Last updated 4/14/25

Why are you implementing Extended Access at Victoria Library?

As one of the smaller libraries in the Carver County Library, Victoria does not have hours which are conducive to everyone’s schedule, in particular by being closed on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, and Sunday.

The use of the Victoria Express library further showed us there were patrons unable to use the library during normal business hours. Victoria was chosen because as a new library there were minimal costs to retrofit. Further, Victoria is centrally located between Waconia and Chanhassen, and close to Chaska.  

Finally, Extended Access is an innovative trend in libraries in the Twin Cities. Using the Dahlke Grant aimed at funding innovation made it possible for the Carver County Library to join other Twin Cities libraries in offering this service.  

How does it work?   

Customers scan their library card and enter their PIN at an entry panel to unlock the library, so you will need an actual library card to enter. Once inside, they can use in-library resources and equipment such as the self checkout, computers, printers, copiers, Wi-Fi and have access to study space. 

Who can sign up?

All Carver County Library cardholders ages 18 and older can sign up for Extended Access.  You may register for Extended Access if you are not a Carver County resident if your card is registered in our system.

How do you sign up?

Patrons must complete the application process which involves reading this FAQ, filling out an online application, reading and signing the Extended Access User Agreement, reading and signing Public Conduct Policy, and attending a short in-person orientation. You must have a current library card to apply for Extended Access. If your library card has expired or you don't currently have a card, you will need to apply for a card in person or online.

How will the library be safe when staff aren't there?

Cameras are installed throughout the library to record activity. The Library has communicated with local law enforcement and first responders to ensure they're aware of the service in the extremely rare case of an emergency. If an incident occurs, the video from camera will assist with resolving it. 

How do you report feedback or problems if staff aren’t there?

There will be several processes in place to help patrons report technology issues, space problems, or other concerns, including an Extended Access Feedback Form available on the Carver County Library website. QR codes will also be posted in the library for instant access to the web form. Submissions route to the Victora Branch Manager who will coordinate a response.

For issues that require immediate response, patrons may call the Chanhassen Library during their open hours to speak with staff to report issues. However, Chanhassen staff will not be available to immediately respond to technology or other problems. 

Patrons can also use the “contact us” form on the Library website to provide feedback.  

The Victoria Branch Manager will respond to all public feedback within 48 hours. 

Why is the Victoria Express location closing?

We kept the Victoria Express location running even after opening the Victoria Library for patrons who could not access the library during open hours. 

Given our new expanded hours with Extended Access, the proximity (1.5 miles) of the Rec Center to the Victoria Library, the costs of maintaining service to the Victoria Express location, and the redundancy of having two library locations in the same city, we have decided to close the Victoria Express location near the end of 2025.

What else do I need to know?

Janitorial or facilities staff may be present during your visit. They may need to work or clean near you and could be using noisy equipment. 

Staff may be present performing opening duties or other procedures and are not permitted to help patrons during this time. 

To sign up for Extended Access, you must read and complete three forms, and attend a short ten-minute orientation at the Victoria Library. 

The County of Carver through the Carver County Library (“Carver County Library”) seeks to provide access to Carver County Library during specified service hours when staffing is not available (the “Extended Access Hours”).  Once registered, an individual will be allowed Extended Access through their existing library card.  Extended Access will allow registered individuals access to the use of computers, printing, materials selection, ­holds pick-up, and public library spaces.  

Using Extended Access Hours is a privilege for individuals registered with Carver County Library, and the success of Extended Access hours depends on the user’s responsibility.  Please read this Extended Access user agreement participation waiver and release of liability ( “Agreement”) for conditions of participation, clear expectations, and applicable rules.  This Agreement must be renewed every five years.  Your access may expire if not renewed promptly. 

In consideration of the opportunity to participate in Extended Access hours, I, on behalf of myself, and behalf of my spouse, legal partner, children, wards, heirs, family members, successor, assigns, personal representatives, and estate, if any, (“My People”) hereby waive, release and forever discharge to the fullest extent permitted by law and agree and covenant not to sue Carver County Library, the County of Carver, and its Commissioners, employees, agents, officers, contractors, volunteers and representatives (collectively, the “Released Parties”) from any liability whatsoever for any damages, losses or injuries (including death) that I or My People sustain or may sustain to our person and/or property as a result of or in connection with our participation in Extended Access hours.  This waiver and release encompass and includes, without limitation, any suits, actions, claims, demands, and causes of action of any kind or nature whatsoever, both direct and indirect, that is or may be asserted or claimed by me or on my behalf or My People or by any third party against the Released Parties arising out of or relating to the attendance or participation, or both, in Extended Access hours by me or My People.  This specifically includes releasing the County of Carver and/or the Released Parties from financial responsibility for costs resulting from medical treatment for any injury or illness that I or My People sustain during the attendance or participation, or both, in Extended Access hours by me or My People. 

By Minnesota law, nothing in this waiver and release of liability should be construed as releasing, discharging, or waiving any claims I may have for reckless or intentional acts on the part of the Released Parties.

