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Ask a Librarian
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1. You can call or visit your local library and ask for help.
2. You can get 24-hour help online by using our Ask Here PA service. |
Book a Meeting Room
Borrow Items
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No. As long as you have a library card, items may be borrowed for free from the library. However, if you keep something past the item's due date, then you will be charged a late fee each day the item is overdue. |
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- Nearly all items (books, audios, kits, etc.) -- 2 weeks.
- Videos and DVDs -- 1 week.
- Reference books can't be borrowed. Sometimes, overnight loans are possible. Ask your librarian if this can be arranged.
- Due dates are listed on the paper slip you get when you borrow items.
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If you have special circumstances such as a hospital visit or an extended vacation, you may request a vacation loan. Vacation loans are only possible for items that are not in high demand. Vacation loans can be for up to 6 weeks. |
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If you forget your card, you must provide identification (such as a driver's license).
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Change Your Contact Information
Check My Account
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To login to your account:
- Click the My Account link that is located on the top, right hand side of this web site page. If you don't see it above, you can also click here for My Account.
- Enter your 14-digit library barcode number in the first field. This is the number that is on the back of your library card underneath the barcode.
- Enter your 4-digit pin number in the second field. This is a number you chose when you registered for a library card. If you don't have a pin or if you don't remember your pin , contact your library or submit a Forgot My Pin form by email
- Click Login.
- Important Tip: When you are finished, always remember to Logout to protect your privacy.
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Call the library system's automated Telephone Circulation System at: - (717) 240-7889 or
- (888) 697-0371 Ext. 7889 (toll-free) - press 1; wait for the prompt before entering the extension and then hold to be transferred
- When the automated system is activated, press 2 to access your account information.
- Enter your 14-digit library barcode number. This is the number that is on the back of your library card underneath the barcode.
- Enter your 4-digit pin number. This is a number you chose when you registered for a library card. If you don't have a pin or if you don't remember your pin , contact your library or submit a Forgot My Pin form by email.
- The automated attendent will tell you how many items you have out and how many requests you have.
- To check the due dates, press 1 for renewals, then press 4 for the list of items.
- Continue to follow the spoken instructions, or visit our website for a full menu of Telephone Circulation options.
- Hang up when you are finished.
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Computer and Internet Services
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Yes. All Cumberland County libraries have computers with Internet service and Microsoft Office software that you can use. Computers are available on a first-come, first-served basis for any library card holder in good standing. Guest cards are usually available at each library for visitors. To make Internet computers available to as many people as possible, there is a 1-hour use limit per day. At busy times, use is limited to ½ hour. |
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Yes. All Cumberland County libraries provide free wireless (Wi-Fi) Internet access for people with wireless-enabled computers. |
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Yes, each library printers that the public may use. Color print outs cost $.25 per page. |
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Yes, each library has computers with Internet access and Microsoft Word 2007. |
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Yes, each library has computers with Internet access and Microsoft Excel 2007. |
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Yes, each library has computers with Internet access and Microsoft PowerPoint2007. |
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Library staff can provide a brief orientation to the Internet. The Bosler Library (Carlisle) offers free classes in Bosler Data Den computer lab about the Internet and using basic computer software. For more help, you can borrow books from the library about using the Internet and computers. Ask your librarian for help picking out some books. Bosler Data Den Classes |
Computer and Internet Services Filtering
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To comply with federal laws, the library system filters all computers, even if your child is accompanied by a parent or guardian. If a site is inappropriately blocked, please ask a librarian for help. Also, if you are age 17 or older, you may ask that filtering be turned off when you have bona fide research or have other lawful purposes. |
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Filters aren't foolproof. Filters can give you a false sense of security that you are protected from harmful material. Filters can also block sites that may be considered inoffensive or useful. As always, if you don't find what you need, please ask a library staff person for help. |
Computer and Internet Services for Children
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Parents and guardians should discuss the dangers of the Internet with their children. This would include giving personal information to others, buying services or products without their parents' permission, or seeing and reading upsetting things. Parents should establish rules for Internet use and accompany their children to the library each time they visit. If a site is inappropriately blocked, please ask a librarian for help.
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To assist families with providing Internet supervision, parents can block their child's library card from using Internet Computers. Parents make this choice when they co-sign for their child's library card. (The parent's choice can be changed at any time by library staff members.) Note that children with blocked Internet access can still use the library's Catalog Computers. These Computers have restricted access to websites listed in the library's catalog and reference databases purchased by the library system.
