Frequently Asked Questions

About Our Online Catalog

• What is the online catalog?  What can it do for me?
• How do I do a search in the online catalog?
• What is My Account and how do I know if I have one setup?
• How can I renew materials?
• Why wasn't I able to renew my materials?
• How can I reserve an item I want that's out?
• How do I know if a book is available at the library?
• How do I get a PIN?
• How do I change my PIN ?
  

Policies

• How many items can I borrow?
• How long do materials circulate?
• How much is the fine for overdue materials?

Services

• What computer services are available at our libraries?
• What are the library's hours?
• Do I have to come to the library to do research?
• An item I want is at another library. Must I go there to get it?
• What services exist for special needs borrowers?
• How can I get a library card?
  

How can I get a library card or an eCard for the eBranch?<Back to the Top>

Sign up online or come in and sign up for a card at any of the six public libraries in the Lycoming County Library System. Cards are issued free to Lycoming County residents. There is a small charge for replacing lost cards. Pennsylvania borrowers from outside Lycoming County may receive Guest cards by presenting their home library card with an Access Pennsylvania sticker on it. Pennsylvania residents from outside Lycoming County without a home library may purchase a card for $25 annually.  Those who live in Lycoming County may also sign up for an eCard, this gives users immediate access to almost all of the online resources available on the eBranch

What is the online catalog?  What can it do for me? <Back to the Top>

The Lycoming County Library System online catalog is a powerful tool that will help you locate all types of information quickly and easily. Materials in all public libraries in Lycoming County are in the catalog. You can also create a personal account so you can check your library account, renew materials, along with several other useful features.

How do I do a search in the online catalog  <Back to the Top>

To search the catalog, enter a term in the white Search For box and click the down arrow to choose, author, title or subject searches or you may search everything by not choosing an option. Click the Power Search link for more searching options.

If your search returns multiple items, you will see a "Search Results" screen.  Click the Details link for more information about a specific item.

Click on New Search from any page to begin a new search.

What is My Account and how do I know if I have one setup?  <Back to the Top>

My Account displays information about your Library account.  You must log into My Account in order to view your information.  If you have a valid Library card you already have an account setup.  To log into My Account you will need your Library Card #, which is the bar-code number on your library card, and your PIN (Personal Identification Number).  If this is the first time you are accessing My Account, or you forgot your PIN , you will need to call us at (570) 326-0536 or contact us online to get a new PIN number.  Please have your Library card handy when you call.

What can you do in My Account?  Check My Account for information on outstanding fines, holds, any items you currently have checked out. Use Change My PIN to change your PIN number.  Renew My Materials allow will renew any items you currently have checked out, that can be renewed. Change My Address to give us your new information.

Use the "Find Info" menu to link to My Account  It is also linked on any page in the catalog or on the eBranch

How many items can I borrow? <Back to the Top>

There are few restrictions on the number of items you can borrow. Videos are limited to 6 adult and 6 children's titles. Young adult music CDs are limited to 4.  There may be restrictions placed on materials on certain subjects in connection with school assignments but usually you may borrow as many items as you like.

How long do materials circulate?<Back to the Top>

All adult books check out for  3 weeks. Except for New Items/Bonus Books for which are 2 weeks.
All adult audio books on CD or Cassette- 3 week except for  "New" Items and audio Playaways - 2 weeks
Video games loan for 7 days and are not renewable. Limit 2 games per account.
MP3 Players preloaded with an audiobook loan for 2 weeks, with no renewals. Limited to 1 MP3 player per account.

All juvenile and Young Adult books, including new juvenile Books -3 weeks
All juvenile and Young Adult Books on CD or cassette -3 weeks
 
Don’t forget that you have access to your library record via the My Account link on every page.

Patrons may also renew their own items online from the Online Library Catalog or by phone (326-0536)  Library materials are renewable except videos. To renew items from the Bookmobile see the information on the Bookmobile page.

