Public Library
The Autauga County AL Public Library system is served by the Autauga-Prattville Public Library and its branches in Prattville, Autaugaville, Billingsley, and Marbury. Residents can use the library for books and other circulating materials, public computers, WiFi, printing, research access, children’s and adult programming, digital borrowing, interlibrary loans, and specialized services for eligible homebound residents. This article explains where services are available, how library cards work, how to search for materials, what information to prepare before applying for a card, and which rules can affect access to library resources.
Library System and Services
The Autauga-Prattville Public Library website is the main official source for information about library services in Autauga County. The system includes the main Prattville location and branches in Autaugaville, Billingsley, and Marbury. Services vary by location, so users should confirm the branch and its operating hours before making a trip for a specific service.
The main library website provides access to the library catalog, library-card applications, branch information, the events calendar, digital borrowing information, research resources, public-computer information, and other services. The Prattville location offers the broadest range of resources described in the library's published information, while smaller branches provide local access to books, computers, and selected services.
Library users should distinguish between the library's general website and the separate online catalog. The general website explains policies, programs, hours, and service requirements. The catalog is the system used to search the collection and review materials associated with the different library locations.
Branches and Operating Hours
The official branches and hours page identifies four public library locations serving the county. Hours differ substantially among the branches, particularly outside Prattville. Checking the correct location before visiting can prevent a wasted trip.
Prattville Public Library
The Prattville location is open Monday and Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It is closed Sunday.
Published services at this location include public computers, WiFi, books, DVDs, audiobooks, magazines, newspapers, faxing, copying, and notary services. Many of the systemwide programs and online services are also coordinated through the Prattville library.
Autaugaville Public Library
The Autaugaville branch is located in Town Hall and operates on a limited weekly schedule. It is open Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. It is closed on the other listed days of the week.
The branch provides public-computer access, a small collection of books, faxing, and photocopying. Patrons who need best sellers, research materials, or resources that are not held locally may request materials from the other three libraries in the county. The requested items are delivered to the branch as quickly as possible according to the library's published information.
Billingsley Public Library
The Billingsley branch is open Monday and Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It is closed Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Services include a small collection of books, a public computer, WiFi, copying, and printing. As at Autaugaville, best sellers, research materials, and other resources may be requested from other libraries in the county for delivery to the branch.
Marbury Public Library
The Marbury branch is open Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. It is closed Monday, Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Published services include public computers, a small collection of books and other resources, notary services, printing, and WiFi. Patrons may also request best sellers, research materials, and other resources from the other three county libraries.
Library Card Eligibility
A library card is the key requirement for many borrowing and online services. The library's library card application information explains who qualifies, what identification may be used, and what happens when an applicant does not have proof of address available.
A library card may be issued to an individual who lives within Autauga County or the City of Prattville. The library also provides several additional eligibility categories:
Minors under age 18 who meet the residency qualification may receive a card when accompanied by a parent or guardian.
A minor accompanied by another caregiver may receive a card if written consent from the parent or guardian is presented and the caregiver agrees to take responsibility for the account.
Nonresidents of Autauga County or the City of Prattville may obtain a library card for a $15 annual fee.
Individuals presenting a military ID, including active and retired military members and immediate family, may receive a card without charge regardless of residence.
Public and private businesses within Autauga County or the City of Prattville that need library materials may qualify at the discretion of the Library Director. The application must be signed by the person responsible for the materials and associated fines or fees.
Educators working in Autauga County who need materials for classroom use may receive a card without charge regardless of residence, subject to the Library Director's discretion.
Applicants should make sure they are applying under the correct category. Residency, military status, educator status, age, and the type of account requested can affect what documentation or approval is required.
Identification and Residency Proof
Adult customers age 18 and older, along with emancipated minors, must provide identification showing a current address before a permanent library card can be issued. The library states that acceptable identification may include, but is not limited to:
A driver's license.
A temporary Alabama driver's license or learner's permit.
A passport.
A military ID.
A checkbook showing the home address of the applicant or guardian.
A current utility bill in the applicant's or guardian's name.
Mail addressed to the applicant or guardian with a recent postmark.
Emancipated minors should also bring proof of emancipation. Because the library requires evidence of a current address before issuing a permanent card, users should review their documents before applying rather than assuming any photo ID by itself will satisfy the address requirement.
Cards for Minors
The library's rules place responsibility for a minor's account with an adult. Ordinarily, a minor who qualifies based on residence is accompanied by a parent or guardian. When another caregiver brings the minor instead, written parental or guardian consent is required, and the caregiver must accept responsibility for the account. The caregiver may terminate that responsibility at any time.
This distinction matters for families in which grandparents, relatives, child-care providers, or other caregivers routinely bring children to the library. Bringing the correct written consent can prevent the application from being delayed.