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Create a PIN
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When you sign up for a library card, you create a PIN for your account. Thus, if you have a library card, you have a PIN. Forget your PIN?... |
Exhibit at the Library
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Each library has limited space available for public display of flyer or posters for non-profit, non-partisan events. Occasionally limited space may also be available to distribute newsletters or brochures. All materials must be approved by the library before being displayed or distributed. Contact your library for more information or to have your materials reviewed. |
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Several libraries have limited space available for special art or collection displays. Contact the library for more information:
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Find Out My PIN
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If you forget your PIN, you may ask for it, in person, at the circulation desk. You must provide your photo identification to get your PIN. Or, if you are not able to visit the library, you can ask your library to mail or email your PIN to the address listed on your library record. Emailed requests are processed in 1 business day. PIN Request Form... |
Get Due Date Reminders
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Two days before an item is due, you get an email from the library system. The email reminds you about the items you have borrowed and their due date. These due date reminders are also called courtesy notices. |
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No. Unfortunately, due date reminders (or courtesy notices) are only available by email. |
Get eAudiobook Help
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First, check the support documents. Many questions can be answered during install if you read the entire screen and follow each of the step-by-step instructions. If problems persist, please submit the support form with as much information as possible. Please complete the support form with all the details, including your computer’s operating system, the version of media players on your computer, the exact text of the error message you receive and anything that may be relevant to your problem.
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First, check the support documents. If problems persist, submit the support form with as much information as possible. For a problem about a specific transaction we will need to know your library barcode number, the title in question, and often times the date and time any other communication was received.
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If you use an iPod or iPhone, use mp3. Everyone else can use either format.
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Unfortunately, our budget for this new service is small and only allows for about 15-20 new titles to be added each month.
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You can use the hold system to reserve titles that interest you. The system will email you when the title is returned. Please be patient. Due to limited budgets, our waiting lists can be long. |
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No. Licensing and digital rights management concerns prevent returning a title early. When you download a title, a license is made active for exactly 2 weeks.
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To make the service available to as many people as possible, we have limited users to 5 titles each. Each title can only be checked out for 2 weeks at a time and cannot be returned early. You may want to pay attention to the number of items you have checked out. If a hold title becomes available, there is no way to return items early to reduce your shelf to meet the 5 title limit.
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Publishers decide what formats they will provide to OverDrive to sell to their clients. Unfortunately, publishers do not all make iPod compatible titles available for purchase by public libraries. Over time, we hope the market will change, and libraries will be able to buy more iPod-friendly titles.
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If you want a specific title or just want to let us know that you’d like to see more items in a particular subject area, use the suggestion box.
When you submit the form, your suggestions will be reviewed and added to our possible purchase list. We try to fill requests if the titles are available from our provider in the desired digital audio formats and as our budget allows. Currently, we purchase about 15-20 titles per month.
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The collection features popular and bestselling titles. |
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The downloadable eAudiobook service is funded by a state appropriation to the Capital Area Library District (Cumberland, Dauphin and Perry Counties). |
Get Email Notices
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You can sign up three ways:
- Submit the Get Email Notices form.
- Call or visit your library and ask them to sign you up for email notices.
- Or, if you don't have a library card yet, you can choose email notices when you sign up for a card at your library.
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If your email address changes:
- Call your library; or,
- Change it online by logging in to My Account, then click on Profile. Enter your new email address and click Update. (Note: If your account is not set up to receive email notices, this will not switch you to email service. This only updates the email address that is listed on your library account. To get email notices, you will also need to submit the Get Email Notices form.
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You can cancel the service 2 ways: |
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All email notices will be from the "Cumberland County Library System" or cclsnoreply@ccpa.net. The subject line will read: - Library Items Waiting;
- Library Courtesy Reminder; or
- Library Items Overdue
The email will be addressed to "Dear Library Customer". Each Library Items Waiting notice lists the title of the item to pick up, the location for pick-up, how long the item will be held and the item barcode. Each Library Courtesy Reminder will list the title of the item, the date due and item barcode.
Each Library Items Overdue notice will list the title of the item that is overdue, and whether it is a first or second notice. Any fines owed to the library are not listed. (Fines are calculated when the item is returned.) Notices list library telephone numbers and link to the CCLS catalog.
