Live Oak Public Libraries patrons can now apply for a new PINES library card at any library branch location in Chatham, Effingham or Liberty counties.

PINES cards may be used at partner library systems immediately and used at Live Oak Public Libraries starting Feb. 20, when the library system will join the PINES network of public libraries across the state.

In preparation for being part of the PINES network, Live Oak Public Libraries will offer fine forgiveness for any library materials that are currently overdue. All overdue fees and fines are waived until Feb. 20.

PINES serves residents of Georgia through an automation and lending network of public libraries and service outlets throughout the state. With a PINES library card, Live Oak Public Libraries patrons will gain access to 11 million books and other items from public libraries across Georgia.

Library users will benefit from being able to obtain materials beyond what is available locally and having items delivered to their home library branch free of charge. In addition, PINES cardholders can travel to any of the 54 partner library systems in the state to check out and return materials.

With the addition of Live Oak Public Libraries in Chatham, Effingham and Liberty counties, the PINES member network now includes more than 300 public libraries across 145 counties.

The timeline for the transition to PINES across the Live Oak Public Libraries System includes the following key dates:

Feb. 1-20:

Patrons can apply for a new PINES library card. PINES cards may be used at partner library systems immediately and used at Live Oak Public Libraries starting Feb. 20. Overdue fees and fines are waived until Feb. 20. Patrons are encouraged to return all overdue materials to Live Oak Public Libraries.

Patrons are not able to place holds on items until Feb. 20 and current holds will expire Feb. 20. Check-outs are limited to 10 items per library card until Feb. 20. Old library cards will expire Feb. 20. Patrons are encouraged to use any cash remaining on library cards.

After Feb. 20, old library cards expire. Patrons must obtain a PINES library card to access services.