Borrowing FAQs

  • General Questions

    Many of the services and resources on our site are managed by third-party vendors. This includes:

    • Your catalog account where you can find due dates and place holds.
    • eBook and streaming services such as OverDrive, hoopla, and Kanopy.
    • Databases that you log into with your library card, such as Consumer Reports.
    • Online tutoring such as Brainfuse.

    Each time you use any of these services, you're leaving our site. You're also visiting a separate website managed by a different third-party vendor.

    Since these sites are not connected, we don't have a way to log you in to different types of services at once. This is why, even if you've logged in to your account in the catalog, you still need to log in to databases.

    You can log in to more than one database with a single sign-in though. When you log in to a database with your library card, you are logging in with a proxying service. A proxying service manages access to databases by checking login permissions. A single sign-in to databases will give you access to all of the resources that use a proxying service. You won't need to sign in to databases again for up to 8 hours.

    We wish this was more seamless! In the meantime, we'll continue to explore ways we might be able to help simplify the log in process.

    Related FAQ:

    Why is there no option to pay fees using my PayPal account?

    No. Surprise bags are no longer available.

    Help us help you by answering a few questions.

    Where did you get your King County Library System (KCLS) library account?

    • I applied online.     
      • My account number starts with 0.  
        • You most likely have an all-access account. Please contact your local KCLS library or Ask KCLS for help.
      • My account number starts with 9.  
        • Chances are you started with an eCard account. Please contact Ask KCLS for help.
      • My account number is my phone number.  
        • You have an OverDrive only account. If you need help with it, please contact OverDrive via email at privacy@overdrive.com.
      • I don’t know what kind of account I have.  
        • No problem. We can help. Please contact Ask KCLS for help. 
    • I applied in person at a KCLS library.    
      • Chances are you have an all-access account. Please contact your local library or Ask KCLS for help. 
    • My school gave me a KCLS account.    
      • Are you a student or a teacher? Please contact Ask KCLS for help.

    As a courtesy to other library systems and partner school districts, we make every attempt to return items turned in at our locations. King County Library System (KCLS) items are often returned to other library systems too. These other systems include The Seattle Public Library, Sno-Isle Libraries, and Pierce County Library System.

    As part of our reciprocal agreements we return items to and pick up our items from other library systems. The drop-off and pick-up schedule varies by library system. We exchange with The Seattle Public Library most often, once a week. The items returned are checked in by the owning library after the exchange.

    We mail school books to districts, with a note inside with the date when the item was returned to one of our locations.

    No. We have considered buying games in the past. So far, we've determined that they are too specialized and expensive to support.

    For video games, this is due to the variable nature of the industry and the products:

    • There are too many formats (i.e. Xbox, PlayStation, Wii, etc.).
    • Those formats change too quickly (i.e. upgrades from Xbox to Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 to PlayStation 4, etc.).
    • Most games require frequent updates and can also have licensing/registration issues—single user registrations, codes, exclusive single-use content, etc.

    For tabletop, board, or analog games, this is due to the variation and complexity of the physical products. Games come in many shapes and sizes that require extensive manual handling, and often contain a large number of small and specialized pieces. We lack the infrastructure to appropriately house, circulate, repair, or maintain items of this type.

    We do support learning through games in other ways. Some libraries offer analog and/or video gaming programs for various age groups. However, the games are not part of the regular collection and are supported by programming budgets. Visit our event calendar to see any upcoming gaming events.

    You can choose from accessible formats of books, movies, magazines, and newspapers. Formats include: 

    • Captioned movies 
    • Digital collections 
    • Large print and  
    • Recorded books (audiobooks) 

    Learn more about accessible formats in the "Formats" section of the Accessibility page. 

    We will also provide reasonable accommodations for borrowing. Options that may make managing your account easier could be longer hold and loan periods.  

    Learn more about accommodations for borrowing in the "Request an Accommodation" section of the Accessibility page. 

    If you cannot leave home or come to a library, you may be able to get items delivered to you by Mobile Services.

