How to Access Over Six Million Library Items at No Cost!
The next time you think of the La Cañada Flintridge Library, remember that it is part of a giant County of Los Angeles Library system where you have access to the vast resources of the library’s entire 86-branch system.
What does this mean for you? It means you can access more than 6 million books, movies, albums and audiobooks via the library system’s “Bistro” online catalog. You may place any of these items on hold, and when they are available, pick them up at the La Cañada Flintridge Library. The only exceptions are items from libraries that are closed for refurbishment or due to emergency conditions that may not have their materials placed on request.
Best of all, there is no fee for placing or borrowing items on hold.
The rules are simple:
· You need a library card in good standing and a 4 digit PIN
· Using the New Search feature from the colapublib.org home page enables a broad keyword search of all County libraries and all formats
· Advanced Search enables limiters; location, format, age level and/or language
· All available items may be requested online by clicking "Place Item on Hold"
· You will then be prompted to enter your library card number (without spaces), your 4 digit PIN, and library pick-up location (such as La Canada Flintridge)
· Items that are available for pick-up will be held at the library for 2 weeks: Customers may be notified by e-mail, phone or letter.
Once you’ve checked out an item, it may be renewed up 3 times (with the exception of materials that have other customer holds waiting. You may have up to 20 items on hold at any one time.
Checking the status of your hold requests is also easy. Simply log into your account and check the “Holds” section at the bottom of your account summary. There are three different status designations:
· “Your position in the holds queue”: item will show where you stand in the queue for that particular item
· “In Transit for Pick-up”: item is on its way to your local library
· “Available”: item is available at the library for pick-up
So whether you’re looking for an old or new bestseller, a classic movie or a favorite CD, we suggest you give try out the library’s extensive online loan service. We promise that once you’ve used it, you’ll want to make this a regular part of your library experience!
Kimberly-Ann Talbert and Greg Waskul