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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. 
Here's how to use the materials:

View Tutorial

 

BORROWING

To borrow items from the library, you will need a library card. 
You may get one here.

Items can be checked out for the following periods:

To see what the library has to offer, review the online catalog. 


 

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


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:

  • Login using the "LOG IN" link at the top of the screen.
  • Search the catalog for the item you wish to request.
  • On the item's page, click the "Select an Action" button and choose "Place Hold".
  • Choose the library branch where you will pick up the item and click "Place Hold".

To review/cancel your holds:

  • Login using the "LOG IN" link at the top of the screen.
  • Choose the "Holds" tab.
  • Under the "Holds" tab you can check your hold queue placement, check if your hold is available, change the pickup location for a hold, or cancel the hold.

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

 

SUSPENDING A HOLD

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:

  • Login using the "LOG IN" link at the top of the screen.
  • Click the Holds tab.
  • Select the item(s) to be suspended by clicking the small box immediately to the left of the title.
  • Click the Suspend Hold(s) button.
  • Enter the start and end dates of the suspension (ideally, the last day you’ll be able to pick up items before departure, and the first day you’ll be able to pick up items upon your return).
  • Click Suspend. An icon resembling a calendar will appear to the left of each item you have suspended.
  • 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

You may renew books online, by telephone, 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:

  • Login using the "LOG IN" link at the top of the screen.
  • Select  the "Checkouts" tab.
  • Place a check in the box of the items you wish to renew and select "Renew" at the bottom of the screen.

Please note the new due dates along with any messages. The messages in RED indicate that the items have reached their MAXIMUM RENEWAL PRIVILEGES of three (3) renewals per item and must be returned on their due date. Customers will not be able to make additional renewals on the items electronically.

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I check my account online?

Login using the "LOG IN" link at the top of the screen.  Enter the complete barcode number located on your library card and the last four digits of your telephone number or the "PIN" (Personal Id Number) that you created. Once entered, your record will show current activity. 

 

What can I do once I'm logged in?

After logging in, you can:

  • Check and update your Personal Information (registered address, email, telephone numbers, set preferences, and review Family Group members).
  • View Checkout information (see what is overdue, date due, renew items).Check Holds (hold queue placement, check if item is ready for pickup, cancel/suspend holds, change pickup location).
  • Check your account status (check for fees, see your payment history).
  • Pay bills online. Minimum online payment is $5.00.

 

How do I use the Classic Catalog Interface?

Log in using this link for the classic catalog.

Here you can:

  • Submit a request to "Change My Address".
  • Submit a request to change your PIN.
  • Renew materials (check item due dates and see the number of times renewed).
  • Review your account (see items checked out, due dates, fees, check holds, cancel/suspend/reactivate holds, and note position in the hold queue).
  • Pay bills online. Minimum online payment is $5.00.

 

What is my PIN?

The PIN (personal identification number) is typically the last 4 digits of your telephone number. 

 

How do I reset my PIN?

You can reset your PIN online by clicking "LOG IN" at the top right of the page and choosing "Forgot my PIN". You will be prompted to enter your Library Card Number and an email will be sent to the email address we have on file. You can also visit your local library’s circulation department to find out your PIN. Valid identification is required. PINs cannot be given or changed over the telephone or through electronic communication.

 

May I have material moved to my favorite branch to pick up?

Yes. It is best to call the branch where you have identified an available item that is noted in the online catalog as "Available" or "On Shelf". The branch staff will locate the item and have it delivered to your preferenced Home Branch or another pickup branch location. The library's automated system will contact you when the item is ready and available for pickup from the pickup location. Materials are placed on hold for seven (7) days after the automated notification message has been sent.

 

How do I manage my favorites?

Use the Classic Catalog Interface to make changes to your "Favorites" tracking and email notifications.

Login using the complete barcode on your library card and PIN (Last 4-digits of your registered telephone number) fields at the top of the screen. Review the links across the top of the screen and select "My Account". The top "green bar" will change and provide a few different options.

Review the options along the "green bar" at the top and select "My Profile". Here you will indicate if you want the system to track your checkouts (subjects and authors) and send you email notifications when the library purchases new material that match your topics and authors. To remove this information and end the email notifications follow the below instructions:

  • Deselect the checkbox "I want all authors and subjects of items I check out be counted automatically as 'My Favorites'".
  • Click "OK".
  • Select the "Search/Home" link at the top of the screen.
  • Go to the "What Others Are Reading" box beneath the Quick Search box.
  • At the very bottom select the "More Favorites" link.
  • Select the "Modify" link on the green task bar.
  • To completely stop the email notifications you must select and remove all authors and all subjects (Note: Library staff cannot re-add this information once it has been deleted by account owners).
  • If you wish to simply "modify" your lists select the check box next to the author or subject you want to remove and select the "Remove Selected Subjects" button.

 

 

Last Updated: August 2021 test