Book Clubs
The library has four monthly book clubs:
- Monday Night Book Club
- Wednesday Noon Book Club
- Petal Book Club
- Banned Book Club
All book clubs are offered in-person. Check our calendar for updated meeting times/formats.
Computers
- Hattiesburg Library - Main Lab: 24 computers
- Hattiesburg Library - Youth Lab: 6 computers
- Petal Library: 7 computers
Group Study Rooms
The library offers group study room reservations on a first-come, first-serve basis. In the interest of fairness, reservations cannot exceed four (4) hours per day and patrons may only make one (1) reservation at a time.
*NO FOOD OR DRINK PERMITTED*
Hattiesburg Library:
- Group Study 1 (max. = 10 people)
- Group Study 2 (max. = 6 people)
- Group Study 3 (max. = 6 people)
- Quiet Study (max. = 24 people)
Petal Library:
- Meeting Room (max. = 14 people)
Please click here to review study room rules and to make a reservation.
Holds (Requests)
Placing an online hold for items is the best way to get the books you want; either by coming into the library or using our curbside pickup service. Hold notifications let you know that we have the material ready for you to pick up. This instruction sheet contains more information about the process.
Interlibrary Loan (ILL)
Can't find what you need in our catalog? Fill out our interlibrary loan (ILL) form to see if we can borrow your item from another library.
Library Card Eligibility
Want to sign up for a library card? Bring proof of your identity and your address to either the Hattiesburg Library or Petal Library. You can also apply online.
Library cards are free of charge to residents and property owners in Hattiesburg, Petal, and Forrest County. The library is supported by taxpayers from these locations.
If you are not a resident or property owner in Hattiesburg, Petal, or Forrest County, you may still be eligible for a free card if you meet any of the following criteria:
- You are stationed at Camp Shelby or a veteran
- You work at a school in Forrest County or within the city limits of Hattiesburg or Petal
- You work for the city of Hattiesburg, City of Petal, or Forrest County
*Workers must show some kind of proof of employment*
Non-residents who do not meet the above criteria may still purchase a library card for fifty dollars ($50.00) or twenty-five dollars ($25.00). The fifty dollar non-resident fee covers an entire household and must be renewed every year. The twenty-five dollar non-resident fee covers an entire household and must be renewed every six months. Non-residents who cannot afford to meet this financial responsibility may apply for a waiver.
Printing/Scanning/Faxing
Printing services are available from any of our public computers at Hattiesburg or Petal.
Need to print from your phone? No problem! Email your documents to [email protected] or [email protected] and we can print them out for you once you arrive at the library.
- $0.20/page - Black & White
- $1.00/page - Full Color
- $0.20/page - Physical Copies
- $2.00/page - Faxing
- Free - Scan to Email
Please note: Payments can only be accepted via cash or check.
Homework assignments are eligible for a limited amount of cost-free printing. Ask a librarian for more information.
Reader's Advisory Services
Goodreads, Amazon, and other robots can't beat good old-fashioned service. Our librarians can hand-pick selections for you based on your reading preferences! Fill out our reading advice form and we'll get started on finding what you should read next.
Research/Reference Services
We offer research assistance for students, genealogists, and the general public. Submit your questions via our reference form or call 601.582.4461 for further assistance. Please allow at least 7 business days for your question to be answered - we strive to provide answers as soon as staffing and library operations allow.
Tour the Library
Want to find out what's going on at the library? Sign up for a free tour! Whether you're interested in a tour for just your family or for your whole classroom, we've got you covered.
Tours are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. Availability is dependent on operation hours, staffing, and demand. Please schedule tours no less than two weeks in advance.
Adult Tours (recommended for ages 12+)
Kids' Tours (recommended for ages 12 and under)
Thursday Theater
THURSDAY THEATER IS BACK! Free admission to select films in our Meeting Room @ 2pm every Thursday - check our calendar for film selection
Visually Impaired & Print Disabled Services
The Library can assist with setting up free mail service from the Library of Congress. Fill out and return this application (or call 601.582.4461 to have the library mail you a hard copy).