How do I obtain a Library card?
Library cards are available free to all Farmers Branch residents and to residents of cities that do not charge Farmers Branch residents for use of their libraries or whose libraries participate in the TexShare card program. Non-resident cards are available to persons in non-reciprocating cities at a cost of $25 each and are valid for one year from date of purchase.
Get more information about applying for a Library card >>
What do I do if I lose my Library card?
If a card is lost or stolen, please notify the Library right away. The cost to replace a card is $1.
How can I ask a reference question?
Librarians can answer questions at the Library, on the phone or online. For answers by phone, call the main Library number at 972.247.2511. Adults can call the Reference Desk at 972.919.9810 and kids can call the Youth Services Desk at 972.919.9814. For answers online, go to the Library's online catalog to select from a list under “I Need Materials,” which includes Interlibrary Loan Requests, Recommend to Order, Requisition Additional Copies and Search Services.
Get more information about contacting the Manske Library >>
What is an interlibrary loan?
If the Library does not own an item, patrons can fill out an Interlibrary Loan request form available at any of the public services desks. It generally takes three to six weeks to fill a request. Although the Library makes every effort to fill the request, there are instances when the item cannot be located or when the owning library will not lend it out. There is a limit of 10 interlibrary loan requests at one time. Items that have been published within the last year are not available via interlibrary loan.
How can I find more information on children's programming?
Special programs are highlighted under Special Programming on the Youth Services page. A printed copy of the calendar is available at the Library.
How do I find more information on adult programming?
Adult programs are updated monthly in the Library calendar. Special programs are highlighted on the Special Programs Page. A printed copy of the calendar is available at the Library.
How do I find more information on volunteering for the Manske Library?
Information about volunteering can be found in Library Contacts >>
How do I join the Friends of the Library?
Pick up a Membership Envelope at the Checkout Desk.
Learn how to become a Friend of the Library >>
How do I utilize the Library’s copy machines, typewriters and fax machines?
The Library has two copy machines available for Library users. Copies are 15 cents each. A typewriter is available in the Magazine area. The only charge for using the typewriter is for paper, which is five cents per page after the first three pages. The Library does not have a fax machine available for public use.
How can I obtain a copy of the City Council Agenda?
The Library keeps copies of the City Council agenda and information packet for six months. The agenda is posted at the Library on the Friday before the meeting, and the information packet is generally available by Saturday.
How can I utilize the library’s meeting facilities?
The Farmers Branch Manske Library meeting facilities include a meeting room which can seat 150 people “theater style” or 96 at tables, a conference room which can seat 24 at tables, and an amphitheater. These facilities are available primarily for the use of Library-sponsored and Library-related programs of cultural and educational interest to the local community, such as programs, conferences, classes and seminars.
These facilities are available without charge to local educational, civic, cultural and governmental organizations for single meetings. They are not available for social occasions such as parties, showers, and wedding receptions or for commercial purposes. The person booking the facilities must be a resident of Farmers Branch. Facilities are only available during regular Library hours.
To book a meeting room, call the Library at 972.247.2511.