General Information

Getting a Library Card

So that everyone can enjoy the library's resources, we've established the following policies:

• * All circulating items check out for 14 days. DVDs and VHS check out for 1 week.
  * Patrons may check out up to 15 items to include:
  * 3 videos. (Note: $1 per day fine and no VHS/DVD on child's cards)
  * 5 "New" (yellow sticker) items.
  * 3 items in a non-fiction subject area (If you are in need of more information on a topic, our staff may be able to assist you with·· electronic resources and reference help).

Fines

• $ .10 per day per item for books, audiobooks, and Music CD's.
  $1.00 per day for videos and DVD's.
  $1.00 each video rewind fee.
  $1.00 each for damaged media cases.

Renewals

Items may be renewed once by phone, in person, or online if no one else has requested the item.

NON-Renewal Materials

• * Videos/DVD's
  * "New" items
  * Overdue items
  * Reserved items

Items may be returned in our bookdrop or at any of the Okaloosa County Public Library Cooperative libraries, including Destin, Valparaiso, Niceville, Crestview, and Mary Esther.

Online Catalog/Services

The Fort Walton Beach Library invites all residents of Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa County to join our city library. See Getting a Library Card. The print and media collection includes 70,000 books and bound volumes, 2,000 audiobooks, tapes and CD's, 1,300 videos, and over 180 subscriptions to periodicals, microforms, and serials.

We offer access to the Northwest Florida Daily News (formerly the Playground Daily News) in microfilm as far back as 1915.

The library is a member of the Okaloosa County Public Library Cooperative (OCPLC), which allows us to quickly acquire via courier materials for our patrons from the five other local public libraries in the cooperative. We also share our Online Catalog.

Other services include:

* A selection of research databases via the Florida Electronic Library·(Enter the barcode from your library card for the ID number).
* Passport Acceptance Site.· Appointment only; no onsite photo available.
* Weekly children's storyhour and summer reading programs.
* "Carpet Surfers" storytime for babies and toddlers.
* The "Page Turners" book discussion group.  Click here for selections.
* Mystery by the Book Club.
* Adult programming to include local author visits.
* Interlibrary loan service.
* Community art displays.
* Reserves on popular titles.
* A meeting room for library and community activities.
* Individual study rooms.
* Internet Access with color and b/w printing; .20 per page.
* Wireless Access.
* B/W copy machine; .20 per page.
* B/W and color scanner available for use.
* Microfilm Machine with B/W printer, .20 per page.
* Friends of the Library.
* Volunteer opportunities.
* An assistive reading device for the visually impaired.
* Wheelchairs and scooters for the disabled.
* And a friendly and courteous staff to help you with your information and pleasure-reading needs.

Children's Services

Carpet Surfers Story Time
(babies, 0-2)
Every 1st and 3rd Thursday. 10:00 a.m.
Call the library or check the Library Calendar for dates and further details on children's programs.

Child Safety Policy

Library History

• * In 1955, the first city ordinance establishing the governance and funding of the library was passed.
• * In 1961, the library board hired its first children's librarian.* In 1963, the library building at 105 Miracle Strip Pkwy. was dedicated.
  * In 1995, the library's catalog was automated to allow computer access to the collection and automated circulation.
  * In 1998, the library joined the Okaloosa County Public Library Cooperative, allowing access to our collection to citizens across the county.
  
  
  The Library is now located in downtown Fort Walton Beach in a spacious and modern 24,000 square foot building facing Hwy. 98. The collection includes over 60,000 items in a variety of formats to include print, electronic, dvd, cd, and tape. More than 20 computers are available for public use in both the children's and adult departments.

Open 47·hours per week, including·one evening and each Saturday, the Library is staffed by a Library Director, an Adult Services Librarian, a Children's Services Librarian,·1 full-time Library Assistant, and 4·part-time Library Assistants.

We welcome new patrons and invite citizens to contact us with any questions about our services.