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Library Items Waiting notices are emailed within 4 hours after the item is available. Library Courtesy Reminders are emailed 2 days before an item is due. Library Items Overdue notices are emailed automatically early each morning, Sunday through Saturday.
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If the library system emails you and the message is returned ('bounces back'), a notice will be printed by the library and sent via U.S. mail. Also the library always sends billing notices for long overdue items by U.S. mail. |
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No, not as a result of signing up for this service. The library system does not sell or lease users' personal information to companies, universities or individuals.
Confidentiality of Library Records Policy |
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If your email account filters out bulk or junk mail, it may delete library notices before you see them. Be sure to allow delivery of messages from Cumberland County Library System [cclsnoreply@ccpa.net] to your Inbox. Also, be sure that the [cclsnoreply@ccpa.net] address is listed as acceptable in any spam-blocking software that you use.
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No, this isn't possible. So, be sure to use the email address that you check most frequently. |
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It depends on how you want to handle your child's account. Parents or guardians who have co-signed for their child's library card have the right to get information about items checked out on their child's library card. In addition, co-signing parents or guardians are financially responsible for any items checked out by their child. Because of this, you will probably want to use the email address that is read most frequently by the person who is responsible (often the parents' account). Or, if your child's reading privacy is important to you, you can have the email notices sent directly to your child's email account. However, the responsibility for checking email and picking up or returning materials on time is ultimately the parent's responsibility. You may only use one email address for each library account.
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If the library's email notice is returned to library (known as a 'bounce back'), email notice service will be turned off for your account until you correct the problem. Until the problem is corrected and you request email service again, you will receive automated telephone calls or notices via U.S. Mail. Emails can be returned or 'bounce back' for many reasons:
- Out of Space (mailbox full): Some email providers limit the space for storing emails per user. If you have no more space, the message will be returned to the sender.
- Spam: If you or your email provider has a Spam Blocker set-up to block bulk mailings or notices from the library system, the notices will not arrive; or they will be stored to a SPAM folder that you can monitor.
- Bad Address: If your email address is not correct the message will be returned.
- Out of Office/Vacation: If you have a return email or an out-of-office rule set up on your email account, the message may be returned to the library system (even though you may have received the message).
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If you share an email with other members of your family, they will see the titles of items you borrow or request. If you wish to maintain your library account's privacy, you will need to use a private email address, or consider canceling email service. |
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The Cumberland County Library System can not guarantee receipt of messages. Thus, failure to receive a notice does not waive the borrower's responsibility for the timely pick-up or return of materials. |
Get Forms
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Our libraries try to keep a supply on hand, but often run out of them. The best place to get dog licenses applications is from the Cumberland County Treasurer's office at the County Courthouse. |
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January through April 15, we usually have a supply of basic tax forms on hand. However, to cut down paper waste, the government does not send a lot of copies for us to distribute. The best place to obtain forms is online at:
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Get Homework Help for Children
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When you don't know what to do your project on, some of the best places to start are with books that can help you think of an idea.Books on report writing |
Get Homework Help for Teens
Get Overdue Notices
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You have several choices:
- Try renewing the item online or by contacting your library. If you are able to renew it, you will stop more late fees from being added to your account. (But you will still owe late fees for the days between when the book was due and when you renewed it.)
- Contact your library immediately and explain any special circumstances that prevent you from returning the item. Perhaps an extended loan can be arranged.
- Return the item immediately. Then you will only owe late fees for the time between when the item was due and when the item was returned.
Pay Fines... |
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If you owe $5 or more in fines, you won't be able to use your library card. Also, if your account has $25 or more in fines or outstanding materials, you may be referred to a collection agency and be charged a $10 long overdue account fee. What happens if I don't pay my fines.... |
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First and second notices for items that are overdue are sent by either automated telephone call or by email. You choose which service you want to use. Bills for long overdue materials are sent via U.S. Mail. Sign Up for Email Notices... |
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Overdue notices are sent one week after an item is overdue. A second notice is sent two weeks after the item is overdue. A final notice that includes a bill for the item(s) is sent by U.S. mail three weeks after the item is due. After two months, if you still haven't made payment arrangements, your account may be referred to a collection agency if it has $25 or more in fines, fees or outstanding materials. A $10 long overdue account fee is also charged to the card holder. |
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When you signed up for a library card, you agreed to be responsible for all items that are borrowed on that card, and to report any address, email or phone number changes immediately. Thus, if you do not receive the library’s notices, you are still responsible for any overdue fines for lost or damaged items.