    You may be eligible to access collections from the Washington Talking Book & Braille Library (WTBBL). Learn about what they offer, who is eligible to use them, how to apply, and how we can help.

    Present your photo ID with a birth date at the checkout desk.

  • Checkouts

    A full-access King County Library System (KCLS) library card in good standing may borrow:

    All items except downloads Maximum of 100 items
    OverDrive eBooks and downloadable audiobooks 25 items
    OverDrive magazines No checkout limits
    hoopla digital music, movies, TV, and comics 10 items per month
    Kanopy streaming movies 10 tickets per month. No holds. Learn more about Kanopy tickets.
    Estante Infinito streaming movies and performing arts 99 tickets per day per person
    Estante Infinito streaming TV No checkout limits

    KCLS is not responsible for damage to equipment that occurs while using library-owned material.

    Patrons who have reached the maximum number of physical checkouts are not able to log in or borrow items from OverDrive or hoopla.

    Versión en español:¿Cuántos artículos me puedo llevar prestados?

    Versión en español

    Books              

    CDs

    CD-ROMs

    LPs

    Kits

    Players

    Most videodiscs (DVDs and Blu-rays), except for feature films and movies

    		28 days
    OverDrive                                
    • eBooks
    • downloadable audiobooks
    • magazines

    hoopla digital comics

    		21 days
    Magazines
    Feature film and movie videodiscs (DVDs and Blu-rays)
    hoopla digital music    		 7 days
    hoopla digital video 3 days (72 hours)
    Kanopy digital video
    		 3-7 days (72-168 hours), depending on the film
    Most Media Equipment (use in library only)  1 day
    Estante Infinito streaming movies and performing arts 48 hours
    Estante Infinito streaming TV No checkout limits

    Yes, you can. You'll need to check out your items at Self-Check-Out and choose the email receipt option.

    At the moment, emailed receipts are only available at Self-Check-Out. If staff check out items for you at the Check Out desk, you'll get a printed receipt. An emailed receipt will be available at the Check Out desk soon.

    No. Magazines do not count toward checkout limits.

    You can log in to your account from any page of kcls.org.

    Click or tap "Log In / My Account" in the top right corner.

    Choose the specific account information that you want to view from the menu. This is the fastest way to get to your account information.
    Examples:

    • If you want to view or renew items that you've borrowed, select 'Checked Out.' 
    • If you want to view or manage items you've requested, select 'On Hold.'

    Log in when prompted.

    • If it's your first time logging in, you’ll need to register your account and create a username.
    • If you've logged in before, enter your username or barcode and PIN or password.
    • If you’re already logged in, the button at the top right corner of the screen will show your username.

    Need more help?

    You can find more detailed Catalog Instructions, opens a new window from BiblioCommons, our catalog vendor.

    Our policy is to backdate returns to the last day the library was open and postpone removing holds. Have questions about your account? Call Ask KCLS.

  • Renewals

    Except for media equipment, you can renew physical items that are not on hold for someone else up to two times.  

    You can renew OverDrive digital titles that are not on hold for someone else one time. 

     

    Our system will try to renew items one time per checkout period.

    You can renew items that other people aren’t waiting for. If an item has holds, you won’t be able to renew it. Find out how many times you can renew an item.

    If your account has a balance of more than $75, you won’t be able to renew any items. You will need to pay that balance down to $75 or less before you can check out physical items again.

    Auto-renewal only applies to physical items.

    Auto-renewal does not apply to digital collections. That’s because digital items are:

    • Returned automatically on their due date.
    • Paid for with different pricing models than physical items.

    We pay vendors for each new digital checkout, including renewals. For this reason, it is important to confirm that digital renewals are intentional. Please continue to manually renew digital items you’d like to extend.

    Yes, you’ll still be able to renew items by logging in to your account.

    Yes, unless you opt out. 

    To receive notifications for auto-renewal, you need to: 

    • be signed-up for email notifications and  
    • have an email address in your account.

    How will I know if an item has auto-renewed?

    If you are signed-up for email notifications, you’ll receive an email. The email will confirm which, if any, items were renewed.

