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Live Oak Public Libraries

Student PLAY: Frequently Asked Questions

PINES Library Access for Youth (PLAY)

Student PLAY gives Chatham, Effingham, and Liberty County public school students free access to public library resources and services.

 

What is my login and password?

Use your Student PLAY account just like a library card!
When asked for a library card, use your PLAY account and password.

 

PLAY account example: SAV1234567

3-letter school district (SAV, EFF, LCS, or GCA) and student/lunch number.
All capital letters, no spaces.
 

PLAY password/PIN example: 042006

6-digit student birth month and year (MMYYYY), no spaces.
 

Some e-resources require a free account.

Use an email and password of your choice.
When asked for a library card, use your PLAY account.

 

What library resources are available?

Use your PLAY account at the library or online.
Click here for your PLAY account login and password.

How do students check out materials?

You can check out up to 5 items at one time including books, audiobooks, CDs, DVDs, and museum passes. Borrow books from any Live Oak Public Libraries location and request books from PINES partner libraries across the state.

  • Loan periods: Items can be checked out for 14 days, with up to 2 renewals.
  • Renewals: Renewals can be done in person or online. Items on hold for another user cannot be renewed.
  • Holds: Holds may be placed on books at Live Oak Public Libraries or partner libraries.
    Holds may not be placed on new books owned by other library systems until after 6 months.
    Holds are limited to a maximum of 2 at any given time.
  • Returns: Books may be returned to any Live Oak Public Libraries location.

There are no overdue fines. Users will not be able to check out additional materials until items are returned.

Is there a cost for a PLAY account?

The account is free and library resources and services are free.

What about overdue fines and fees?

There are no overdue fines, but users are responsible for fees on lost or damaged items.

What are the benefits of the PLAY program?

  • There are no overdue fines. Fees apply only for lost or damaged materials.
  • Students can access online resources from home, school, or the library.
  • Students can check out materials from a collection of 11 million items.
  • The PLAY program reduces the barriers to getting a library card by providing direct access to library services.

What else can students do at the library?

Students are always welcome at the library with or without a library card. There are after-school activities, special events, and seasonal reading programs that are free and open to all.  The library also offers free and open access to library computers, internet, and quiet places to study.  Students are also able to check out passes to parks and museums around the state.

What schools are included?

The PLAY program partners with the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System, Effingham County Schools, Liberty County School System, and the Georgia Cyber Academy.  

Where is my closest library location?   

You are welcome to go to any Live Oak Public Libraries location to use resources and check out or return materials.
Click here for library locations and hours.

Are students limited to only using libraries in their county?

Students can visit any Live Oak Public Libraries location or any of the 300 PINES partner libraries across the state.

What if I want my child to have full access to the library collections?

The PLAY account allows students to borrow 5 items at a time and have full access to online resources.  Holds are limited to a maximum of 2 at any given time.

If you want your child to borrow more items, you can apply for a free Live Oak Public Libraries library card at any time.  Visit your local library and bring your photo ID.

 

What if a student already has a library card?

You can continue using the existing library card. Your PLAY account is separate and does not accrue fines.

What happens when a student changes schools?

Students maintain the same PLAY account until they move outside of the school system or graduate.

What happens when a student graduates?

When a student graduates, their PLAY account will remain active for one year.
During that time, they may visit the library in person to apply for a regular library card.

How can other schools get involved?

Interested schools will need to establish an MoU with the Live Oak Public Libraries in order to participate.
Please contact us via the online contact form.

What about homeschool students?

A student can apply online for a library account for digital access only. Or visit your local library in person to apply for a library card. If under the age of 18, a parent/guardian's contact information and consent are required.
Learn more and apply at liveoakpl.org/librarycards.

Will parents/caregivers have access to see what their child has checked out?

Parents/caregivers will have the ability to see what is checked out on the account of a minor.

Is student information shared with the library confidential?

Yes, per Official Code of Georgia § 21-12-30(a) Confidential Nature of Certain Library Records.

What if I do not want my child to participate?

You may choose to opt-out of the program by notifying the main office at your child’s school.

What is PINES?

PINES (Public Information Network for Electronic Services) is the statewide network of public library systems serving 300 public libraries across the state of Georgia. PINES gives you access to more than 11 million books and materials plus online resources.

With your PLAY account, you can borrow items from PINES partner libraries and have them delivered to your library for free. You can also check out and return items in person at any partner library throughout the state.