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Get Research Database Help
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Home access should be available 24/7. If you encounter difficulties using the system, try again after about 15 minutes. |
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Go to the Research Databases page or to the Do Research page to select your subject area, then your database. You need to have a valid library card in good standing. Click on the title of the database you want to use. If you're using a library computer, you will be connected immediately to the database. If you're using a home, office or school computer, you will see a login screen. Type in your barcode number. (It is important that you type all 14 numbers carefully). Then, click the "Login" button. Each time you select a database, you will need to enter your library card number and click on the login button before you can use the database. |
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You must have a library card from the Cumberland County Library System.
You can't owe $5 or more in fines and fees. You must have a compatible web browser. |
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Check to make sure you entered your library card number correctly with all 14 numbers. If you did enter it correctly, and it still says your card is not on file, visit your local library to update your account. The library system regularly deletes inactive accounts from its database. |
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If you are using a computer from home, the library system uses software called "Remote Patron Authentication" that asks you for your library card number. This software checks your library card number against our list of library card holders. If it finds a match and you owe less than $5 in fines or fees, you can use the database. |
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The online system knows if the computer you are using is a library computer or not. Anyone visiting the library can use the databases without entering their library barcode number because they are using a library computer. |
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The software we use requires cookies to work properly. If you have your cookies disabled, or if the cookie is corrupted, you will not be able to access the databases. You'll see a blank database list, an invalid authorization notice, and a message that says "welcome to [[null]]. Make sure your cookies are enabled. If they are, try clearing your cookies and your cache. |
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Sometimes, if too many people are using a database at the same time, there will be a login screen instead of automatic access to the database. Unfortunately, the only solution to this is to wait a while and try again. Make sure you have clicked on the link that says "Click here to access databases from home." |
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You are probably trying to use the database from a bookmark or favorites link. You can only use databases from: Do Research page. Accessing databases from any other link or bookmark, will corrupt your cookies file and you won't be able to use databases from home. This will results in a lot of browser errors or blank pages. |
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You are probably trying to use the database from a bookmark or favorites link. You can only use databases from: Do Research page. Accessing databases from any other link or bookmark, will corrupt your cookies file and you won't be able to use databases from home. This will results in a lot of browser errors or blank pages. |
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To allow people in the library to use databases without entering a library barcode number, the system had to be set up in a way that requires barcodes to be entered from home each time you want to use a different database. |
Get Temporary Library Card
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You get a temporary library card membership when you sign up for a card online. It allows you to begin using our web site resources immediately. Temporary cards are good for only 30 days. You must visit your library to show your identification, complete your registration, and pick up your permanent card within 30 days. |
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Temporary cards let you begin using our web site resources immediately. Until you get your permanent card, you won't be able to borrow books or use your library's Internet computers. Temporary Card Memberships let you:
- Request up to 2 items through the online catalog. Permanent cards allow you to request up to 25 items.
- Begin using the library system's searchable resources right away, such as genealogy, business, investment and homework support databases. These databases have online books, encyclopedias, reference sources and magazines.
Your online temporary card is good for only 30 days. By the end of the 30 days, you must visit your library to show identification, complete the registration process, and pick up your permanent card. |
Join Now!
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You can get a free library card if:
- You live or pay property taxes in Cumberland County or the Shippensburg Area School District; or,
- You have a card from a Pennsylvania public library that has a blue Access Pennsylvania symbol on it.
If you don't live or pay taxes in Cumberland County or the Shippensburg School District, you can:
- Buy a library card for $5 per month. You can pay monthly, quarterly or annually. To buy your card, you must visit a library and bring photo identification with you to sign up for a card. You can save time by bringing along a completed library card application.
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You must provide a 4-digit PIN (personal identification number) when registering for a card. You will use your PIN to renew items, request items, and use the library's computer and Internet services.