    The email will list:  

    Yes. Call or visit your library to request to opt out. 

    Opting out of auto-renew won’t change other account alerts you’ve signed up for. There are no changes for hold and due date notifications by phone, text, or mail. 

    You don’t need to sign up. Eligible items will automatically renew.

    Our system will try to renew items three days before they are due. If the item is renewed, three days will be added to your loan period. (We add three days so that renewing doesn’t shorten the loan period.)

    Yes. You will have the option to renew a magazine within 3 days of the end of the lending period. Or you could borrow it again with no waiting. 

    OverDrive titles become available for renewal 3 days before the end of the lending period. You will only be able to renew a title if there are no other patrons waiting for the title. For detailed instructions on how to renew an OverDrive title, visit the OverDrive, opens a new window help page, opens a new window.

  • Due Date and Hold Alerts

    If you provide an email address, you will automatically get email notifications.

    If you don’t provide an email address, you will get notifications by phone.

    If you provide neither an email address nor a phone number, you will get print notifications by mail.

    Contact Ask KCLS or staff at your library. You cannot directly manage your notification settings online. We're exploring ways to offer this option.

    You can receive account notifications by email, text, phone, or printed mail message. You’re automatically enrolled in some notifications when you sign up for a library card. Learn how to manage your notification preferences.

    Email

    Get notified when:

    • Holds are ready for pickup, expired, or canceled
    • Items are due in 2 days
    • Items are overdue

    Email notices contain detailed information about account activity, including titles and due dates.

    Phone

    Get notified when:

    • Holds are ready for pickup
    • Items are overdue

    Phone notifications are brief and do not include title information.

    Print Mail

    Get notified when:

    • Holds are ready for pickup
    • Items are overdue

    Print notices contain detailed information about account activity, including titles and due dates. Please note that due to the nature of print mail, notices via this method are not as timely.

    Text/Short Message Service (SMS)

    Get notified when:

    • Holds are ready for pickup
    • Items are due in 2 days
    • Items are overdue

    Text notifications briefly summarize account activity and do not include title information.

    No, you can’t manage accounts for family members or different library systems. 

  • Fines

    Fines-free means that we won't charge you late fines on materials that we own.

    You may get late fines for interlibrary loan items. When you borrow an interlibrary loan, you're borrowing items that we don't own. The library system that owns the materials may charge you late fines.

    Yes, materials have due dates. We still expect you to return or renew materials on time as others are often waiting to enjoy those items too. We send several due date reminders to borrowers.  

    Please make sure your contact information in your account is current so you don’t miss these alerts. 

    Find out what kinds of due date alerts are available and how to manage them. 

    We will notify you if you have overdue items. If you don't return the items within 60 days of the due date, we will charge you a replacement cost for the items. If you return items after 60 days, the replacement charge will be removed from your account.

    Replacement fees vary depending on the item. You will not be able to borrow physical items if you owe more than $75 in lost fees. You will need to pay that balance down to $75 or less before you can check out physical items again. 

    Studies have shown that late fines are not effective. Fines can actually stop people from using or returning items to the library. Libraries with fines-free policies have reported few problems and increased use.

    Fines-free libraries report similar return rates. In addition, we run reports to let us know if we need to order additional copies of popular items.

    It depends! Please visit any of our libraries and ask a staff member about the status of your account.

    You can also check the list below to find out if one of the scenarios apply to you.

    If you have used your King County Library System library card in the last two years:
    Your account is active in our system. Most active cards do not expire or need you to renew them. Checking out items or logging on to a public computer at the library helps to keep your card active.

    If you have not used your card in the last two years and it had no fines or fees:
    Your account is likely no longer in our system. If you would like to apply for a new card, please visit a library or apply online.

    Regardless of when you last used your card:
    If your account had late fines but no other charges before we cleared all late fines, it is active in our system. 

    If your account still has more than $75 after we cleared fines, such as in lost or damaged item fees:
    You will need to pay that balance down to $75 or less before you can check out physical items again. 

     

    Yes. You can still borrow eBooks, downloadable audiobooks, and other digital items. You can also use online resources such as databases.