Temporary Welcome Cards
An adult who lives within Autauga County but does not have proof of address available may qualify for a temporary Welcome Card. The Welcome Card expires two weeks after it is created and allows the cardholder to check out a maximum of two items.
Only books may be checked out with a Welcome Card. The card cannot be renewed and is not available to minors. To receive a permanent library card, the cardholder must return with acceptable proof of address before the temporary card expires. If proof of address is not provided by the expiration date, the Welcome Card is deactivated.
This temporary option should not be confused with a permanent card. Patrons who expect to use digital services or borrow more materials should complete the permanent-card requirements as soon as possible.
Renewals and Replacement Cards
Library cards may be renewed in person, by telephone, or by email according to the library's published card information. A replacement library card costs $3. Users who still have their card but believe it has expired should seek renewal rather than assuming they need to purchase a replacement.
Catalog Searches and Materials
The library's online catalog is the primary search system for locating materials. The catalog includes library information for the Autauga-Prattville, Autaugaville, Billingsley, and Marbury locations and provides a keyword search for the collection.
A catalog search is useful before visiting a branch because smaller locations maintain more limited local collections. A patron looking for a particular title, author, subject, or type of material can search the catalog first and then determine which library is associated with the item.
The branch system also allows some materials to move between county locations. The Autaugaville, Billingsley, and Marbury branch descriptions specifically state that best sellers, research materials, and other resources can be requested from the other libraries in Autauga County. Patrons using a smaller branch therefore do not have to assume that the local shelves represent the full range of materials potentially available through the system.
Interlibrary Loan Requests
When a requested book is not owned by the Autauga-Prattville Public Library system, eligible patrons may use interlibrary loan. This service gives library users access to circulating book collections from library systems throughout Alabama.
Interlibrary loan is available to anyone with a valid Autauga-Prattville Public Library card. The library charges a $2 service fee for each interlibrary loan to help cover postage and handling.
To request a book, the library instructs patrons to provide the requested book title and author by email. The library may contact the requester if additional information is needed and will provide notice when the material becomes available for pickup.
Pickup timing is especially important. Interlibrary loan material that is not picked up within five days after notification is returned to the lending library. Patrons should therefore watch for the library's notification and avoid placing an interlibrary loan request if they will be unable to collect the item during the required period.
Interlibrary loan should also be distinguished from moving a book between Autauga County branches. Branch-to-branch requests involve materials available within the county library system, while interlibrary loan is intended for books the Autauga-Prattville Public Library does not own.
Digital Library Access
The library provides online borrowing options for cardholders through its digital borrowing and streaming information. Available digital formats described by the library include eBooks, digital audiobooks, magazines, movies, music, comics, and television content.
Digital access depends on the specific borrowing service and requires a library card. Some digital loans can be streamed while connected to the internet, while supported content may also be downloaded to a mobile device for offline use. The library's digital service information also explains that some borrowed materials expire automatically, reducing the need for a separate return process.
Cardholders using digital services should enter the library card information associated with their own account and keep the account in usable status. Problems caused by an expired card or incorrect card number should be addressed through the library rather than by creating multiple library accounts.
Research and Learning Access
The library's research resources page describes online resources that support research, schoolwork, test preparation, and other learning needs. Several services require a library card number and an account in good standing.
One major research option is the Alabama Virtual Library, which provides Alabama students, teachers, and residents with online access to magazine, journal, and newspaper articles. The library states that a library card number and an account in good standing are required for access through its service information.
Some research access is location-dependent. The library's genealogy research information, for example, specifies that its genealogy database service is available online at the Prattville library and can only be used in the library. Patrons planning specialized research should therefore confirm whether the resource is available remotely or requires a visit to the Prattville location.
The same research section also provides information about homework assistance and online learning services. Because access requirements differ, users should review the library's instructions for the particular research service rather than assuming that every online resource works from any location.
Public Computers and WiFi
The library publishes detailed rules for computer and WiFi services. Public computers are available on a first-come, first-served basis to library users, and a library card is not currently required to use a computer.
Computer users must agree to the library's Computer and Internet Use Policy and sign in at the Circulation Desk. If another user is waiting, computer use is limited to one hour. The library recommends bringing a USB travel drive to save work rather than relying on the public computer to retain files.
Free WiFi is available without a password. The library states that WiFi is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, throughout the year. This differs from computer access inside the building, which depends on library operating hours.
Public computers and the printer are shut down 15 minutes before closing. Users working on documents, online forms, job applications, school assignments, or other time-sensitive tasks should save and print their work before that cutoff.