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Yes, teenagers, toddlers, children -- even babies -- can get their own library card. For people under age 17, a parent or guardian's signature is required. |
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The Library System believes that parents and guardians have the responsibility and right to guide their own child’s use of the library and its resources. Thus, children and teens may use all library materials and services, including filtered Internet access. To help families with providing Internet supervision, parents have the option of blocking their child's library card from using Internet Computer Catalogs. (Note: Children with blocked Internet access may still use the library's Computer Catalogs. These catalogs have restricted access to web sites listed in the library's catalog and reference databases purchased by the library system.) |
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Yes. For children under age 17, the parent or guardian who co-signs for their child's card has the right to know what is checked out on their child's card. |
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Yes, The parent or guardian who has co-signed for their child's card is financially responsible for any fines or fees on their child's account. |
Make Purchase Suggestion
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Yes. While we can't guarantee that we will purchase it, your suggestion will be considered. Library staff evaluate suggestions by reading reviews, considering its subject content and price, as well as its context within the library's whole collection. If it is purchased, a hold will be placed on it for you. You will be notified when it is available for loan.
Make Purchase Suggestion Form |
NextReads Newsletters
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NextReads is an email newsletter subscription service that provides reading suggestions for all ages in more than 20 reading interest categories. |
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Sign up for a newsletter, and it will be sent out to subscribers on a regularly scheduled basis. |
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Title selections are made by professional librarians using the same sources libraries use for collection development. |
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Each title has a link to the library catalog. Simply click on the Catalog link, find the item, and place a request! |
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Library Webmaster will send you an automated email confirmation. To complete your NextReads subscription, you must confirm your email address by clicking a link emailed to you. You will receive the current issue of the newsletter(s) you selected. |
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Yes. Just visit the unsubscribe page, and enter your email address and password to manage your subscriptions. |
Pay Fines
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- Books, magazines, kits, etc.: $.25 per day. (Beginning January 4, 2010, fine rate will be $.30 per day)
- Video and DVD fines: $2 per day.
- Interlibrary loan items: $1 per day.
- The maximum late fee will be no more than the price of the item.
- Long overdue account fee (items overdue two months or more): $10
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If you owe $5 or more in fines, you won't be able to use your library card. Additionally, if your account has $25 or more in fines or outstanding materials, you may be referred to a collection agency and be charged a $10 long overdue account fee. What happens if I don't return overdue items... |
Renew Items
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A renewal is when you ask the library for more time to borrow your book, video, etc. |
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When you renew a book, the computer system will give you 2 more weeks from the date you renew it. (Note: The system does not give you 2 more weeks from the book's due date.) When you renew a video or DVD, the computer system will give you 1 more week from the date you renew it. (Note: The system does not give you 1 more week from the videorecording's due date.) The longer you wait to renew an item, the more time you may have to use it. (However, you won't be able to renew something if another person has requested it.) |
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If no one is waiting to borrow the item:
- Nearly all items (books, audios, kits, etc.) -- 2 renewals.
- Videos and DVDs -- 1 renewal.
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To renew items online,
Login to My Account. You will need your library barcode and PINSelect Items Out/RenewalsPut a check mark in the box for titles you want to renewClick the Renew buttonIf the item could not be renewed, you will get a red error message saying “One or more of your items did not renew. Please scroll down for details.” In the line of the item that didn’t renew, there will be a message telling you why the item couldn’t be renewed. After you are finished, remember to Logout.Renewal help in the catalog is available. If need more help, contact your library. |
Replace Lost or Stolen Card
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If your card has been lost, contact your library immediately to tell us about the problem. You can't register for a temporary online card until the problem with your lost or stolen card has been discussed with us. |
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If your card has been stolen, contact your library immediately to tell us about the problem. You can't register for a temporary online card until the problem with your lost or stolen card has been discussed with us. |
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No. You can't register for a temporary online card until the problem with your lost or stolen card has been discussed with us. |
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Your first replacement card is free. Additional replacements cost $3 each. |
Report Damaged or Lost Items
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You will be billed for the item's replacement cost, plus any late fees that accrued up to the time you report it missing. |
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Charges for damaged library materials are determined on a case-by-case basis. Contact your library as soon as possible to report the problem. Fees range from $1 to the item's full replacement cost. |
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Contact your library as soon as possible to report the missing item. (If your item was overdue, this will stop any additional late fees from being charged to your card.) If the library is closed now, you can use the Report Lost Item form. |
