasaw.
Anita McDonald
02/03/2021
5 Stars
A lovely library. They have a wonderful selection of books, and wonderful librarians to match.
Keziah Schuler
01/01/2020
5 Stars
Ziza Abreu
03/01/2016
5 Stars
Amazing