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Frequently Asked Questions about your Library Card and
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There are two versions of the Baltimore County Public Library catalog. They are called the BCPL Catalog and the BCPL Classic View Catalog, our former traditional catalog. Each has its own unique features.
The BCPL Catalog can be found in many ways. Select the Search the Catalog button above, or use the "Catalog Search" box at the top of this page or our Home Page. Also, under Card and Catalog on the left side of this page or our Home Page, select "Search the Catalog".
For information on how to search for items using this catalog, see How do I search the Baltimore County Public Library Catalog. We hope you will find our newest library catalog exciting and fun to use.
If you feel more comfortable using the more traditional catalog, select the Search the Catalog button above, or use the "Catalog Search" box at the top of this page or our Home Page. Then select the "Classic View" tab at the top of the BCPL Catalog screen. You can also choose Card and Catalog on the left side of this page or our Home Page. Select "Search the Catalog". The BCPL Catalog will appear, now select the "Classic View" tab at the top of the screen.
The BCPL Classic View Catalog must be used if you want to reserve more than one item at a time without having to enter your library card identification number for each reserve or if you wish to create a Personal List.
For information on how to search for items using this catalog, see How do I search the Baltimore County Public Library Classic View Catalog.
How do I search the
Baltimore County Public Library Catalog?
You can get to the BCPL Catalog from our Home Page. After entering the BCPL Catalog, type a word or words in the search box that describes what you are interested in, select the "Search" button or press Enter on your keyboard. You may use upper (capital) or lower case (small) letters. To enter a new search, highlight your old search and select the spacebar or "Delete" button on your keyboard.
In the center of the screen, are the results of your search sorted by relevance, which is determined by how often and where your search words are found in our records. Select the down arrow to re-sort the results by year of publication, by title, or author. Use the drop down box under Select Location on the top right side of the screen to find the items owned by a specific library branch.
On the right side of the screen, is a list of options to help you find exactly what you want. You can not only find the exact information you are looking for but also the exact kind of item you would like, for instance a DVD, children's material, or other options. Use the Refine menu and the listed links to pick an exact format, author, subject, geography, time period, and other possibilities. Note the number next to each category, this is the exact number of items available. Don't forget to check the "more" hyperlinks for more options.
Are the results of your search not exactly what you were looking for?
Use the color-coded "word constellation or cloud" on the left side of the screen. The larger a word, the more relevant it may be to your search. The position of the word in the constellation has no meaning.
The color-coded words are suggestions for you to select to discover new information and to help you with your search. These suggestions include related terms, called Associations, that may have something to do with your search. You will also see Spelling suggestions that will correct spelling mistakes or offer words that can be spelled in more than one way and translations to another language. The Discovery trail shows the terms you have already searched. You can go back to these previous search results.
Select any of the words in the constellation to add them to your original search terms. The constellation and results will change with each new search term you add.
For additional information on how to do a basic search, select the Help link at the top of any screen in the BCPL Catalog, or phone or seek assistance at the Information Desk at your local library.
There are several ways to find the BCPL Classic View Catalog from our Home Page. The "Catalog Search" box at the top of this page or our Home Page does not automatically search the BCPL Classic View Catalog.
The BCPL Classic View Catalog presents a Basic Search screen to construct a search. Enter a word or words into the search box that describes what you are interested in finding. You may use upper (capital) or lower case (small) letters. Do not include a, an, or the. If you are unsure of the exact title or subject, type in the words you know. Select the "Search" button.
The results match the words, called "keywords", that you entered in the search box with the words found in our title records, in an author or name, or in our subject headings. The results also offer links that allow you to browse an alphabetical listing of names, subject headings or titles beginning with the word you entered in the search box. If no matches are found, the "Check Spelling" button may help you.
By selecting the "Limit by branch and availability" button, limit your search to items owned by a specific Baltimore County Public Library branch. If you want to limit your search further to only items that are available, that is "not checked out", at a particular library, select "Yes" to the question, "Only display items available in the branch selected below?".
Your search can be limited to a specific type of search, for example, a subject search only, author only, title, by call number, or ISBN. Use the drop down menu on the "Select a search type" box, located beneath the search box. Enter a word or words into the top search box.