Databases/Policies

• Okaloosa County Public Library Cooperative
• Library Calendar
• Proctoring Guidelines
• Fort Walton Beach Library Facebook
• Library Photo Album
• Mystery By the Book Club Wiki
• Internet Computer Time Limit Policy
• Selection Policy
• Bulletin Board Policy
• 
  Research Databases and Electronic Resources
  
  
• Florida Electronic Library
• Ask A Librarian - Real People. Real Help. Real Fast.
• EGovernment Resources
• HeritageQuest Genealogy Database
• Final BRAC Growth Management Plan

Passports

Appointment only, please call 850-833-9590; no onsite photo available

Who needs a passport?
All U.S. citizens, including infants, departing from and entering the United States from outside the United States.  Information regarding the passport and visa requirements of foreign countries, and their respective fees, may be found at www.travel.state.gov.

Where may I apply for a U.S. Passport?
Acceptance Facility locations and hours of operation: Click Here to search by zip 

Requirements to apply for a U.S. Passport:

First time applicants, or those who have been issued a U.S. Passport more than 15 years ago, must submit a DS-11 Application for a U.S. Passport . This form is also available in your local acceptance facility's office.
2 recent Passport photos - see requirements information below
Proof of Identity
Proof of U.S. Citizenship
Separate payments to the Acceptance Facility and the U.S. Dept. of State are required
Submit a photocopy of the Identification document presented.The photocopy must be of the ID document that you will present when you apply, and must be on plain white, 8 1/2 x 11" standard paper stock, showing the front and the back of your ID on the same side. You may enlarge the image of your ID on the 8 1/2 x 11" page, but you may not decrease the size of the image. The likeness of the person in the photograph must be clear. If an acceptable photocopy is not provided, our office will make the photocopy for you for standard copy charge(s).

Acceptable Proof of Identity:

valid state issued photo driver license (Not temporary nor learners permit)
Official Military ID card
Current government photo ID (city, state or federal)
previously issued, undamaged U.S. Passport (book or card)
Parent's ID, as listed above, is sufficient to identify a minor child

NOTE: If you apply at an Acceptance Agency and submit out-of-state primary identification, you must present an additional ID document, as well. For example, if you apply in Florida with a Georgia Driver License, you must present additional ID

For the most current information on Acceptable Proof of Identity, please visit www.travel.state.gov

Acceptable Proof of Citizenship:

Certified birth certificate issued by the Vital Statistics office from the state in which you were born
Original Naturalization Certificate
Original Certificate of Citizenship
Previous undamaged U.S. Passport (book or card)

The birth certificate must be certified by the state in which the birth took place. A raised, embossed or multi-colored seal must be affixed to the birth certificate and must contain the mother's and father's name, the registrar's signature, and the date the certificate was filed with the registrar's office, which must be within 1 year of your birth. Birth certificates issued from a hospital are not acceptable. For the most current information on Acceptable Proof of Citizenship, please visit www.travel.state.gov

Minors applying for a U.S. Passport:

Children under age 16 require both parents to be present along with the child(ren) and provide Acceptable Proof of Identity and Evidence of Relationship. If the parent's name has changed from what appears on the birth certificate, a certified copy of the document effectuating the name change must accompany the application. i.e., certified copy of Final Judgment of Divorce restoring the mother's maiden name, or a certified copy of a marriage license are examples of proper documentation.   Click here to link to the U.S. Department of State's Explanation and Requirements.  If one parent is unable to appear in person with the child, a signed, notarized form DS-3053 - Statement of Consent or Special Circumstances must be presented with the minor child's DS-11 Application for U.S. Passport. This form must be less than 3 months old.

Social Security Number
A social security number is required for all passport applications regardless of the age of the applicant.

Two passport photos  Click to see Dept of State recommendations

Your photographs must be:
2x2 inches in size
Identical
Taken within the past 6 months, showing current appearance
In Color
Full face, front view with a plain white or off-white background
Between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head
Taken in normal street attire
Uniforms should not be worn in photographs except religious attire that is worn daily.
Do not wear a hat or headgear that obscures the hair or hairline.
If you normally wear prescription glasses, a hearing device, wig or similar articles, they should be worn for your picture.
Dark glasses or nonprescription glasses with tinted lenses are not acceptable unless you need them for medical reasons. A medical certificate may be required.
Shirts are to be any color other than white.

Can I get a U.S. Passport if a birth record is not available?
Yes. This requires additional documentation.   You should call the U.S. Dept of State's Passport Office at 1(877)487-2778, or visit www.travel.state.gov for more information.

