Buncombe County Public Libaries
library services / library services for adults
Book Collections
Buncombe County Public Libraries collects new and classic
fiction for adult readers. A special ordering plan assures
that new works by best selling authors are supplied soon
after publication. Large print fiction readers will also
find popular titles on the shelf. Since new fiction is in
high demand, it checks out for a reduced loan period of
2 weeks. Books can be renewed as long as there are no outstanding
requests.
Foreign language collections are new to Buncombe County Public Libraries. The West Branch Library has received grant
funding to build a sizeable collection of Spanish language
materials for children and adults. Pack Library is also
acquiring some Spanish language books, primarily nonfiction.
Other foreign language materials can be requested through
Interlibrary Loan.
Nonfiction and Reference books are selected for the library
with the goal of creating a balanced collection that provides
some information on almost any topic. Certain subjects,
however, are readers’ favorites, and materials selection
favors those. Popular fiction, home maintenance, auto repair,
gardening, cookbooks, crafts, pets, computer manuals and
travel guides are examples. All nonfiction books check out
for 3 weeks unless 4 or more requests have been placed on
a title. The circulation period is then reduced to 2 weeks
until the demand cools. Reference books do not check out
at all.
If the book or audio book you’re looking for is not available,
ask a librarian for help. A request may be placed on any
circulating book or audio book that is checked out. If the book is not
at your branch but shows available at a different library
location, you may request that it be transferred for you
to pick up free of charge. You may also log onto the Library catalog and place your own requests.
Collections In Other Formats
Music CD’s and audiocassettes may be found at Pack and
at each branch. Music collections include country, rock,
pop, folk, classical, international and show tunes. They
may be checked out for 3 weeks. There is a limit of 5 CD’s
or 3 cassettes per library visit, and they cannot be reserved.
Videos are also available at each library in the system.
There is a $1.00 charge for each feature film video and DVD that is checked
out. Feature films make up all of the branch collections
and much of the Pack collection. Pack’s collection also
includes arts and documentaries and instructional videos.
Feature films check out for 1 week with a limit of 4 per visit.
Instructional videos circulate for
3 weeks and there is no charge. Children's films are also free. Videos cannot be reserved. The overdue
charge for videos is $1.50 per day.
Audio books are especially popular with library patrons.
Unabridged fiction comprises the bulk of the collection,
although the Library has some nonfiction and some abridged
books as well. Audio books can be reserved, and they check
out for 3 weeks. Audio books are available in tape or CD format.
Art Prints are available at Pack Memorial and at the South
Asheville (Oakley) Branch. Art prints may be checked out
for 4 weeks.
Electronic Databases
The Library has several electronic databases available to patrons. Some can be used from home, but most are only available at Pack Library.
Databases available from home:
NC LIVE is a collection of online databases made available to the public from the State Library of North Carolina. NC LIVE includes magazines and newspaper indexes with full-text articles, telephone directories, consumer health information, book reviews and more. These are licensed databases that provide patrons with a depth of information and a degree of reliability seldom found in general web surfing. Anyone with a valid library card can use the databases, contact your local library or the reference desk at Pack Memorial Library to get the password.
Databases available from the Library:
ALLDATA is a leading provider of electronic diagnostic and repair information and services for the automotive service industry. ALLDATA offers comprehensive automotive information, for the automotive enthusiast including repair information, parts, and more.
Westlaw is an online searchable database of state and national legal information. It may be accessed at Pack Memorial Library or the Buncombe County Law Library in the County Courthouse.
Reference USA is a business database that contains detailed information for US businesses, residents, US health care providers, Canadian businesses and Canadian residents. Available at Pack Library only.
The Foundation Directory is an online funding research tool with information on thousands of grant makers and their giving interests. Available at Pack Library only.
Heritage Quest and Ancestry Plus are databases of genealogy records and resources. They are both available at Pack Library and Heritage Quest and will be available for library patrons to use from home in the near future. Contact North Carolina Collection at Pack Library for more information on these and other genealogy resources