For additional information on How to Search, Search Tips and Search Results, select the Help button at the top of any screen within the Catalog. Ask at or phone the Information Desk at your local library for assistance.
Eligible material may be renewed one time. Please note that not all materials are eligible for renewal. Special rules apply to renewing DVDs.
Eligible material may be renewed at any Baltimore County Public Library branch or through our SHELF HELP Line at 410 494 9063, press five. You will need your library card identification number to renew material.
There are several ways to renew items online. Use this Check Your Card link or use the "Check Your Card" tab at the top of this page or our Home Page. You can also select Card and Catalog from the left side of this page or our Home Page and then select "Renew Material". From the BCPL Catalog, select the "My Account" tab at the top of the page.
Next, enter the validation information requested. You will need to enter the fourteen digit number on your library card without spaces. If your validation information is not accepted, visit or phone any Baltimore County Public Library branch and explain the problem. Press three for library account information. Staff can check the information attached to your card and assist you in renewing the item. To protect the confidentiality of your library account, you will need your library card identification number and you may be asked additional identification information.
Photograph: Image of the renewal options buttons in the Library Catalog.
When your account information appears, select the "Checked out" link on the Patron Information Summary page. A list of all the items currently checked out on your card will appear. From this Checked Out Summary screen, select the "Renew all items" button on the left of the screen to renew all of your checked out items. To select only one or more titles to renew, select the box to the left of the item number for the title. Select "Renew selected items". A confirmation screen will appear to confirm your renewal.
If you have problems renewing materials, please contact your local library for assistance.
Renewals allow you to extend the original loan period for an item already checked out to you. Renewals vary from two days to twenty-one days depending on the items checked out. The new due date is calculated from the original due date. Items eligible for renewal may be renewed one time only. If your item is already late when you renew it, appropriate late fines will be applied to your library account.
.
An item is not eligible for renewal if
How do
I reserve or place a hold on an item?
All eligible material may be reserved, that is placed on hold, at any Baltimore County Public Library branch either in-person, by phone or online through our website. There is no charge for placing a hold on an item, with the exception of "On Order" items. You will be notified when your material is available at your pick up location. If email notification is unsuccessful or unavailable, you will be notified by our automated phone service. If phone notification is unsuccessful, a paper notice will be mailed. Reserves are held to be picked up for seven days. There is a one dollar per item charge if a held item is not picked up within the seven day period following notification. There is an additional $1.00 fee for each item placed on hold through the Book Ahead service or through the Interlibrary Loan service. There are several ways to check the status of your holds.
You must have a library card registered in Baltimore County in order to place a reserve online. A temporary library e-card number valid for thirty days is available by registering online.
1. To reserve a title online, first search for the desired item.
2. Enter the validation information requested. Enter without spaces the fourteen digit number on your library card or your temporary library e-card number. If your validation information is not accepted, visit or phone a Baltimore County Public Library branch and explain the problem. Press three for library account information. Staff can check the information attached to your card and assist in placing the reserve. To protect the confidentiality of your library account, you will need your library card identification number and you may be asked additional identification information.
3. Select the branch where you want to pick up the item. Reserves may be placed by Mobile Library Services' bookmobile customers. Select "Library on the Go" to pick up the reserve on the bookmobile. DVDs and video games cannot be reserved for pick up on a bookmobile.
4. Click the Place Hold button at the bottom of the screen. A confirmation screen will appear, indicating whether or not the hold was successfully placed.
If a hold cannot be placed on one or more of the items, you will get a message indicating why, and be instructed to contact your library.
How do I reserve more than one item at a time?
All eligible material may be reserved, that is placed on hold, at any Baltimore County Public Library branch either in-person, by phone or online through our website. There is no charge for placing a hold on an item, with the exception of "On Order" items. You will be notified when your material is available at your pick up location. If email notification is unsuccessful or unavailable, you will be notified by our automated phone service. If phone notification is unsuccessful, a paper notice will be mailed. Reserves are held to be picked up for seven days. There is a one dollar per item charge if a held item is not picked up within the seven day period following notification. There is an additional $1.00 fee for each item placed on hold through the Book Ahead service or through the Interlibrary Loan service. There are several ways to check the status of your holds.
