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. Then, select 'begins with' if you know exactly what you looking for. Or for a more general search, select ' contains'.


• You can also limit your results to a particular format by selecting the 'set limits' button.


• For example, if you only want to search for audio books, check the 'format' box and select the 'sound (non-music)' choice. Finish by clicking the set limits button at the bottom of the page.


• To see items added to the catalog within the past 30 days, scroll to the bottom of the search page and look for 'New at the Library!' links.


• Additional search help can be found by clicking on the help button 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 and DVD's may be checked out for seven(7) days and one(1) seven(7) day renewal.


• Due to limited quantity, materials in the following formats are limited to three(3) per patron:
  • audio books in CD or MP 3
  • CD-Rom materials
  • DVD


• 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 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/or have received a second overdue notice, may be sent to the Virginia State Tax Set-Off Debt program for collection through state tax refunds or lottery winnings.


• 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 telephone or email 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.