    You will need to pay that balance down to $75 or less before you can check out physical items again.

    We do not charge late fines for items returned after their due date.   

    We charge replacement fees for lost, damaged, and items returned with pieces missing. We must charge replacement fees by state law.  

    You will be charged a replacement cost for items that are 60 days overdue.  

     You will not be able to borrow physical items if you owe more than $75 in fees. You will need to pay that balance down to $75 or less before you can check out physical items again.  

    We do not send accounts to collections. 

    We cannot accept replacements for cataloged items. This is due to variations in format, edition, and condition. It also costs us more in staff time to evaluate and process replacement items. Our State Constitution (Article 8, section 7) requires us to get the cost of lost or damaged materials back. If you give us a replacement copy, we don't get the full cost of the item back.

    Other options may be available for uncataloged items such as a board books and Choice Reads. Please ask staff at your library about options for replacing uncataloged items.

    You won’t receive a late fine if you do not return library materials by the due date.

    You will receive a lost or damaged fee when library materials are damaged or are more than 60 days overdue. If library materials are more than 60 days overdue, they are considered lost.

    We will mail billing notices to accounts with items more than 60 days overdue.

    You won’t be able to borrow physical items if you owe more than $75 in lost or damaged items. You will need to pay that balance down to $75 or less before you can check out physical items again.

    Please contact your library if you have concerns about paying the fees. We are happy to help find a solution.

    No. If you owe more than $75 in lost fees, you won’t be able to borrow physical items. You will need to pay that balance down to $75 or less before you can check out physical items again. 

    Yes. You can use cash at the register to pay for fees, copies, and printing. Staff will assist you.

     

    You can pay fees:

     

    View your payment history here.

    Log in with your library card number and PIN, then click on the payment button.

    We'll charge you a fee to replace or repair lost or damaged materials.

    Items lost or damaged due to fire or flood

    Ask staff to give you a printout of the items’ values for filing an insurance claim.

    Stolen items

    We won’t hold you responsible for stolen items when documented by a police report.

    Lost items

    If you've lost an item (book, DVD, CD, etc.), you'll need to pay for the item's replacement cost.

    Found items

    If you’ve paid for a lost item, you’re eligible for a refund within 6 months.

    You must bring the item and your receipt to any library within 6 months of the date you paid for it.

    We refund the cost of the item, minus any damage charges.

    See also: 

    Which fines and payments for lost items are refundable?

    How will I get my refund?

    It depends on how and when you paid.

    Cash

    If you paid with cash, you’ll get a refund check.

    Credit Card

    If you paid with a credit card within the past six months, you’ll get a refund credit to your credit card.

    We may make exceptions to the six-month time limit due to system closures.

    Switching to PayPal lowered our credit card payment processing expenses.

    We're not able to offer PayPal account payment at this time due to Payment Card Industry (PCI) compliance regulations (also known as Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards), from the PCI Security Standards Council.

    The charge will appear as 'PayPal KCLS Libry.'

    No. You do not need to have a PayPal account to pay a fee online.

    Your bank will post an "authorization hold" to your credit or debit account. They will post a hold each time you try to make an online payment. It is a pending transaction and not a final charge.
    If they deny the payment, your bank will remove the hold from your account. They will remove it after a waiting period that is set by the bank. This may take several days. 

    Refundable within 6 months of final payment:

    • Cataloged books (items that display a specific title in your account)
    • Complete and playable audio/video materials, multi-part sets, Players, and kits

    Nonrefundable:

    • Parts or pieces of audio/video sets or kits (e.g., single CDs, DVD cases, CD or DVD jackets)
    • Non-cataloged items that don't display as a specific title in your account (e.g., Choice Reads, board books, comic books, Magazines)
    • Damaged, unusable items, including items that need rebinding
    • Payments more than 6 months old

    There are different ways for you to make payments on your account.

    1. Mail a check. Make checks payable to KCLS or King County Library System. Mail to:
      KCLS
      1111 110th Ave NE
      Bellevue WA 98004
    2. Pay online through My Account. (You must be registered with Bibliocommons.)
      When paying online, you will enter your credit card information in a PayPal window.
    3. Pay in cash or coins at the cash register at any library.

