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USING LIBRARY MATERIALS & MANAGING YOUR ACCOUNT

The library provides a place, and an opportunity, for members of the public to read, study, and use the various materials that the library maintains. Check out this page for some account basics and the Online Catalog Tutorial, which features a growing set of lessons on how to get the most of the new online catalog.

 

BORROWING

Items can be checked out for the following periods:

 

RETURNING ITEMS

All items borrowed from the Alexandria Library may be returned at any branch except items borrowed through the Interlibrary Loan service.


Customers are responsible for all fines and fees associated with returning library items to other jurisdictions.

 

PLACING A HOLD:
NEW CATALOG

 If an item is not available to be checked out, you may place a hold on the item.  When the item becomes available, you will be notified to pick it up.

To place a hold in the New Catalog:

  • Login using the "LOG IN" link at the top right of the screen.
  • Search the catalog for the item you wish to request.
  • In the list of results or on the item's page, click the "Place Hold" button.
  • Choose the library branch where you will pick up the item.
  • If you don't need the item until later, check the "I don't need this item before..." box and choose a date. (See "Suspending a Hold" for more info.)
  • Click "Confirm Location".

To review/cancel your holds:

  • While logged in, click your name at the top right of the screen.
  • From the menu choose "Holds."
  • Nex to the item you want to Cancel, click Cancel Hold.
  • Confirm that you want to Cancel.

Items will stay available on hold for patrons at the Circulation Desk for seven (7) days only. 

 

SUSPENDING/FREEZING A HOLD:
NEW CATALOG

If you’re leaving on vacation, on a business trip or for any other extended period of time, you can “suspend” library item(s) you have on hold. This ensures that your hold isn’t filled while you are away (so that you don’t miss picking it up on time) and your hold maintains the same place in line while suspended. 

Here’s how to suspend a hold in the New Catalog:

  • While logged in click your name in the top right of the screen.
  • From the menu, choose "Holds"
  • Click the down arrow next to the item you want to suspend.
  • Select "Freeze."
  • A note will be added to the item that is was frozen successfully.
    • NOTE: If you wish to suspend/freeze an item until a specific date after placing it on hold, you will need to do so in the Classic Catalog. (See instructions on this page, below.)
    • Please cancel holds which you will not be picking up.  In your account, go to your holds list and click  "cancel hold" for the desired items.
    • Holds will expire one year from placement if they are unfilled by that time.
    • Suspending/Freezing a hold will not extend the expiry date.

 

PLACING A HOLD:
CLASSIC CATALOG

 If an item is not available to be checked out, you may place a hold on the item.  When the item becomes available, you will be notified to pick it up.

To place a hold in the Classic Catalog:

  • Login using the "LOG IN" link at the top right of the screen.
  • Search the catalog for the item you wish to request.
  • In the list of results or on the item's page, click the "Place Request" button.
  • Choose the library branch where you will pick up the item.
  • Choose the date you want the request to be active (or leave it at the current date).
  • Click "Submit Request".

To review/cancel your holds:

  • Login using the "LOG IN" link at the top of the screen.
  • From the menu choose "My Account -> Requests."
  • Select the item or items you want to cancel or edit.
  • From the bottom options, choose "Cancel Selected" to cancel the item or items selected.

Items will stay available on hold for patrons at the Circulation Desk for seven (7) days only. 

 

 

 

SUSPENDING A HOLD:
CLASSIC CATALOG

If you’re leaving on vacation, on a business trip or for any other extended period of time, you can “suspend” library item(s) you have on hold. This ensures that your hold isn’t filled while you are away (so that you don’t miss picking it up on time) and your hold maintains the same place in line while suspended. 

Here’s how to suspend a hold in the Classic Catalog:

  • Login using the "LOG IN" link at the top of the screen.
  • From the menu, choose "My Account -> Requests."
  • Select the item(s) to be suspended by clicking the small box immediately to the left of the title.
  • Click the "Suspend/Reactivate Selected" button.
  • Enter the new activation date, i.e. the date you want the request to become active again.
  • Click Submit, and then OK when you get the verification.
  • Please cancel holds which you will not be picking up.  In your account, go to your holds list, select the items to cancel and then click on "cancel hold(s)."
  • Holds will expire one year from placement if they are unfilled by that time.
  • Suspending a hold will not extend the expiry date.

 

RENEWING ITEMS: NEW CATALOG

You may renew books online or at any self-check machine located at a Branch. Overdue materials and materials that are on hold or that have been requested or reserved by other patrons may not be renewed.

Renew online using the New Catalog:

  • Login using the "LOG IN" link at the top right of the screen.
  • Click on your name in the top right and select "Checkouts" from the menu that appears.
  • Click the "Renew" button next to the items you wish to renew. You will see a note confirming renewal and see a new de date for the item.

Items Out Screenshot

Please note the new due dates and that you cannot renew more than 3 times for most items. You will not be able to make addition renewals on the items online.

 

RENEWING ITEMS: CLASSIC CATALOG

You may renew books online or at any self-check machine located at a Branch. Overdue materials and materials that are on hold or that have been requested or reserved by other patrons may not be renewed.

Renew online using the Classic Catalog:

  • Login using the "LOG IN" link at the top right of the screen.
  • Upon login, you should see the Items Out screen. If not, or if you are already logged in, click "My Account" on the menu bar and select "Items Out."
  • Place a check in the box of the items you wish to renew and select "Renew Selected Items" at the bottom of the screen. Or you can click "Renew All Items" to renew all your items.

Items Out Screenshot

Please note the new due dates and the remaining renewals. Customers will not be able to make additional renewals on the items once there are 0 Renewals left.

Last Updated: September 2025test