You must have a library card registered in Baltimore County in order to place a reserve online. A temporary library e-card number valid for thirty days is available by registering online.
To reserve several items online at one time without having to
reenter your library card identification number for each item, you
must
use the BCPL Classic View Catalog.
1.
Begin searching for your first item by using the "Catalog Search"
box
at the top of this page or our Home Page. Then select the "Classic View"
tab
at the top of the BCPL Catalog
screen. You can also choose Card and Catalog on the left side of
this page or our Home Page. Select either "Reserve Place a Hold"
or "Search the Catalog". The BCPL Catalog
will appear, now select the "Classic View" tab at
the top of the screen. For information on how to search for items using this
catalog, see How do I search the BCPL Classic View Catalog.
2. Do a search for the item you want to reserve. If you click on the title hyperlink
you can see more details about that item and a list of owning library
branches.
If the item is listed as "Not checked out" and you are willing to pick up
the item at the owning library, you can
phone the owning library and request that they check their shelf and
hold the item for you. The item will be held for you to pick it up for three
days.
3. To place a hold or reserve, make a list of what you want to reserve using the Personal List Manager option on the left of the screen.
Photograph: An image of the Personal List Manager.
When you find an item that you want to reserve, add it to your Personal List Manager. Select the check box to the left of the title, then select the "Add checked records from this page to list" button on the left of the page. You can also select all titles from the displayed page by selecting "Add all records from this page to list" button.
Repeat your search for any other titles you want and add them to your Personal List Manager.
4. After completing your list in the Personal List Manager, select the "View personal list" button.
5. You can now place a hold on any or all items. To reserve all the titles on your list, select the "Place holds on all items from this page" button on the left. You can also select individual titles, by selecting the checkbox to the left of the title you want. Select the "Place holds on checked items from this page" button.
6. Enter the validation information requested. Enter without spaces the fourteen digit number on your library card or your temporary library e-card number. If your validation information is not accepted, visit or phone a Baltimore County Public Library branch and explain the problem. Press three for library account information. Staff can check the information attached to your card and assist in placing the reserve. To protect the confidentiality of your library account, you will need your library card number and you may be asked additional identification information.
7. Select the branch where you want to pick up the items. Reserves may be placed by Mobile Library Services' bookmobile customers. Select "Library on the Go" to pick up the reserve on the bookmobile. DVDs and video games cannot be reserved for pick up on a bookmobile.
8. Click the Place Hold button at the bottom of the screen. A confirmation screen will appear, indicating whether or not the holds were successfully placed.
If a hold cannot be placed on one or more of the items you have selected, you will get a message indicating why, and be instructed to contact your library.
How do I cancel an item I have on reserve or hold?
The Information Desk at any Baltimore County Public Library branch can help you cancel your reserve, also known as a hold.
In most cases, you can cancel your hold online as well. However, if the item is listed as "in transit" or "ready for pick up", you cannot cancel the hold online. You must contact the branch to which you requested the item be sent. Press three for library account information.
There are several ways to cancel your hold online. You will need your library card to cancel your reserve online.
1. Use this Check Your Card link or use the "Check Your Card" tab at the top of this page or our Home Page. You can also select Card and Catalog from the left side of this page or our Home Page and then select "Check Your Card". From the BCPL Catalog, select the "My Account" tab at the top of the page.
2. Enter the validation information requested to see a Patron Information Summary screen of your account. Enter the fourteen digit number on your library card without spaces. If your validation information is not accepted, visit or phone any Baltimore County Public Library branch and explain the problem. Press three for library account information. Staff can check the information attached to your card and assist you in canceling the item. To protect the confidentiality of your library account, you will need your library card number and you may be asked additional identification information.
3. Select the Holds hyperlink. A Hold Summary screen will appear listing the titles you currently have on reserve.
4. Select the link of the title you wish to cancel. This takes you to the Hold Detail screen.
5. Select the "Cancel this hold" button on the left. If the item is listed as "in transit" or "ready for pick up", you cannot cancel the hold on that item online. To cancel the hold, you must contact the branch to which you requested the item be sent.