  • Holds

    You’ll be notified by phone or email when your item is ready for pickup. You'll have three days to pick it up.

    All items except downloads 50 holds (Seattle city residents may place up to 10 holds)
    OverDrive eBooks and downloadable audiobooks 25 holds
    OverDrive magazines No holds
    hoopla digital music, movies, TV, and comics No holds
    Kanopy streaming movies
    		 No Holds. 10 tickets per month. Learn more about Kanopy tickets.

    The King County Library System is not responsible for damage to equipment that occurs while using library-owned material.

    Your hold will be available for eight open days at your designated pickup library.

    No.

    After receiving notification that a hold is available, you can do one of the following: 

    • Borrow the title within 3 days. 
    • Suspend the hold by selecting “deliver later.” This option passes the book to the next person in line while keeping your place on the waitlist. You'll set the suspension period, and can borrow the book when the next copy is available.  
    • Cancel the hold. 

    If you take no action, your hold will automatically be suspended as a one-time courtesy for 7 days. If no action is taken a second time, your hold will be canceled.

    No. Hold redelivery is a feature that gives you more control over your digital holds. When you don't have time to read a hold it can go to the next person. You'll suspend the hold and keep your place on the waitlist.

    Yes, you can have a hold delivered later if you’re not ready to read it. Find out how to have holds delivered later.

    This process generally takes 3-10 days. It depends on a number of factors, such as the libraries' closed days.

    If you don’t have automatic checkout enabled, you have 96 hours to check out an OverDrive hold.

    You can log in to your account from any page of kcls.org.

    Click or tap "Log In / My Account" in the top right corner.

    Choose the specific account information that you want to view from the menu. This is the fastest way to get to your account information.
    Examples:

    • If you want to view or renew items that you've borrowed, select 'Checked Out.' 
    • If you want to view or manage items you've requested, select 'On Hold.'

    Log in when prompted.

    • If it's your first time logging in, you’ll need to register your account and create a username.
    • If you've logged in before, enter your username or barcode and PIN or password.
    • If you’re already logged in, the button at the top right corner of the screen will show your username.

    Need more help?

    You can find more detailed Catalog Instructions, opens a new window from BiblioCommons, our catalog vendor.

    Our policy is to backdate returns to the last day the library was open and postpone removing holds. Have questions about your account? Call Ask KCLS.

  • 24-Hour Lockers

    When you place a hold from the online catalog, choose either: 

    Bothell Lockers, 24-hour pickup, holds held 3 days.

    Covington Lockers, 24-hour pickup, holds held 3 days.

    Federal Way 320th Lockers, 24-hour pickup, holds held 3 days.

    Kirkland Lockers, 24-hour pickup, holds held 3 days.

    Normandy Park Lockers, 24-hour pickup, holds held 3 days.

    Woodinville Lockers, 24-hour pickup, holds held 3 days.

    If you have Single-Click holds turned on, you’ll want to turn it off. This will give you the option to choose a locker. 

    You’ll be notified by phone or email when your item is ready for pickup. You'll have three days to pick it up.

    You’ll be notified when your item is ready for pickup.

    You have three days to pick up your hold. The lockers are available 24/7.  

    When you arrive, enter your library card number and PIN/password on the screen.

    Once you enter your information, a locker door will open to release your hold. This will open the locker door for all your items. If you sent more than one hold to the locker, you may see several doors open.  

    When the door opens, your items are checked out, so be sure to take all your items. If you find that you don’t want an item anymore, return that item to the library's manual book drop.

    It depends on the size of the items. The lockers can hold several items.

    Books to Grow on Kits will not fit in the locker. Staff will notify you when your items are too large for a locker and need to be picked up inside the library instead.

    Use the contact forms to email Ask KCLS, or call (425) 462-9600 or (800) 462-9600.

    There are a limited number of lockers, so it may take longer for your hold to become available. If you need your hold quickly, please request pickup inside the library.