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If you think you've returned something that's still checked out on your card, you can tell the library about the problem by using the Report Item Returned form. After you have reported the item as returned, if the library doesn't find it on the shelf, or find out that it is checked out to someone else, you will be given a 2 month grace period to try and find it. During that time, both you and library staff will look for the missing item. If it's not found after 2 months, you will be billed for the item’s replacement cost, plus any late fees before it was reported missing. If the item is found, late fees will be charged up to the time the item was returned. |
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Contact your library as soon as possible to report the damaged item. (If your item was overdue, this will stop any additional late fees from being charged to your card.) If your library is closed now, you can use the Report Damaged Items form. Your library will probably need to look at the item to determine what charges, if any, you will need to pay. Fees range from $1 to the item's full replacement cost. |
Request Items
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If an item isn't available, you can request that it be held for you through the online catalog. You can also request it by contacting your library. You will be notified by email or phone when the item is ready for pick-up. How do I request a hold... |
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If you need something that is at another Cumberland County library, you can request that it be held for you through the online catalog. You can also request it by contacting your library. When it's available, it will be delivered to your library. (The library system has daily delivery services between libraries.) You will be notified by email or phone when the item is ready for pick-up. Request a hold... |
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Yes. You can have up to 25 items requested on your library card at any one time. If you have a temporary library card, you may only request 2 items online until you pick up your permanent card. |
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Please contact your library and tell them you no longer need the item. This will allow the next person on the request list to get the title sooner. |
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You can suspend any pending hold requests until the date you return. This means that until that date, your name will advance on the waiting list, but if the item becomes available while your request is suspended, your name will be skipped. Hold statuses may be suspended by calling the library or by logging into My Account and changing the request status. |
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Yes. While we can't guarantee that we will purchase it, your suggestion will be considered. Library staff evaluate suggestions by reading reviews, considering its subject content and price, as well as its context within the library's whole collection. If it is purchased, a hold will be placed on it for you. You will be notified when it is available for loan. Purchase Suggestion Form... |
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If the item is new (has been published in the last 6 months or year), you may suggest it for purchase. If the book is not new, you may place an interlibrary loan request for it. This service, usually free of charge, borrows books and other materials from public and academic libraries from across the nation. It usually takes 2 to 4 weeks to get an item through interlibrary loan. |
Research Tips and Tricks
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If you're looking for a title and can't find it, or you need an answer quickly, here's what you can do.
1. Ask a librarian
2. Use interlibrary loan
3. Get a copy from a searchable resource |
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1. You can go to the reference desk or the checkout desk at your library and ask for help.
2. You can get 24-hour help online by using the Ask a Librarian service. |
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There are many web sites that offer instructions on how to write a report. Here are some of our favorites. Basic Steps in the Research Process
Learn the basic steps in the research process from choosing a topic to turning your paper in from the Cambridge Rindge & Latin School.
CRLS Research Guide Internet Public Library A+ Research & Writing Tips
Do you need help writing a paper? Find links and advice for high school and college students from the Internet Public Library. Open Directory Book Review Help
Learn how to write a great book report with these links.
Open Directory Project Reference |
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STEP 1. IDENTIFY AND DEVELOP YOUR TOPIC
State your topic as a question. For example, if you are interested in finding out about women and their influence in government, you might pose the question, "What affect do women politicians have in local government?" Identify the main concepts or keywords in your question.
STEP 2. FIND BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Look up your keywords in the indexes to subject encyclopedias. Read articles in these encyclopedias to set the context for your research. Note any relevant items in the bibliographies at the end of the encyclopedia articles. Additional background information may be found in your lecture notes, textbooks, and course reserve readings. STEP 3. USE THE ONLINE CATALOG TO FIND MATERIALS
The Cumberland County Library System's Online Catalog includes books, journals, DVDs, and other materials that are part of the member libraries' collections. STEP 4. USE INDEXES TO FIND JOURNAL ARTICLES
Use indexes, abstracts, and other research databases to find citations to articles. The indexes and abstracts may be in print or online or both. Choose the indexes and format best suited to your particular topic; ask at the reference desk if you need help figuring out which index and format will be best. STEP 5. FIND INTERNET RESOURCES
Use search engines and subject directories to locate materials on the Internet. STEP 6. EVALUATE WHAT YOU HAVE FOUND
Evaluate the authority and quality of your resources based on the author's credentials, the publisher and year of publication, edition, etc. Look at the content as well, focusing on the intended audience, primary versus secondary sources, objective reasoning, and writing style. If you have found too many or too few sources, you may need to narrow or broaden your topic. STEP 7. USE A STANDARD FORMAT TO CITE WHAT YOU FIND FOR YOUR BIBLIOGRAPHY
Use style manuals for APA, Chicago, or MLA to format the citations in your bibliography. They will also contain information on how to cite properly an electronic or Internet resource.
