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FAQs

How do I find a particular book, movie or CD?

You can search for items in the Library Catalog several ways:

By KEYWORD - Use Keyword if you aren’t sure of the title or want several items about a subject. Use significant or unique words from the title or words identifying the subject you want.
By TITLE – Use Title to find a specific item when you know the title. You don't need to enter the complete title, just enough of it to narrow the results.
By AUTHOR/NAME – Use Author/Name to locate items by or about someone. Use "last name, first name" format.

If you can’t find the item in the catalog, you can search nearby libraries by clicking on SuperSearch in the blue box at the bottom of the Basic Search screen.

Books not found in SuperSearch may be available through our Interlibrary Loan program.  We can borrow books for you from other libraries throughout the country, but the process does take time. Staff at the Information Desk or by telephone can submit a request for you.  SuperSearch and Interlibrary Loan are choices for items published more than six months ago.

You can suggest the Library purchase new/recently published items by completing the Suggest a Purchase form online or by telephone.

How do I place a hold/request an item?

You can place holds/request items yourself through the catalog on this website. Library staff can also place holds for you by phone or at the desk. To place a hold online:

• Search for the desired item in the Library Catalog by Title, Author/Name or Keyword
• Click the title wanted to display the full record
• Click the bright blue, place hold(s) button on the left
• Follow instructions to enter your library card number, last name, and last four digits of your phone number, then click Enter 
• Select a pickup Branch by clicking the circle in front of the Branch name
• Ignore the Date option unless the item is of no use to you after a certain date such as items wanted for coursework, or you will not be able to pick up items until after a certain date such as a return from vacation
• Click Place Hold. When the screen displays "Hold Placed" and shows your place number in the Holds list and how many copies of the title there are, you have successfully placed your hold.

How do I find out if my holds are ready to pick up or where I am on the waiting list?

The Library’s automated notification system will contact you by email or telephone message. You have 7 days to pick up your holds.

You can also check the status of your holds online. Click on Your Account in the upper right corner. Enter your library card number, last name, and last four digits of your telephone number. Click Holds. A Status of "Ready for pickup" and a "Pickup by" date displays if the item is ready for you. A Status of "Intransit > sent" displays when the item is on its way to your branch. To find where you are in the holds list for a "Request pending" item, click on the title; the information will be just below the item information.
 

Can I renew items online?

Yes. Click on Your Account and enter the requested information. Click Checked Out and sort the list by Date Due.  Click the box next to each item you wish to renew then click on Renew Selected Items.  Note the new due date.  Some reasons an item might not renew: others have requested it, it has been renewed twice already, item is in the Browse collection (red sticker), or it’s an Interlibrary Loan or SuperSearch item from another system.

Does the Library accept donations of books, DVD's, etc.?

The Library accepts donations of items in good condition and of current interest. Most items go to the Friends of the Library and are sold to raise funds for special Library programs and needs. Due to space limitations, donations are only received at the larger branches and Rio Vista. Please call for further information as not all types of materials can be accepted; we can provide information on alternative sites for material the Library and Friends cannot use.