    Lockers are only for picking up items, not for returns. Continue to use an open book drop to return your items. Book drops are open 24/7.

    Contact Ask KCLS or call (425) 462-9600 or (800) 462-9600 for help using lockers. 

    No, you'll need to contact Ask KCLS during normal business hours. 

    It may take longer for your hold to be processed since there is a limited number of lockers. 

    If you need your hold quickly, please place a hold for pickup inside the library.

    No, we are not accepting returns through the locker. Please use the book drop. 

    You don't need your physical library card, but you will need your card number and PIN/password. You will type these on the screen.

    Lockers at four locations were paid for by our Foundation. Lockers at two locations were paid for by a grant.

    The KCLS Foundation funded the lockers located at the Bothell, Covington, Federal Way 320th and Kirkland Libraries.

    A portion of the $364,480 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant awarded to KCLS in October 2021 funded the lockers at the Tukwila and Woodinville Libraries. This grant is supported with ARPA funding provided by the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services administered by the Library Services and Technology Act, through the Washington State Library, a division of the Office of the Secretary of State.

    We may explore the possibility of purchasing additional lockers if more funding becomes available. 

     

    You can return them to the manual book drop or Self-Checkin station at any King County Library System library. 

    Library lockers are available 24/7.

    No, the locker is not connected to the online catalog. You will need to use your library card number. 

  • Returns

    Please call the library where you returned your materials.

    Book drops and Self-Check-in are open on days that libraries are closed. However, we aren't available to assist if book drops are full or if Self-Check-in is out of order while we're closed. If Self-Check-in is out of order after hours, please return items to your library's book drop.

    Return kits at any library. You will need to go into the library and ask staff where to place the item.

  • New and On Order

    Titles that are new and on order have only very basic information. You might see items for children in an adult search. Audiences will get corrected when we receive the DVD and it goes through cataloging. This is a trade-off that our selection department has made. Adding incomplete records when we place the order allows you to place holds earlier.

    There are several ways you can search for DVDs on order, choose the method that works best for you!

    Keyword Search

    To search for fiction titles, search the catalog for dvd fic on order.

    To search for nonfiction titles, search the catalog for dvd nf on order.

    Enter "dvd fic on order" in the search box at the top right side of the website. Search setting are set to search the catalog by keyword.Advanced Search
    Open Advanced Search from the link under the keyword search bar.

    Select Call Number from the Include dropdown list.

    Type dvd fic on order as your search criteria.

    If you'd like to see nonfiction, type dvd nf on order.

    In the "Use the form to construct your query" section, select Call Number from the Include dropdown list. Type 'dvd fic on order' in the search box. Website Picker

    Prefer to use a drop-down menu to create your search? Use this option to find DVDs and other formats.

    Select Books and More.

    Under the Formats heading, select New and On Order.

    Use the dropdown boxes to customize your search.

    Choose Books and More from the menu across the top of the website. In the Formats section, choose New and On Order.Use the filters on the New and On Order page in the catalog to filter by Format, Content (fiction, nonfiction, government documents), Audience, or Language.

  • Using the Catalog

    Call or visit your library. There isn't a way to change your address in your account online.

    An option for patrons with KCLS and SPL accounts. You will use a single username and password when logging in through the KCLS or SPL catalog.

    If you want to keep your Seattle Public Library (SPL) username, contact Ask KCLS. Include your:

    • King County Library System (KCLS) username
    • KCLS barcode
    • Confirmation that you understand that your user-generated content will be deleted.

    If you want to keep your KCLS username, contact Ask Us. Include your:

    • SPL username
    • SPL barcode

    You can log in to your account from any page of kcls.org.

    Click or tap "Log In / My Account" in the top right corner.

    Choose the specific account information that you want to view from the menu. This is the fastest way to get to your account information.
    Examples:

    • If you want to view or renew items that you've borrowed, select 'Checked Out.' 
    • If you want to view or manage items you've requested, select 'On Hold.'

    Log in when prompted.

