Services FAQs

  • General Questions

    Please see our events calendar for information on drop-in technology help, basic computer classes and related programming. Library users may also contact staff for individual assistance with personal devices or technology help. Staff can often make one-on-one appointments to assist you with your specific needs.

    Additionally, multiple online resources provided self-paced courses on a wide variety of technology topics. LinkedIN Learning and Universal Class are two options to explore. 

    Join us as we delve into crucial library topics, gain insights into the inner workings of libraries, and cultivate a greater appreciation for their relevance in today's hyper-connected world on No Shhh...It's the TRL Podcast! 

    Available on your favorite podcast platform: Apple Podcasts  |  Spotify  |  TRL YouTube

    Find TRL Staff recommendations, also known as Staff Lists, with great books, DVDs, movies, and more here:

    Quick link to all Staff Lists

    Read TRL Staff and guests blogs with library insights, book recommendations, and fun stuff around the district here:

    Quick Link to all Staff Blogs

    Yes! Library staff are happy to help you find your next read/watch/listen. 

    Fill out our Personalized Picks form to get a list of suggestions based on your preferences. 

    Users who want a quick grab bag assembled from items checked-in at their local branch should use the Grab & Go form.

    No. TRL does not offer notary public services but we would be glad to direct you to available options in your community.

    TRL staff can provide assistance locating information such as obituaries in any of the historical newspaper archives available in our collection. Contact staff at your local branch or send an email with complete details to asklib@trl.org and we will do our best to assist you. If what you are seeking is not available in our collection we can often refer to to an appropriate local resource for further research.

    Outside of request for obituaries or articles with specific dates staff are unable to do research on your behalf, but we are glad to direct you to resources or local organizations such as genealogical or historical societies depending on your needs. 

    The following Timberland libraries have microfilm readers available: 

    Microfilm readers are available on a drop-in basis for use with local newspaper collections. Users may also bring outside microfilm to view. Staff are available to assist as-needed. 

     

    Limited test proctoring may be available at some Timberland libraries depending on local staffing levels and the proctoring requirements of the testing institution. 

    Please note that TRL staff are unable to consistently monitor a test-taker for the duration of the test. However, we are happy to review the test requirements and accommodate proctoring needs as we are able. 

    Please contact staff at your local Timberland library to discuss your proctoring needs. 

    Some Timberland branches have community bulletin boards that may be used by individuals and nonprofit organizations for non-commercial purposes. 

    Speak with staff at your local library for details. You may also email PDF copies of flyers or postings to asklib@trl.org. Flyers are subject to approval and may be removed at the discretion of the library due to available space or timeliness. 

    No. Copy machines at the library can send a fax message but are not configured to receive inbound faxes. 

    Yes! All Timberland libraries have copy machines with faxing capability. There is no cost to send a fax from the library. See staff for assistance.

    The library cannot receive a fax message on your behalf. 

  • Surplus Items

    Anyone can easily register for a GovDeals account to participate in our surplus sale. Registration is free and simple, and no banking or credit card information is required upfront.

    Important: All new accounts start with a probationary status. We recommend reviewing the probation policy before registering: GovDeals Probation Policy.

    How to Register:

    1. Click "Register" in the red field on the GovDeals website.
    2. Complete the Bidder Registration Form:      
      • Choose a username (avoid using your email, website, or company name).
      • Enter your email address twice to verify.
      • Provide your full first and last name.
      • Enter your home address and city.
      • Select your state and provide your postal code.
      • Input a phone number for calls or texts (format: 555-555-5555).
      • Choose how you'd like to receive your temporary password (email or text).
      • Select whether you are registering as a Reseller/Dealer or an End User. If registering as a Reseller/Dealer, include your business name and the number of employees.
      • Read and agree to the terms and conditions.
      • Confirm your address when prompted.
    3. Retrieve your temporary password sent via email or text.
    4. Activate your account by clicking the link in the email or text, then entering your temporary password and setting a permanent one.
    5. Log in using your new username and password to start bidding!
    GovDeals Customer Support's Contact Info:

    Telephone (toll free): 800-613-0156
    Email: customerservice@govdeals.com 

    You must have an account and be signed in to 'Buy Now'. Find the item you are interested in, click on "Buy Now".

