How do I visit a library?
We have three locations in Burke County: Morganton, Valdese, and Hildebran. Addresses, maps, and hours for each site can be found on our Library Directions and Hours page.
How do I get a Library Card?
Don’t have a library card? Apply for one today!
Option 1: Online Application Fill out the application on our online catalog, NC Cardinal, and come into the library within 7 days to have staff complete your application, check your photo id, and issue your library card. Option 2: Print Application Print and fill out a paper application and bring it into the library with your photo id to get your card! Option 3: Stop by the Library Come to the library with your photo id, stop at the desk and ask for an application, fill one out, and get your card! Anyone* can apply for a card! (individuals between the age of 5 and 15 must have parental consent and are registered as a juvenile). First time cards are FREE for Burke County Residents!
*Those who are permanent residents of Burke County, employed by Burke County, enrolled in a school in Burke County, are an owner of real property in Burke County, or a resident (& library card holder) of a county contiguous to Burke County which does not charge a fee to Burke County residents for library borrowing privileges (Catawba and Caldwell), can be issued a library card without a fee. Library cards can be issued for an annual fee of $15 to all other individuals.
Adult patrons must establish a current mailing address. This can be done with a photo ID with your current address, or a photo id (with old address) and proof of current mailing address. Please note that parents or guardians that sign to establish library borrowing privileges for juveniles must establish a current mailing address.
Additional information, and our Registration Policy for cards can be found on our Library Policies webpage.
How do I donate books or other items to the library?
The Burke County Public Library accepts donations of books and other items for possible inclusion in our collections. However, donated items are accepted without condition.* Items not added to our libraries are given to the Friends of the Library for inclusion in book sales (all proceeds of which come back to support the library).
We ask that donated items be in decent condition. We are unable to accept magazines, and encyclopedias and textbooks more than five years old. If you have more than a small box or two, please contact the library about drop off. Otherwise, items can be dropped off at any library during open hours.
*For example, the library will not accept items if a donor stipulates the return of any/all items if the library decides it does not want them. Once an item is donated to the library its further disposition is determined solely by the library. Also, donors should make certain they are not donating an item they may later want back. If notified promptly, the library will make an effort to locate and return mistakenly donated items. If these conditions are agreeable, the library will gladly accept your donation of materials. Acknowledgement forms should be requested at the time of donation. The library can not place a value on your donation for tax purposes.
How do I use a computer at the Library?
The Burke County Public Library provides public computer access. Customers are responsible for paying 25 cents per page for all copies printed. For more information, see the Acceptable Use Policy Drop down on our Library Policies Page.
How do I make copies, print, scan, or fax at the Library?
A self-serve copy machine (black & white and color) is available at all three sites. All copies are .25 per page. These machines are also able to scan to a USB drive. Limited assistance with use of the machines is available from staff.
Printing from our public computers is available for .25 per page. Black & white and color prints are available.
Library staff can assist you in sending or receiving faxes from the library. Faxes are $1 per page (both sending and receiving).
How do I search for books?
Use the Burke County Public Library online catalog to search the holdings of the Morganton, Valdese, and C.B. Hildebrand libraries. Once on the catalog, you can log in (with your library card and password) and renew books, place holds on books, and see what you have checked out. If you would like some help using the catalog online, you can call the library or stop by during business hours. Click Here to Visit our Library Catalog.
Don’t know your password? You can set it up over the phone or in person at your library.
How do I find Movies at the library?
The Valdese Public Library and C.B. Hildebrand Public Library both have a collection of DVDs and Blu-ray Discs that can be checked out for a week at a time. These collections do not include new releases, as they are gathered from donated items. They are searchable in our library catalog, but can also be browsed on-site. Just like books and other library resources, they can be requested for pick up at other sites.
How do I check my Library Account?
Visit the Burke County Public Library online catalog and log in with your library card and pin number to renew books, place holds on books, and see what you have checked out. If you would like some help using the catalog online, you can call the library or stop by during business hours. Click Here to Visit our Library Catalog.
Don’t know your password? You can set it up over the phone or in person at your library.
How do I check out an eBook, eAudiobook, or eMagazine?
Your Burke County Public Library card gives you access to two Overdrive collections that include eBook, eAudiobook, and eMagazines, as well as eBooks and eAudiobooks through several collections provided by NC LIVE. Download many of these eBooks, eAudiobooks, and eMagazines to your computer, cell phone, or eBook reader (including Kindle, Nook, and Kobo) for easy reading when not connected to the internet. The collection includes current popular titles and will continue to grow each year. You need your library card number, password, and internet access to get started by downloading the Libby App (powered by Overdrive), or visiting our eMedia page for links and more information.
What is NC LIVE and how do I get access?
NC LIVE is a cooperative library service for the students, faculty, business people, and residents of North Carolina. The website allows access to digital content such as eBooks, eJournals, eNewspapers, streaming video, and downloadable audiobooks offered from a variety of vendors. This service is provided “free” to all public library users in the state of North Carolina. You just need your library card number (enter the entire number with no spaces), password, and internet access to get started! Visit the NC Live site today!
How do I find out local history or genealogy information?
Established in 1969 as a reference collection of local history and genealogy resources for Burke County and western North Carolina, the North Carolina Room is located on the main floor of the Morganton Public Library. The non-circulating collection focuses on local history, biography, travel, government, culture, folklore, and genealogy. It contains many rare and out of print materials, files on local history subjects, school yearbooks, as well as an archive of The News Herald newspaper. It is also the home of Picture Burke, a digital collection of historic local photographic images.
The NC Room resources are available for use during normal library hours of operation; however, it is best to call ahead to check staff availability if you need individual assistance.
How do I find out more about Library Programs?
Library programs happen at all three locations and are listed on our website and our monthly calendar, as well as advertised in the library, on social media, the News Herald, The Paper, and in different locations around the county. Some programs require pre-registration, which will be stated. Programs are free, unless otherwise noted. For more information, please call your library or visit our program pages: Adult Programs | Young Adult Programs | Children’s Programs.
How do I sign up for a program?