Do I have to apply in person?
All applicants, including children, must present themselves in person and apply using a  DS-11 Application for U.S. Passport
when applying for a U.S. Passport for the first time
if you are unable to surrender your previously issued U.S. Passport with your application
if your previous U.S. Passport was issued more than 15 years ago
if you were 15 years of age or younger when your last U.S. Passport was issued
if your name has changed since your last U.S. Passport was issued, and you are not able to provide certified legal documentation

What forms of payment are accepted?
Two (2) separate payments are required:

U.S. Dept of State fees:

The U.S. Dept. of State fee must be in the form of a check or money order only - made payable to U.S. Dept. of State. (Helpful Tip: Applications paid by money order are processed faster, as the Passport office does not have to wait to for your check to clear.)

Each member of your party must have a separate payment for the U.S. Dept of State's fee to be attached to each application.

Fort Walton Beach Public Library Acceptance Facility fees:

• $25.00 to the City of Fort Walton Beach; check, money order, or cash only.

How long is a passport valid?
The passport is valid for ten (10) years if you are 16 years of age or older at time of application, or it is valid for five (5) years if you are 15 years of age or younger at time of application.

When should I apply for a passport?
You should apply for a passport several months before you plan to travel.  In most cases, you will need a visa from the embassy of the country to which you plan to travel. Additional vaccinations and other health precautionary requirements may also be necessary prior to entering a foreign country. Please consult your travel agent for more information.  Click here to view country specific travel information provided by the U.S. Dept. of State.

Will I need a visa to enter a foreign country?
You may need a visa to gain entrance to most countries.  Click here to view a list of foreign embassy web pages. In many cases, there is an application fee for a visa, and requests for a visa may take several months to process, so plan accordingly. Please consult your travel agent for more information.

I need my passport in a hurry! What are my options?
Depending on your needs, you may elect to pay the additional fee to expedite your application. There are a variety of delivery options available, as well. Please review the PASSPORT FEE SCHEDULE below for more information. If you need a passport immediately, you should call the U.S. Dept. of State and make an appointment with a Regional Passport Agency. The closest Regional Passport Agency is in New Orleans, Louisiana, and the next closest is in Miami. You should only make an appointment with a Regional Passport Agency if you plan to travel in less than 2 weeks, or your passport is needed within 4 weeks in order to obtain a foreign visa. For more information about scheduling an appointment with a Regional Passport Agency, please call (877)487-2778.

What is a Passport Card?
The new wallet-size U.S. Passport Card is a travel document that can be used to enter the United States by land travel only from Canada or Mexico, and certain sea ports-of-entry such as the Caribbean, and Bermuda. Note that it cannot be used for international air travel. The passport card is more convenient and less expensive than a passport book.

When will I receive my passport?
Click Here to see the estimated processing times from the U.S. Dept. of State.

How do I report a missing, Lost or Stolen U.S. Passport?
Complete form DS-64 and mail it to the U.S. Dept. of State to the address shown on the form as soon as possible. You may also report a lost or stolen U.S. Passport by phone: (202)955-0430.  Click here for more information.

Can a U.S. Passport be renewed by mail?
You are eligible to renew your U.S. Passport by mail using a form DS-82 if your most recent U.S. Passport was:

issued when you were at least 16 years old, and
issued within the last 15 years, and
you can submit your previously issued, undamaged passport with your application, and
you use the same name as on your most recent passport, OR you can legally document your name change

If you are not able to meet the above criteria, you must renew by using a form DS-11. Please see the section entitled Do I have to apply in person? above.

My name changed less than 1 year after I applied for my U.S. Passport.
You may apply for a name change or data correction, usually at no charge unless expedited service is requested, with the 1^st year of issuance of your passport. Please review form DS-5504 for more information.

I need more visa pages in my valid U.S. Passport book. How do I order them?
Complete a form DS-4085. You must be able to surrender your passport with your application.

PASSPORT FEE SCHEDULE  Click Here for Passport Fees

For questions after your passport has been processed by an Acceptance Agency, or to check the status, call National Passport Information Center at (877)487-2778 or visit www.travel.state.gov.