Free access to books, magazines, CDs and DVDs, newspapers, and other materials in libraries can be used for educational, reference and pleasure purposes.The idea of checking out a library book can be frightening if you have never done it before.You'll be checking out books all the time once you learn the process.You can always talk to a person who works at the library if you need help.If you need help finding, checking out, renewing, or reserving books, these people are always available.
Step 1: You can get a library card.
If you're at least 13 years old, most libraries will allow you to take out books on your own.Ask an older sibling, parent, guardian or baby sitter to take you if you're younger than that.If your siblings check out a lot of library books, you should bring a book bag.The front desk is where you can find the circulation desk.If you don't have a parent with you, you will have to provide your phone number and address.The names of other people you want on the account, and photo identification with your name and address on it.
Step 2: Pick your books.
A genre is a style or type of book.This means that all the mystery books, science books and cooking books will be grouped together.The last names of the authors will be used to organize books within these sections.If you want to find books, you can browse through the different sections until you find something that interests you.The library has a computer that you can use to look through the catalogue and find books about a particular topic.The computer will tell you what is in the book.You can always ask the library where you can find certain books.
Step 3: Be aware of lending limits.
Some libraries have limits on how many books you can check out at a time, while others limit the number of books that can be taken out on a particular topic.You may not be able to check out a lot of materials when you have a large number of books.
Step 4: You can check your books out at the circulation desk.
Take the books you want to take home when you look through them at the circulation desk.If you want to check out your books, you can either take them to the self-checkout machine or the desk.Place your books and card on the desk when you are done with the library.When taking out books, always have your library card with you.The library will run the book through a machine if the alarm goes off.You can get a slip of paper from the library that says your due date.Don't lose this!Ask about being able to keep the book for longer if you're going away on a family holiday.
Step 5: The self-checkout is an alternative.
If your library has a self-checkout machine, you can check out books yourself instead of waiting in line.You will need to be tall to reach the touch screen or button in these machines.The laser on the machine can be used to barcode your library card.Scan the barcode on your first book if the machine tells you to.The barcode on the back of the publisher's book is not the library bar code.Place the spine of the book into the reader and wait for the screen to prompt you to remove the alarm device.
Step 6: You need to set up an online account.
Many libraries have online sites you can use to renew books, place holds, check out e-books, add books to a list of ones you want to read, and browse the library's catalogue.If the library has an online portal where you can access your account, you should check it out.The information you'll need to make an account can be found on the website.If you are able to use the computer on your own, you should set up your account at a time when you can.If you need assistance, ask a parent, teacher, or older sibling.
Step 7: If you need more time to read, Renew your books.
The amount of time a person can keep a book can be extended by libraries.If it isn't a brand new book and nobody else has placed a hold on it, you can usually renew a book two or three times.You can renew by logging in to the online site.You can find the book in your list by selecting the box beside it.They called the library.The name of the book and your library card number are important.You can visit the circulation desk directly.Be sure to have your library card with you.
Step 8: You can place holds on books.
Sometimes a book will not be available because someone else already has it checked out.If you place a hold on the book, it will be held for you when you return it.Most libraries allow you to place holds through the portal or in person.If you are on the portal, you can find the book you want to borrow by looking for the Place a Hold option.
Step 9: You need to download the right app.
You need access to your own or a parent's mobile device to borrow e-books from libraries.If you aren't allowed to do this on your own, ask if a parent or guardian will download it onto the device.You can search for Overdrive by going to the applications store on your mobile device.Select Install when you find it.Public library accounts can be linked to e-reader and mobile device accounts through Overdrive.If you want to find your local library, launch the app so you can put in your information.
Step 10: You can log in to your library account.
Use your account information to log in to your library's online portal from a desktop computer or mobile device.If you want to borrow an e-book, browse through.
Step 11: The book can be borrowed.
You need the title of the book and the link that says Borrow or Download to do this.You will be asked for the delivery method once you have done this.You may have to choose between the type of device and the specific app you're using.Checkout should be selected if prompted to initiate the transfer to your account.
Step 12: You need to connect your device.
If the device you want to use to read the e-book isn't connected to a network, you should connect it to the internet.If you are using an Amazon device, you will need to sign in to your account to receive the transfer and download the book.If you're using a mobile phone or tablet to read a book, log on to your library account from the device, and then select download to Overdrive.If you don't have Overdrive installed on your device, you will not be able to open the book.
Step 13: Know when your due date is.
The due date is the day by which your items are due back to the library.This allows other people to check out the materials.Different items have different loan periods as well.You may have to return a DVD after seven days if you keep a book for 14 to 21 days.If you misplace the slip of paper that tells you when your materials are due back, you can either call the library or drop by the circulation desk, which will give you a list of the materials you have checked out and their due date.
Step 14: When the books are recalled, take them back.
You have to bring the book back sooner when it's recalled.You will usually get a notification by email or phone.
Step 15: Books can be returned to the circulation desk.
You return books to a library staff member when you do this.If you want the books returned right away so that you can take out more, this method is good.Some libraries have check-in/check-out desks where you can return books as well.
Step 16: You can use the drop box.
Many libraries have drop boxes that can be used to return books.Most libraries have a drop box at the circulation desk where you can return books after the library is closed.Simply open the door to the box, put your books in the compartment, and then close it again to drop them off.
Step 17: You can return e-books.
If you have an e-reader, you can find the title you want to return in Manage Your Content.Click beside the title to select actions.