6. A confirmation screen will appear to confirm any online cancellation. To cancel another title, select the "Return to hold summary" button on the left and repeat the process.
How can I limit my search results to a particular
language, date, or format such as DVDs?
If you are using the BCPL Catalog, also called AquaBrowser, from the top of the BCPL home page, click in the Catalog Search box, enter a title, author or keyword and then click the Go button.
If you prefer to use BCPL Classic View Catalog, our former traditional catalog, from the BCPL home page click the Go button located next to the Catalog Search box. Then click the gold tab labeled "Classic View".
Can I have material sent to my library from another
Baltimore County Public Library branch?
Recently we changed the way we locate and move items to you. Just place a hold on the item you want and tell us to which library you want it sent. There is no fee for this service. You will be notified when the item you want is available to be picked up at your desired location. Most items showing on the catalog as "Not checked out" will arrive in two to three business days, excluding weekends and holidays.
1. Direct Loan service
Public library Systems who offer Direct Loans: Anne Arundel County,
Baltimore
County, Carroll County, Cecil County,
Frederick County,
Harford County
and Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore
City.
2. Interlibrary Loan (ILL) service
3. Audio-Visual Material from Enoch Pratt Free Library
The Kid's Catalog Web not only searches our own catalog for items selected for children, it also provides links to related information on the Internet. The books and web pages are selected by children's librarians, and evaluated for age-appropriate content and readability. Due to the dynamic nature of the Internet, changes in content may occur. Parental supervision of a child's use of the Internet is very important.
From home you can get to the Kid's Catalog from the left side of our Home Page under Kids or under Card and Catalog. From within out BCPL Catalog, you can also select the "Kids Catalog Web" tab at the top of the screen.
Photograph: Image of Kid's Catalog opening screen.
Library Card and Library Account Information
How do I get a Baltimore County Public Library card or an MPOWER CARD?
To apply for a Baltimore County Public library card or an MPOWER CARD, visit the Circulation or Borrower Services Desk at any Baltimore County Public Library branch or at any Mobile Library Services bookmobile stop. Phone registration is not available. A temporary library e-card number valid for thirty days is available by registering online.
To get a permanent library card, you must visit any Baltimore County Public Library branch. You will need to complete a brief registration form [PDF] also available in Korean [PDF], Russian [PDF] and Spanish [PDF], bring valid identification, and agree to abide by the rules and regulations of Baltimore County Public Library. Your signature on the card is required and indicates agreement.
If you already signed up for a temporary library card number online, you do not need to fill out a registration form at the library to get a permanent library card. Just bring valid identification to any Baltimore County Public Library branch. If you are 17 years of age or under and do not have valid identification, a parent or guardian must be present to show a valid picture ID and sign a registration form to allow you to get a permanent library card.
Your first permanent library card is free. Once registered, your card can be used at all Baltimore County Public Library branches.
Other public libraries in Maryland may accept a permanent Baltimore County Public Library card, a library card from any Maryland public library, or a MPOWER CARD for use in their libraries, subject to their current regulations. Your Baltimore County Public Library card will need to be registered at each public library system before checking out their materials or using their subscription research databases subject to their current policies and procedures.
What identification do I need to get a Baltimore County Public Library card or an MPOWER CARD?
Adult, ages 18 years and older, may be issued a card immediately if:
You have a current Maryland driver's license, learner's permit, provisional license or Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration identification card showing the same name and address as on the library registration form. A Motor Vehicle Administration update must accompany your driver's license or Identification card if there has been a change of address.
Or, you may present a photo identification card plus one additional piece of valid identification showing the same name and address as on the registration form.
If the above identification is not available, you will be mailed an Identification postal which states that it must be returned to any Baltimore County Public Library Branch within thirty days. You will need to bring one piece of valid identification showing both your name and address with the identification postal. The library card will be issued when the postal and valid identification is presented.
Examples of valid identification that can be used along with a photo identification or Identification Postal
Between the ages 14 to 17
You may be issued a card immediately if you have a current Maryland driver's license, learner's permit, provisional license or Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration identification card showing the same name and address as on the library registration form. A Motor Vehicle Administration update must accompany your driver's license or Identification card if there has been a change of address.