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There are various methods of citation. Here are some commonly used methods. American Psychological Association's Guide to Citing Electronic Resources
APA Style Citations Chicago Manual of Style: Examples of Chicago-style Citations
Chicago Style Citations Modern Language Association's Guide to Citing Electronic Resources
MLA Style Citations |
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- Start early.
You may need to request a checked out item, or an item waiting to be shelved, or request a copy through interlibrary loan. - Keep a record of all references you find as you go along.
Take advantage of database e-mail and downloading features. Know and use the citation style standard in your discipline. - Consider resources in addition to books and journal articles.
Government documents, statistics, theses, dissertations, conference papers, and reports may contain useful information. - Identify relevant indexes and databases in your topic area.
Use research guides and subject menus on the searchable resources by subject page. Start with the largest, most general indexes, then search more specialized databases. - Identify keywords, synonyms and related terms.
Develop a research strategy to extend and track your search. Consider keeping a research log (dated) to keep track of terms searched in each index and new terms discovered for further searching. - Refine your search.
Take advantage of advanced search strategies, Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT), date limits, subject headings, thesauri and other controlled vocabulary to broaden, narrow and fine-tune your search. - Follow the bibliography trail.
Scholarly works always contain references to related publications that may be available in the library, through interlibrary loan, or through a Web source such as Google Scholar. - Evaluate what you find.
Prefer scholarly, peer-reviewed (refereed) materials and authoritative Web-based resources. Read abstracts to determine article scope and content. Check for timeliness and author’s credentials. Look for works by recognized experts in the field. - Ask a librarian!
Get in touch with the library subject specialist in your field or come to the reference desk (in person, if possible, or virtually through e-mail, chat and instant messaging) for help in locating resources for your research.
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Return Items
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Yes, you can return items after the library closes. All libraries have a either an outdoor return bin or a book depository slot for its building.
- Amelia Givin Library (Mt. Holly Springs) has a slot on its side entrance door. You can use this for books and audiovisual items.
- Bosler Library (Carlisle) has a return slot into its building for books. You'll find the slot off Bosler's rear driveway. Bosler also has a separate outdoor return bin for audiovisual materials.
- Fredricksen Library (Camp Hill) has separate outdoor bins for books and audiovisual items.
- John Graham Library (Newville) has an outdoor bin for both books and audiovisual items.
- New Cumberland Library has outdoor separate bins for books and audiovisual items.
- Shippensburg Library has an outdoor bin for both books and audiovisual items.
- Simpson Library (Mechanicsburg) has separate bins for books and audiovisual items.
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Items you return in the book bin after closing are checked in as if they were returned on the library's previous day of business. If anything is overdue, late fees will be added to your library card. |
STAR Homebound Services
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If you're an adult in Cumberland County who can't regularly visit the library due to your age, an illness or a disability, you can ask for STAR lending services. STAR service provides free, personalized selection and delivery of books, large print books, books-on-tape or compact disc and videocassette recordings. STAR materials are delivered to you by a trained library volunteer for a 6 week loan period. |
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For more information about STAR homebound services:
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STAR Nursing Home Services
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Nursing homes, senior centers, senior apartments and retirement complexes may ask for a free STAR large print collection. With STAR site services, deliveries of 10 to 30 large print books are made about once a month by trained STAR library volunteers. These books are then available for your residents and visitors to borrow. |
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For more information about STAR nursing home services:
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The library system's STAR service has a collection of ready-made program kits that can be used by staff or volunteers at nursing homes. The program kits will help you entertain residents and bring back memories. Kits include:
- Bi-Folkal Kits: Ready-to-use kits on topics ranging from automobiles, holidays and work life. Most kits include different formats such as DVD's or videocassettes.
- Slideas: Ready-to-use slide show programs on topics ranging from airplanes to holidays to winter snow and ice.
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Use Audio Visual Equipment
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No. This type of equipment is only available for programs the library sponsors at its own facility. |
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