Printing and Copy Costs
The published charge for black-and-white printing or photocopying is $0.20 per page. Color pages cost $1.00 each. Patrons with lengthy documents should calculate the likely number of pages before printing, especially when color output is involved.
Fax Service Charges
Faxing is also available under the library's published fee schedule. A local fax sent costs $0.50 per page. A received fax costs $0.25 per page, including the cover sheet on sent or received faxes. Long-distance faxing costs $2.50 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page.
Because different rates apply to local, received, and long-distance faxes, users should confirm which category applies before sending a multi-page document.
Books for Homebound Residents
The library offers a Books by Mail program for qualifying residents. The published eligibility description applies to people who live in Autauga County and are unable to drive.
Eligible participants may receive three books each month through the mail at no charge. This program is separate from standard branch pickup and can be particularly relevant for residents whose transportation limitations prevent regular library visits.
Residents considering the program should review the official Books by Mail information before enrolling so that the library can determine whether the stated county-residency and inability-to-drive conditions are met.
Programs and Library Events
The library maintains an official events calendar for scheduled programs. Programming shown in the library's published calendar includes children's story and learning activities, programs for babies and caregivers, STEAM activities for school-age children, adult crafts, adult book discussions, homeschool activities, and branch programming.
Some programs are limited to particular ages or require advance signup. Others occur at a specific branch rather than the Prattville library. Program dates and details should therefore be checked on the event entry before attending.
The calendar is also preferable to relying on an older announcement or printed schedule because library programming is date-specific. Checking the official event listing can confirm the program date, time, intended age group, location details, and any registration instructions included by the library.
Common Library Service Mistakes
Several recurring issues can make a library visit or request less efficient. The most common can be avoided by matching the service to the correct library rule or system.
Visiting a branch on the wrong day: Autaugaville, Billingsley, and Marbury have limited weekly hours. Confirm the branch schedule before traveling.
Applying without current address documentation: Adults seeking a permanent card need identification showing a current address. Eligible county residents without address proof may receive only the temporary Welcome Card described by library policy.
Treating the Welcome Card as a permanent card: It expires after two weeks, permits only two checked-out items, is limited to books, and cannot be renewed.
Assuming nonresidents cannot join: Nonresidents may obtain a card for the stated annual fee, while qualifying military users and educators have separate provisions.
Searching only the shelves at a small branch: Materials may be available through another county branch or through interlibrary loan.
Missing an interlibrary loan pickup deadline: Requested material is returned to the lending library if it is not picked up within five days after notification.
Waiting until closing to print: Public computers and the printer shut down 15 minutes before the library closes.
Assuming a library card is required for public computers: The library currently allows computer use without a card, although users must sign in and accept the computer-use policy.
Assuming every research service works from home: Some resources have access restrictions and may require use at the Prattville library.
Library Offices and Branches
Prattville Public Library
254 Doster St
Prattville, AL 36067
334-365-3396
Autaugaville Public Library
109 N. Taylor St.
Autaugaville, AL 36003
334-361-2096
Billingsley Public Library
2021 Office Street
Billingsley, AL 36006
205-755-9809
Marbury Public Library
205 County Road 20 East
Marbury, AL 36051
205-755-8575
Public Library FAQs
How many Hoopla checkouts can I use each month?
Autauga-Prattville Public Library currently allows cardholders five Instant checkouts and five Flex checkouts per month through Hoopla. Instant titles can be borrowed without a waiting list, while Flex titles may follow different availability rules. Hoopla includes eBooks, audiobooks, comics, music, movies, and television programs. Borrowed titles expire automatically, so there are no late fees for digital Hoopla loans. The library's digital borrowing and streaming instructions explain how to create an account, connect a library card, and use supported devices.
Can I send a Libby book to my Kindle?
Yes. The library states that eligible Libby eBooks can be sent to a Kindle device or the Kindle app for users of U.S. libraries. Libby also allows cardholders to place holds when a title is unavailable. When a held title becomes available, Libby provides a notification. Borrowed eBooks and audiobooks appear on the user's Shelf, where loans and holds can be reviewed. Digital loans are returned automatically on their due dates.
Which online learning services require a library card?
Several learning services require both a library card number and an account in good standing. These include Alabama Virtual Library, Homework Alabama, Learning Express Library, and Transparent Language Online. Homework Alabama can be accessed from an internet-connected computer or mobile device while the user is within Alabama. The library's online learning page identifies the available services and their access requirements.
Can genealogy records be searched from home?
Not through the library's Ancestry Library Edition access. The official research information states that this database is available online at the Prattville Library and must be used inside the library. A valid library card number and an account in good standing are required. Patrons planning family-history research should review the research resources page before visiting so they can distinguish in-library databases from resources that are available remotely.