If you have a photo identification card, you must have one additional piece of valid identification. The name on the valid identification may be that of a parent or legal guardian and the same address as on the registration form. You may sign your own library card.
If you are seventeen years of age or under and do not have valid identification, a parent or guardian must be present to show a valid picture ID and sign a registration form to allow you to get a permanent library card.
Library users between the ages of fourteen to seventeen must have parental permission to check out DVDs and video games that are not reviewed for children. A parent or guardian must authorize at the time of library card registration whether a child may use his or her library card to borrow all DVDs, and video games or only Juvenile DVDs and video games. Juvenile DVDs and video games have a J before the call number. The registration form can be taken home to get the parental authorization and signature for card. If the parent or guardian does not sign and authorize this permission, only DVDs and video games having a J before the call number may be borrowed.
Under 14 years old
A parent or legal guardian must be eighteen years old or older to apply for a library card for a child under fourteen years of age. The child does not need to be present.
Children under that age of eighteen must have parental permission to check out DVDs and video games not reviewed for children. A parent or guardian must authorize at the time of library card registration whether a child may use his or her library card to borrow all DVDs and video games or only Juvenile DVDs and video games. Juvenile DVDs video games have a J before the call number. If the parent or guardian does not sign and authorize this permission, only DVDs video games having a J before the call number may be borrowed.
The parent or guardian signing for the card is accepting financial responsibility for materials borrowed or any charges incurred on a child's card, and must sign the card before it may be used. The child may initial or sign the card as well if space permits.
There is a special first library card, the My First Library Card, for children from birth to six years. Ask at the Circulation or Borrower Services Desk at your local Baltimore County Public Library branch.
If the parent or legal guardian is present, a card may be issued immediately if the parent or guardian has
If the parent or legal guardian does not have above identification, an Identification postal will be sent in the child's name, care of the parent. The postal states that it must be returned within thirty days to any Baltimore County Public Library branch. You will need to also have one piece of valid identification having both a parent's name and address as it appears on the Identification postal.
If a child is accompanied by a non-custodial guardian, including grandparents, aunts and uncles, adult siblings, foster parents, etc., who lives at the same address, the staff at the Circulation or Borrower Services Desk will provide a registration form. The guardian must be eighteen years old or older. The non-custodial guardian must show identification as noted above that verifies the address on the registration form. The guardian must sign the child's card.
If a parent, legal guardian or non-custodial guardian is not present, the staff at the Circulation or Borrower Services Desk will give the child a registration form and Parental Permission flyer to take home. When the registration form is signed by the parent or legal guardian and returned, a library card is issued and the child can check out two print items. After the library card is signed by the parent or guardian, the card may be used again without restriction. This process also applies to a child accompanied by a non-adult sibling, a babysitter, tutor, etc.
Can I use my
library card from another
Maryland public library systems?
A library card or an MPOWER CARD from another Maryland public library system must be registered at the Circulation or Borrower Services Desk at any Baltimore County Public Library branch in order to borrow our materials or to use our subscription research databases. Only if your current library card's identification number is not compatible with our circulation software will a new library card need to be issued. Valid identification is required. Online registering of another public library's card is not available.
A non-resident is a person who does not live, work, attend school, or pay taxes in Maryland.
A temporary library e-card number valid for thirty days is available by registering online for residents of neighboring states.
A person must apply for a permanent non-resident card at the Circulation or Borrower Services Desk at any Baltimore County Public Library branch. A card can be issued immediately if the customer agrees to abide by the rules and regulations of Baltimore County Public Library, signs the library card, and has a current out of state driver's license showing the same name and address as on the registration form, or has photo identification plus one additional piece of valid identification.
Does my library card expire? Do I have to renew
my library card?
A Baltimore County Public Library e-card number will expire thirty days from the date of online registration. All permanent Baltimore County Public Library cards must be renewed every three years.
