FAQs: Library in the Forest

  • What is the address location of the Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest Public Library? 1221 Montgomery Highway, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216
  • What are the Library in the Forest’s hours of operation? The Library in the Forest is typically open Sunday, 1-5pm; Monday & Tuesday, 9am-8pm; and Wednesday-Saturday, 9am-6pm. Holiday hours are available online at https://vestavialibrary.org/hours-directions.
  • How can I check out library books or other materials? Materials may be checked-out in person or reserved online and picked up using curbside service. Digital resources are available 24/7 and are accessible from home using your library card. Visit the www.vestavialibrary.org home page for links to access eBooks, eAudiobooks, streaming movies, online databases and more.
  • I need help accessing digital library materials. For assistance accessing digital library materials, call 205.978.0155 during regular business hours.
  • Can I apply for a passport at the Library? Yes. The Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest has been designated as a Passport Acceptance Facility and can accept passport applications on behalf of the U.S. Department of State. You can access the documents required to apply for a U.S. passport, acquire a passport photo, pay applicable fees and mail your application at this facility. Please note that these services are provided by appointment only. Walk-in applicants WILL NOT be accepted. For more information or to make an appointment, visit https://vestavialibrary.org/passports.
  • Does the Library in the Forest have an app? Yes. The Vestavia Hills Public Library app is available for both Apple and Android devices. Download today to check your account, search the catalog, use your digital library card, renew items and get the latest recommended reads.
  • How do I apply for a library card? Visit https://vestavialibrary.org/library-membership for instructions to apply for a new library card or renew your existing library card.
  • Can my child get a library card? Yes. A parent or legal guardian must be present and both parent (or guardian) and child must sign the application and responsibility statement. The parent/legal guardian must show a driver’s license with current address or a form of government-issued ID and verification of current address (such as a piece of mail, lease agreement, checkbook, billing statement, etc.).
  • Where can I use my library card? You can use your library card at any Jefferson County Public Library.
  • How long will my card be valid and is it easy to renew? Library cards are valid for two years. When your card expires, you may renew it at any JCLC library by showing your driver’s license or other government issued photo ID and verification of current address.
  • How many items can I check out at a time? You may have a maximum of 150 items checked out on your card at a time.
  • Can I place a hold for materials to be picked up? Yes. Hold items are available for pickup utilizing Curbside Pickup or the remote lockers at Liberty Pharmacy. Be sure to reserve materials online or by calling 205.978.0155 ext. 2 at least 24 hours prior to pick-up.
  • Can I request materials from other libraries to pick up at the Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest? Yes. Materials from other JCLC libraries can be requested by patrons for pick up at the Library in the Forest. These requests can be made online (CLICK HERE) or in person.
  • How do I renew materials? Any non-digital item checked out at a JCLC location will be renewed automatically at the end of its lending period, with the following exceptions:
    – Another patron places a reserve on that item
    – The item has reached its maximum number of renewals (2 for most items)
    – Your account has accrued $5.01 or more in fines
    – If the item is not renewable
    – Your account activity has been blocked
    – The item is an eBook (digital item)

You may also renew items in person, online by visiting https://vulcan.bham.lib.al.us/patroninfo or by calling 205.226.3790 (anytime) or by calling 205.978.0155 during normal library hours. Be sure to have your library card available. All items can be renewed twice unless another patron has the item on hold. You will be notified by the courtesy email notice that your item has been automatically renewed. If you opted to not receive courtesy email notices, you will not be notified. You will be alerted with the standard notice, however, when the item is overdue.

  • Can I pay overdue fines online? Yes. Visit https://vulcan.bham.lib.al.us/screens/onlinepay.html to pay fines online.
  • What if I don’t have the money to pay my overdue fines? Turn in your overdue items anyway to prevent accruing even more fines. You can still check out items if your fines are $5 or less.
  • What if an item I checked out from the library gets damaged or lost? You are responsible for all items checked out on your card. Visit https://vestavialibrary.org/fees-fines to view overdue fines and replacement fees.
  • Is photography allowed at the Library? Casual amateur photography, filming, and videotaping is permitted in the lobby, outdoors and in program areas of the Library for patrons and visitors wanting a remembrance of their visit, provided that the photography does not distract, disturb or interfere in any way with Library patrons or operations, or capture any identifiable likenesses of individuals without their permission. No commercial, professional or media photography or filming may occur in Library facilities without the prior written permission and approval of Library Director or Deputy Director. Such approval shall contain the conditions under which the commercial/professional/media photography or filming will take place, and address the rights to ownership of the photos/films. Photographers must submit a Photography Request Form a minimum of 72 hours prior to the requested photography session date. The request will not be valid until official approval from Library Administration is received via email by the requester.

Community organizations hosting scheduled programs, events or meetings in the Library’s meeting rooms may arrange for their own photography or videotaping/recording of their event, provided that the photography or videography does not distract, disturb or interfere in any way with Library patrons or operations, or capture any identifiable likenesses of individuals without their permission. Such photography and videotaping is restricted to the space reserved by the group, and the group is responsible for any necessary releases and permissions.

Visit https://vestavialibrary.org/photography-and-videography-policy-with-guidelines to view the full photography policy for the Library in the Forest.

  • Can I register to vote at the Library? Yes, the library offers voter registration forms. You can complete and submit the form onsite or complete later and mail.
  • Can I donate books to the Library? Normal, yes. Donations will be reviewed by a librarian and either added to the library’s collection or given to the Friends of the Library Bookstore to be sold.
  • Does the Library have study rooms? The library has four study rooms available for patron use available on a first come, first served basis. Visit https://vestavialibrary.org/study-rooms for guidelines regarding study room usage.
  • Does the Library offer technology, craft or fitness classes? Yes! The library offers a variety of classes that cover a wide-range of topics. For information regarding upcoming classes, visit the Library’s website at https://vestavialibrary.org.