Why wasn't I able to renew my materials?<Back to the Top>
Some items such as adult fiction videos (feature films) and bonus books can't be renewed. You can't renew an item if someone has reserved it (placed a hold) or if you have renewed the item the maximum three times or if your account has been blocked due to fines that are owed.

How can I reserve an item I want that's checked out?<Back to the Top>

Follow these simple instructions for placing a hold on material. You can contact us online, and we will do it for you. You can call the library at 326-0536, or you can visit the Library Services desk at the library and have a reserve placed.

How much is the fine for my overdue materials? <Back to the Top>

• Overdue fines are 25¢ per day for adults.
• Children are charged 10¢ per day for overdue children's books and 25¢ per day for overdue adult books.
• Video overdue fines are $2 per day.
• Please return only books to the Book Drop. Bring videos and CDs inside. Don't return videos or CDs in the book drop, they may be damaged. There is a $5 charge for videos when this occurs.

Check the online  catalog  to see if any of the public libraries in Lycoming county. If you don't find it we can usually borrow items from another library using Interlibrary Loan. Can't find what you  need?  Get it from another library.  ( Just fill in our simple form and we'll do the rest)

Also check the Access Pennsylvania Database an online catalog for the materials held by most libraries in the state.

What computer services are available at our county libraries?<Back to the Top>

Every library in the county offers free Internet access and most offer computers for general public use. The Brown Library offers periodic free computer classes. Check the home page for any scheduled classes. The Library contains a computer lab donated by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The lab contains 10 computers with Microsoft Office and other software The Library also hosts  a SeniorNet Learning Center. Check "Susquehanna SeniorNet's web site" for their current schedule and activities.

What are the library's hours? <Back to the Top>

10:00 am to 8:00 PM - Monday thru Saturday
Noon to 6:00 PM - Sunday

Do I have to come to the library to do research?<Back to the Top>

Not at all. Today you have a complete library available to you online. You can access any of our online premium subscription resources from our eBranch. Here is a listing of all our online resources. Login remotely using your library or eCard . Fast facts like addresses, phone numbers, correct spellings, dates and basic informational questions can be handled over the telephone 326-0536 by the reference staff or via e-mail. Try Ask Here PA for an immediate answer.

Historical research and genealogy can be completed using our Heritage Quest online resource or other digital archives, see our Historical Archives page. More in depth research and homework projects can also be done using our  Find it Fast service using your library or eCard  for access. You are always welcome to visit the Library and use our computers and print resources. Visit the library for the old-fashioned joy of browsing the shelves.

An item I want is at another Lycoming County Library. Must I go there to get it?<Back to the Top>

NO. The library system has a shuttle that picks up and returns items to all county libraries. Request and return library items, except videos, from one library at any of the other county libraries it will be delivered and returned for you.  Can't find what you  need?  Get it from another library.  ( Just fill in our simple form)

What services exist for special needs borrowers or users?<Back to the Top>

Readers no longer physically able to come to the library themselves may join the BRAVO program. BRAVO volunteers will select and deliver library materials to readers in nursing homes, private residences or retirement communities. BRAVO also serves the short term disabled reader. Anyone interested in Bravo may contact the library.The Library provides bookmobile services to area retirement and nursing homes and senior centers, as well as to daycare and latchkey programs.

How do I get a PIN?<Back to the Top>

AA Personal Identification number is available by phoning the Library.  Go to My Account  to change the PIN to a 4 digit number of your choice.

How do I change my PIN number? <Back to the Top>

1. Go to the top of this page and click on Search Catalog.
2. Click on My Account to display the My Account page. 
3. Click on Change My PIN.  You will need to enter your Library Card #, which is the barcode number on your library card, and your current PIN. 
4. Type your new PIN in the Enter New PIN box.  You will need to verify your new PIN number by retyping your new PIN in the Reenter new PIN box.
5. Click on the Change PIN button.  You should see a message telling you that your PIN was successfully changed. 
6. Click on OK.
7. Remember to click Logout when you are through.