    1. Input the “Buy Now Price” amount within the bid box
    2. Click “Place Bid”
    3. Within the “Bid Confirmation” page, click “Agree”
    4. You’re done – Congratulations!

    Payment types:

    • Credit card
    • PayPal
    • Wire transfer

    Payment in full is due not later than 5 business days from the time and date of the Buyers Certificate*. Buyers then have 5 days to pick up after payment is accepted. All payments must be made through the GovDeals website; in-person payments are not accepted. After completing your payment and submitting any required information, you'll receive a confirmation and instructions for scheduling your item pickup.

    Here's a step-by-step guide to selecting your payment method and some important things to keep in mind: 

    1. Sign into your GovDeals account.
    2. Access your account profile in the upper, right-hand corner of the screen. 
    3. Click your name, then select "My Bids".
    4. On the left-hand side, under "My Bids," click "Lots Won". .  
    5. Find the lots you've won and either select all or individually choose the ones you want to check out. 
    6.  After you've made your selection, hit the "Checkout" button.  
    7. Scroll down to the bottom of the page where you will find the section labeled "Please Choose a Payment Method". 
    8. You'll see the available payment method options including
      "Pay with Wire Transfer,"
      "Pay with Credit Card," and/or
      "Pay with PayPal."
      The payment options are determined by the payment method accepted for the amount due. 
    9. If your invoice is $5,000 or more, your payment must be made via wire transfer, and only "Pay with Wire Transfer," will display. 
    10. For buyers with less than 3 completed transactions, there's a $1,000 limit for credit card/PayPal payments. If your transaction is over $1,000, you'll only see the Wire Transfer option.

    *A buyer certificate will be emailed to the email address on file. This may end up in your junk or spam folder.

    After winning, a buyer certificate will be emailed to the email address on file. This may end up in your junk or spam folder.  Follow the instructions to pay for the item(s) through GovDeals and to arrange a pick-up appointment.

    Please note: TRL cannot hold or set aside items currently up for auction.

    You may also access the buyer certificate via these steps:

    1. Click "Sign In" (upper, right-hand corner)

    2. Click your name, then click "My Bids"

    3. Refer to "Lots Won"

    4. Locate your asset, then click "Certificate"

    5. Follow the instructions concerning payment and pick-up.

    TRL auctions surplus items are on GovDeals, an online marketplace for government agencies. These items are no longer needed by TRL but are still in good condition. By using GovDeals, TRL ensures a convenient, transparent process for the public and acts responsibly with public funds.

    Items will be listed for 10 days on GovDeals, although the auction period may be extended depending on circumstances. The highest bidder at the end of the auction wins the item.

  • Self-Service Location

    A self-service library operates using Expanded Access, allowing patrons to access the library, its materials, and resources even when staff are not present. With this model, you can use resources such as books, computers, printing, and study spaces.

    To use Expanded Access, you’ll need an Expanded Access Hours Library card, which is required to swipe in. You can sign up at any TRL location when staff are available. Families are welcome—each adult must sign up individually but may bring minors in their care during visits.

    The library hours are daily from 7 AM to 8 PM.

    This self-service model provides more flexibility, giving you access to the library at your convenience. Meanwhile, TRL staff will focus on community outreach initiatives, like school visits and local events, while continuing to provide remote support and resources.

    Absolutely! In addition to live chat and phone support, you can schedule tech help appointments and access in-person assistance at other TRL branches. During regular programs held in the library, staff will be on-site to assist you.

    An Expanded Access Hours Library card is required to swipe in. You can sign up at any TRL location when staff are available. Families are welcome—each adult must sign up separately, but may bring minors in their care during visits.

    Self-service hours are: seven days a week, from 7 AM to 8 PM.