    • If it's your first time logging in, you’ll need to register your account and create a username.
    • If you've logged in before, enter your username or barcode and PIN or password.
    • If you’re already logged in, the button at the top right corner of the screen will show your username.

    Need more help?

    You can find more detailed Catalog Instructions, opens a new window from BiblioCommons, our catalog vendor.

    If you haven't set up a PIN/password, it defaults to the last four digits of the phone number in your library account.

    Reset your PIN/password using your library card number. Or, show photo ID to staff at the library.

    There are several ways to access the catalog from our site, and two primary ways to start a search.

    One way is to use the built-in search tool at the top right side of any page.

    1. Enter your search terms in the search box at the top right of any page on KCLS.org.
    2. Click the magnifying glass icon on the right side of the search box to enter your search.

    You can also start an advanced search by clicking on the 'Advanced Search' link below the search box.

    To search the website, blog, FAQs, or events, choose one of these options from the first drop-down menu to the left of the search box. Type what you’re looking for in the search box and click/tap the magnifying glass icon to enter your search.

    Another way to search the catalog is to use the search landing page.

    1. Click the 'Catalog' link from the left side of the main site menu or go directly to www.kcls.org/catalog.
    2. Enter your search terms in the search box and click the magnifying glass to start your search.

    If you're using a mobile phone:

    1. Tap the magnifying glass icon at the top right to expand the search box. 
    2. Enter your search terms in the search box.
    3. Tap the magnifying glass icon to enter your search.

    Get more tips for using the catalog on our catalog help site.

    In response to feedback that multiple drop-down filters were overwhelming to many library users, BiblioCommons, our catalog and website vendor, has removed the superformat filter drop-down from the basic search tool.

    Please use the more granular format and genre facets on the left side of any search results page to narrow results.

    You can still start a search filtering by format by clicking the ‘Catalog’ link from the left side of the main menu at the top of any page. This second option is available only on computers, not on mobile devices.

     

    Choose a format and/or search type from the drop-down menus and enter your search terms.

    Click the magnifying glass to start your search.

    Please tap the black button displaying your username at the top right of any page when you’re logged in and tap the ‘Log Out’ link at the top of the drop-down menu.

    Thank you for your suggestion. We’ve shared this feedback with BiblioCommons, our website and catalog vendor, for review.

    In case it’s helpful to have context behind the design:

    The Log In/My KCLS button at the top of the KCLS website and catalog, a built-in feature of the software powering the new site, reveals a dropdown menu that has been optimized for ‘responsive’ views of the site that resize to fit the screen size of computers, phones, and tablets. BiblioCommons previously had the menu open upon hover, which allowed a single click to get to the log in page, but that presented a lot of issues on smaller screens where tap was required.

    Instead of going directly to the ‘Explore’ page from the Log In screen, clicking the Log In button now allows you to choose from a list of the most frequently sought-after links in library user’s accounts, including checked out, holds, and shelves pages. You’ll be prompted to log in, but you can use this menu to quickly jump to any these account pages.

    From My Library Dashboard, you can switch to your SPL account at the top of the page.

     

    To toggle from the KCLS catalog to SPL click the My Account button and click on Switch Library Account. To return to the KCLS catalog click on your username and click on Switch Library Account.

    Your Personal Identification Number (PIN)/password allows you to securely access your library account, place holds in our catalog, log on to library computers, and use Self Checkout.

    You will need to provide your PIN/password when you phone in or if you don't have your library card or photo ID with you at a library. This protects the use of your library account.

  • Book Group Kits

    Book Group Kits are bags containing 10 copies of the same book that you can check out and use for your book clubs or other groups.

    • Place holds on kits to have them sent to your local library for pickup.
    • Kits are checked out to one group member who is responsible for all the materials in the kit.
    • You need a valid library card to place holds and check out kits.

    No, we are not able to offer Book Group Kit reservations at this time.

    8 weeks, no renewals. Please return kits promptly so they will be available for other book groups.

    • Kits can be returned to any community library. They must be returned to a service desk and cannot be placed in book drops/self-check-in.
    • All the kit contents should be returned at the same time. Replacement fees will be charged for missing items.