How do I find items on a particular topic? How do I find items by my favorite author?
- Search the online catalog by subject, title, authors, series or all of these fields. If you do not know the exact spelling of a title or author, use the "search suggestions" feature.
- You can also narrow your search results by selecting particular facets from the menu on the right. You can use this feature to select only a particular format (like Book on CD or Large Print).
- You can also use the RSS feature to alert you when your favorite author's new item has been added to the catalog. See a library staff member for more information.
- To see items added to the catalog within the past 30 days, go to the Library's home page and click on the new books or new media links.
- Additional search help can be found by clicking on the help link or calling your local library branch.
- Items not available in the BPLS collection may be available through interlibrary loan (ILL). Applicable postage or borrower's fees will be charged to the patron and must be paid when the patron picks up the book.
How long can I keep this item? How many times can I renew an item? What about overdue items?
- General circulating materials (ex. books, audio books) may be checked out for four(4) weeks and one(1) four(4) week renewal.
- New books may be checked out for two(2) weeks plus one(1) renewal, as long as the item is not on hold for another patron.
- Videos may be checked out for seven(7) days and one(1) seven(7) day renewal.
- Due to limited quantity, DVDs are limited to six(6) per patron and may be checked out for two(2) weeks plus one (1) renewal.
- Current issues of periodicals do not circulate until the next issue is available to the public.
- Books in high demand at a specific time, such as seasonal, holiday, or those in demand for school projects, may be subject to limitations on loan period, number borrowed and renewals.
- Materials designated REFERENCE and NON-CIRCULATING may not be taken from the library.
- Materials may be renewed at any library location in person, by telephone or from any computer using the library website. A PIN is required for online renewals.
- Materials not returned by the due date are subject to a fine of $0.10 per business day per item. The maximum fine for overdue materials is $10.00 per item and $5.00 per magazine. Fines for interlibrary loan items are $1.00 per day per item, with a maximum fine of $40.00.
- Library patrons will temporarily lose their borrowing privileges if a second notice for overdue materials has been issued or if an overdue fine or damage fee of at least $5.00 has accumulated.
- If a patron under the age of 18 temporarily loses their borrowing privileges as a result of overdue materials or accumulated fines in excess of $5.00, the responsible party will also lose their borrowing privileges.
- Records of patrons, who owe $5.00 or more in fines and have received a bill for long overdue items, may be sent to Unique Management Services for collection and an additional $10 fee will be added.
- Retail cost will be charged for materials that are lost or damaged beyond repair.
- For more information please read the Bedford Public Library System's Circulation Policy or call your local library branch.
The item I want is at a different branch, can I have it sent here instead? How many items can I put on hold?
- An item can be placed on hold at any location in the system and the patron can designate a pickup location.
- Materials can be placed on hold at any library location in person, by telephone or from any computer using the library catalog . A PIN is required to place holds from the library catalog.
- Patrons may place only one hold per title. Any circulating item listed in the library system catalog may be placed on hold, except for items designated as 'no holds' copies.
- To place an item on hold, the patron must have a valid library card.
- Patrons will be notified by automated telephone call, email or SMS text message when the item is available for pickup.
- Patrons who do not pick up materials being held for them or who do not notify the library that they no longer need held materials may lose the privilege of placing holds.