You must renew your library card at the Circulation or Borrower Service Desk at any Baltimore County Public Library branch or at any Mobile Library Services bookmobile stop. Please bring your current library card and a Maryland Driver's License or Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration identification card. A Motor Vehicle Administration update must accompany your driver's license or Identification card if there has been a change of address. If identification is unavailable, please bring one of the valid identification items with your library card.
Online renewal of library cards is not available.
Can I
apply for or renew my library card online?
An Online Sign-Up Form is available for a temporary Baltimore County Public Library e-card number. An e-card number can be used immediately but expires in thirty days. Use this temporary number to:
To check out material from our library and to use our many other services, you will need to apply for a permanent library card in-person at any Baltimore County Public Library branch. With a temporary library card number, you do not need to fill out a registration form at the library to get a permanent library card. Just bring valid identification showing your current mailing address. If you are 17 years of age or under and do not have valid identification, a parent or guardian must be present to show a valid picture ID and sign a registration form to allow you to get a permanent library card.
Online renewal of library cards is not available. How to renew your permanent library card.
What should I do if my name or my
address changed?
Your library card can be corrected in-person or by phone at any Baltimore County Public Library branch. Press three for library account information. Unfortunately, an online option is not available at this time.
At your next library visit, you will need to bring your current library card and a Maryland Driver's License or Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration identification card. A Motor Vehicle Administration update must accompany your driver's license or Identification card if there has been a change of address. If this identification is unavailable, please bring one of these valid identification items with your library card.
What do I
do if I my library card is lost or damaged?
If you lost your library card, you should report it lost immediately in-person or by phone at any Baltimore County Public Library branch. Press three for library account information. You are responsible for any items checked out on your library card until it is reported lost.
To get a replacement card, you will need to complete a library card application form at the Circulation or Borrower Services Desk when you visit the library. You will need valid identification. Replacement cost for a lost or damaged library card is two dollars.
What do I
do if my library card was stolen?
If your library card was stolen, you should report it immediately in-person or by phone at any Baltimore County Public Library branch. Press three for library account information. You are responsible for any items checked out on your library card until it is reported stolen.
To get a replacement card, you will need to complete a library card application form at the Circulation or Borrower Services Desk when you visit the library and present some valid identification.
The MPOWER CARD is a statewide public library card. It allows holders to check out materials from any Maryland public library. The MPOWER CARD takes the place of having multiple library cards.
You will need to visit any branch of the public library system that you want to use and have your MPOWER CARD registered with that library system. Since all public library systems in Maryland use different circulation systems with their own user database, each library system needs to add the MPOWER CARD identification number and your name to its user database. Once registered as a user of that library system, you should be able to check out items from that library system as well as use most of their subscription research databases.
You are not required to have an MPOWER CARD to borrow material at another public library system. You can also register your permanent Baltimore County Public Library card or any library card from another Maryland public library system.
How many
items may I check out?
There are no limits on the number of items that may be checked out.
How
long can I keep library materials?
Library materials are loaned to you for twenty days, with the following exceptions:
Most materials can be renewed one time.
Where is the due
date for material I checked out?
When you check out, every item you check out and its due date is listed on a handy receipt. This timesaver reduces the length of lines and makes check out quicker for you. Entertainment or feature DVDs that are checked out on Friday are due at a branch or in a Book Drop by 5 p.m. on Sunday. Items must be returned by closing time on the due date to avoid late fines.
You can find out what you have checked out and its due date, as well as renew eligible material, twenty-four hours a day by calling the SHELF HELP Line at 410-494-9063. Press two. You will need your library card.
You can get this information by visiting or phoning any Baltimore County Public Library branch. Press three for library account information. To protect the confidentiality of your library account, you will need your library card number and you may be asked additional identification information.
There are several ways to find the due date of items you borrowed online.
1. Use this Check Your Card link or use the "Check Your Card" tab at the top of this page or our Home Page. You can also select Card and Catalog from the left side of this page or our Home Page and then select "Check Your Card". From the BCPL Catalog, select the "My Account" tab at the top of the page.
2. Enter the validation information requested to see a Patron Information Summary screen of your account. Enter the fourteen digit number on your library card without spaces. If your validation information is not accepted, visit or phone any Baltimore County Public Library branch and explain the problem. Press three for library account information. Staff can check the information attached to your card. To protect the confidentiality of your library account, you will need your library card number and you may be asked additional identification information.
