Using Your Account and the Catalog at Home

Sometimes, you'll have a list of books (or a specific book) that you want to request, but you just can't get to the library or you can't find time to call. Maybe you forgot your due dates, or you're not sure if you returned everything on time. That's no problem - as long as you have a computer with Internet access, you can see the items you have checked out, view any fines, browse the collection, or request an item by yourself!

To access your account, simply visit our website and click on "My Account" in the left-hand column. The next screen will ask you for your barcode and your pin. Type in all of the numbers on your library card, then type in your pin and click the login button.  Your pin is the last 4 digits of your phone number. Once you log in to your account, you can view a list of the items you have checked out, and their due dates. You can also see if anything is overdue. If you have any fines, lost books, or other fees, they will be listed under the "Blocks" section of your account. If you have items that are ready to be picked up, click on "Hold Requests" to see what the items are and where they are located.

Renewing an item online is easy. Log into your account, then click on your list of items checked out. Click on the box next to the item you want to renew, and hit the "Renew" button. You can only renew items once online; if you need to renew something again, please call the library. We will renew our items up to 2 times. If the item is from another library, we will only renew it one time. If the item is requested by someone else, it cannot be renewed and you should return it as soon as possible.

To search for a book, visit our website, click in the box under "Search the Catalog," then type in a title, author, or subject to search through our catalog. The catalog consists of all of the items in all 24 Berks County Public Libraries, so if we don't own the item you want, you can usually have the item sent here from another library. Once you find the item you want, click on the title. A new screen will show you the libraries that have the item. Click on the "Request" button to request the item. If you are not already signed in, you will be asked to sign in using your barcode number and your pin. After signing in, make sure your home library is selected as the location, then click the accept button. Ta-dah! Your item has been requested! You can then go back to searching the catalog by clicking the red x and resuming your search with the original webpage. The library will contact you either by phone or by email when your item is ready for you to pick up.

Note: New items (i.e., anything that has been released within the past 6 months) will not be sent to other libraries for 6 months. Libraries want their own local patrons to get a chance to check out their new items before they are sent all over the county to patrons at other libraries. Therefore, if you want to watch a movie that was just released, and our library does not own the item, you can request the item but you'll have to drive to another library to pick it up. Also, if  we have the new item that you want, make sure that you request our specific copy - otherwise, you'll be put on a general list and have to drive to another library to pick it up.

If you have any questions about accessing your account, changing your information, items in your account, or if you need help with searching the catalog, don't hesitate to call or email the library! We'll be glad to lend a hand!