By clicking the box or “accept” button when you submit your application, you hereby acknowledge, represent, and warrant the following:

• you have had sufficient opportunity to read the foregoing release and this Agreement;
• you understand this Agreement;
• you are entering into this Agreement voluntarily;
• you understand that you are giving up substantial legal rights that you may have;
• you are consenting to be bound by and are becoming a party to this Agreement and its provisions;
• that you are over at least 18 years of age and sound mind;
• you will be responsible for your actions and for any guests that you bring in;
• you will not loan your card to others and will immediately alert Carver County Library if your card is lost or stolen;
• you consent to and acknowledge that security cameras will be monitoring you during your use of the Extended Access Hours;
• you will leave the library promptly at the end of the Extended Access hours;
• you understand that library staff will not be present during Extended Access hours;
• you understand that Extended Access hours are subject to change; 
• you understand that I must comply with announcements from the public address system; 
• you understand that the staff desk, staff computer, and all staff spaces are restricted from use; 
• you understand that the space is monitored by security cameras; 
• you understand that if an emergency arises during non-staffed Extended Access hours, you should contact 9-1-1 immediately; 
• you will not pass your library card or PIN on to anyone else;
• you will not open the door to anyone while you are in the library;
• you will not leave your personal belongings or devices unattended;
• you accept the consequences that may result in having access to extended hours; services revoked for a period of time, being banned from all Library facilities/services for a period of time and/or being subject to legal action;
• you have the right, power, and authority to enter into this Agreement and to bind yourself and My People to this Agreement.  If you do not agree to all of the terms of this Agreement, click the “do not accept” button or leave the website.

The Library welcomes and encourages people of all ages to use library facilities, resources and services. To protect the rights and safety of library customers and staff and to protect property, we expect that individuals will obey laws and follow library policies and rules.

Violators of laws or regulations are subject to local, state, or federal prosecution. Following the Library Security Policy and Trespassing procedures, access to library services and/or facilities may be denied for individuals who violate this policy.

This policy is designed to preserve access to library services to the maximum extent possible while still maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for the public and for staff. 

• Patrons should not engage in the following unacceptable behaviors which include:
• Disturbing sound levels caused by voice, cell phone, personal audio players, laptops, other devices, or from library public computers are prohibited.
• Smoking, chewing tobacco, vaping, and use of e-cigarettes pursuant to City codes are prohibited. Possession, use, or consumption of alcoholic beverages, or illegal drugs, is prohibited in accordance with State law.
• Use or possession of any cannabis product, this includes but is not limited to cannabis flower, lower-potency hemp edibles, cannabis concentrate, and any product infused with cannabinoids such as THC, edible cannabis gummies, cannabis or hemp-infused beverages, and similar products. Pursuant to the Unattended Children and Vulnerable Adults Policy, young children and vulnerable adults must not be left unattended and must have adequate supervision at all times. Carver County Library staff are not responsible for the care, safety or supervision of children and vulnerable adults.
• Careful use of library materials is required. Library furniture and other equipment must be used in the designated places. Damage to library property is prohibited under Minn. Stat. Sec. 609.541.
• Running, roller skating, skateboarding, roller blading, roller shoes, or similar activities are not permitted.
• Animals (except those specifically trained / identified to assist individuals or those participating in library programs) are prohibited from library facilities.
• Shoes and shirts must be worn in the library.
• Soliciting, petitioning, selling, or campaigning are prohibited.
• Disruptive behavior will not be permitted. This includes but is not limited to: disorderly conduct, noise or activity-intentional or inadvertent-interference with the rights of others, physical abuse and abusive, profane, threatening language, or hate speech.
• Carrying a weapon of any type into the library, unless authorized by law is prohibited.
• The use or possession of controlled substances as defined by Minn. Stat. Sec. 152.01 and 152.02 is prohibited.
• Failure to adhere to Carver County Library policy on the Internet and Internet Usage guidelines is prohibited.
• Tampering with or intentionally damaging computer hardware, software, printer, operating systems or other associated equipment is strictly prohibited.
• Refusing to leave the building at closing time or when asked to leave the building for other reasons.
• Refusing to comply with county safety procedures during inclement weather as directed by staff. Not impeding others’ entrance to and exit from the library for whatever purpose.
• Sleeping that impedes others from using library spaces or resources.
• Obtain and use another person's personal data in some way that involves fraud or deception.
• Engage in sexual conduct.

 To ensure that those using the library for appropriate purposes may enjoy an atmosphere conducive to such use and to protect library property, the Carver County Library will suspend use of its service and facilities to those persons who commit acts of vandalism to library materials and property, and to those who abuse borrowing privileges. When necessary, Library staff will refer inappropriate conduct to the proper authorities for legal action in accordance with the Minnesota Criminal Code, Minn. Stat. Sec. 609.541, 609.595, and 609.72 

Typical extended access hours are below. 

• Sunday: 7 am-10 pm
• Monday: 7-10 am and 6-10 pm
• Tuesday: 7 am-1 pm and 8-10 pm
• Wednesday: 7-10 am and 6-10 pm
• Thursday: 7 am-1 pm and 8-10 pm
• Friday: 7-10 am and 3-10 pm
• Saturday: 7-10 am and 3-10 pm
• Holidays: 7 am-10 pm

Please note that Victoria Express patrons wanting to continue to pick up books outside of staffed library hours will need to sign up for Extended Access as the Victoria Express service will close December 18, 2025.