3. Select the "Checked out" link on the Patron Information Summary page. This will take you to a list of all the items currently checked out on your card. The due date appears on the Checked Out Summary screen. Select each linked title for additional information about that item.
Can I return items to another Baltimore County
Public Library branch?
Yes, you can return Baltimore County Public Library materials to any Baltimore County Public Library branch. All branches except the Loch Raven Library have a Book Drop. Items must be returned by closing time on the due date to avoid late fines. Entertainment or feature DVDs checked out on Friday are due at a branch or in a Book Drop by 5 p.m. on Sunday.
Can I return items to another
Maryland public library system than Baltimore County Public Library?
Yes, all public library systems accept materials borrowed from any Maryland public library systems for return subject to that library's current fines and fees, policies and procedures. It is recommended that you ask for a receipt showing what you returned and what fines were paid, if any. Since the item must be sent from the other library system back to Baltimore County Public Library before it can actually be checked in as returned, your library account may reflect that delivery delay.
How do I
find out what I checked out, reserved, or have overdue? Can I review my
fines and fees?
You can obtain this information by visiting or phoning any Baltimore County Public Library branch. Press three for library account information. To protect the confidentiality of your library account, you will need your library card number and you may be asked additional identification information.
You can also get this information by calling our SHELF HELP Line at 410-494-9063, Press two. You will need your library card to get to your account information.
There are several online options for checking your library account.
1. Use this Check Your Card link or use the "Check Your Card" tab at the top of this page or our Home Page. You can also select Card and Catalog from the left side of this page or our Home Page and then select "Check Your Card". From the BCPL Catalog, select the "My Account" tab at the top of the page.
2. Enter the validation information requested. Enter the fourteen digit number on your card without spaces. If your validation information is not accepted, visit or phone a Baltimore County Public Library branch and explain the problem. Press three for library account information. Staff can check the information attached to your card and assist you with your library record. To protect the confidentiality of your library account, you will need your library card number and you may be asked additional identification information.
3. Select the "Checked out" link on the Patron Information Summary page. This will take you to a list of all the items currently checked out on your card. The Checked Out Summary screen gives you the due date of all items you borrowed. Select the linked titles for more information on that title.
4. From the Patron Information Summary page you will also be able to:
Customers receive notification of holds / reserves ready for pick up, of overdue items, late fines and fees attached to their library account and materials automatically set as lost.
What is
the SHELF HELP Line automated service, and what can I do if it's not working?
Baltimore County Public Library's automated phone service, SHELF HELP Line, allows you to get the following information about your library account or to renew items by dialing 410-494-9063 on a touch-tone phone. You will need your library card identification number.
Press 1
For library information such as branch hours, addresses, phone numbers, and
holiday closings.
Press 2
To Check Your Library Card and for information about your library
account's status. Here you can find out if your card is in good standing. This is
the only place you can go to hear how much you owe us in dollars. See
information on fines and
fees.
Press 5
To go directly to Renewals: This feature allows you to renew items already
checked out to you. You can renew all checked out items or only one item from a
list of what you have checked out. Renewed items will be due three weeks from
the original due date. Not all material can be
renewed. Items eligible for renewal may be renewed one time only.
If the item is overdue,
late fines will be added to your account.
Press 6
To check on Reserved Items
you will need your library card number. This
will tell you which of your reserves, called holds, are available for pick up or
still waiting to be filled.
For all menus, press *, the asterisk symbol, to return to the previous menu.
If for any reason the SHELF HELP Line is not working, it is the customer's responsibility to visit or phone a branch library to renew their materials. Press three for library account information. To protect the confidentiality of your library account, you will need your library card number and you may be asked additional identification information.
You can use Baltimore County Public Library's Home Page to access your library card and library account information and to renew items online as well.
This page is provided by the Baltimore County Public Library, Towson, Maryland USA.
The text version of this page was last revised on
03 July 2008.
The graphics version of this page was last revised on
03 July 2008.
You are welcome to provide feedback.
