The circulation desk is the starting point for all library services. It is where you can get a library card, check out and return items, renew items, pay overdue fines, and pick up museum passes. It is also where you can look for Lost and Found items. If you have any questions, please call us at 508-830-4250, ext. 201
How do I get a library card?
In order to obtain a library card, a patron must have “positive proof of address” … this would include any official documents such as a driver’s license, a piece of cancelled mail, a statement, or a bill with the patron’s current address. Out-of-state residents should call or inquire at the desk concerning borrowing at the library. Children under the age of 13 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian when applying for a library card.
You can also apply on-line for an e-card. This will enable you to access electronic resources and to request items by placing them on hold. To check anything out, you will need to visit the library in person to upgrade to a permanent card.
How do I manage my library account?
Click here to access your account . You can sign in to your library account by entering your library card number – all of the numbers under the barcode (no spaces). The default PIN for all cards is OCLN (not case sensitive). Logging into your account allows you to review items you have currently checked out, as well as to renew eligible items. You can also opt to keep a list of your reading history, change your email address, and sign up to be notified by text message when holds you have requested become available. If you are looking for an item not available in our home network, the Old Colony Library Network, signing into your account allows you to search and place holds through the Massachusetts Virtual Catalog, a statewide network of over 300 libraries.
What is my Personal Identification Number or PIN?
The default PIN for all library cards is OCLN (not case sensitive). If you wish to place items on hold, you are required to change your PIN. The first time you place a hold using the on-line catalog, a prompt will appear asking you to enter and confirm your new password. If you would like to change your PIN now, click here. If you forget your PIN, you can call us at 508-830-04250 or request an email reminder from OCLN.
What can I check out?
Your library card allows you to borrow books, compact discs, DVDs, museum passes, periodicals, and learning material kits. Many of these items may also be borrowed from other member libraries in the Old Colony Library Network, through the Virtual Catalog, or using Inter Library Loan.
Where do I check out items?
The library has three self-check stations, one located in the Children’s Room and two in the main lobby (between the circulation desk and the elevator, opposite the stairs). The self-check machines have easy to follow instructions which walk you through the self-check process. You are required to scan your library card and the items you wish to take out. The machine prints a receipt listing the items you have charged to your account and the due dates.
You can also check out your books and periodicals at the circulation desk (to the left as you enter main lobby). The audiovisual desk, located directly behind the main circulation desk, is where you can check out DVDs and CDs.
How do I reserve an item?
Sometimes we may have what you are looking for but it is checked out. Sometimes you may find that we do not own an item but that other libraries in our network do. In these cases, you can request the material you want by placing a hold. Clicking on the “place a hold” link in the catalog will lead to the screen where you sign in to your library account. The first time you place a hold, you will be required to change the PIN from the default, which is OCLN, to a password of your choosing. Holds are automatically sent to the main library, but if you would like to pick your materials up at the Plymouth Manomet Branch Library or at any of the other OCLN libraries, you can specify your choice using the drop down menu. There is also an option to let you choose dates to temporarily suspend the request if you are going to be away. After you place a hold, you will be notified when your item is available and you will have a week to come in to the library to pick it up.
What does it mean if you get the message that a “hold is not allowed”? This may be because an item is new or because it is reference material intended for use in the library only. Many of the libraries in our network only allow their own patrons to place holds on new material or on items which are in very high demand, such as books on school summer reading lists.
More information on reserving items using the Virtual Catalog and our Inter Library Loan service can be found here. If you have any questions, please contact the Reference Department at 508-830-4250, ext. 205.
How do I pick up a hold?
When you are notified that an item you have requested has arrived in the library, you can pick up your books on the Hold Shelves located in the front of the building. As you enter the lobby, turn to your left and then follow the sign. The holds are put on the shelves alphabetically by the last name of the borrower. Your book will have a receipt in it with your name and library card number. Please make sure to have the library card which you used to place the hold with you in order to check out the book. After you have found the book, you can check it out at the Self Check stations in the main lobby or at the circulation desk.
If you have requested a dvd or an audiobook, your item will be found at the Audiovisual Desk which is to the right of the Hold Shelves, behind the circulation desk.
Please ask the staff if you need assistance.
How long can I keep items?
Our loan periods are are follows:
- Books: 4 weeks
- Holiday Books: 2 weeks
- Magazines: 1 week
- New Fiction: 2 weeks
- Rentals: 1 week ($1.00 charge)
- Sound Recordings: 2 weeks
- Toys, Games & Learning Materials: 2 weeks
- Videos and DVDs: 1 week
All Plymouth-owned items may be renewed once as long as the items are not on reserve for another patron. You can renew an item by logging into your OCLN account and entering your library card number and PIN. On your account summary page, click on the link to “Review/Renew Checkouts”. You will see a list of all the items charged to your card and the date when they are due. You can select titles and click on “Renew Selected Items” to renew them. Please contact the Circulation Department if you have any questions.
Can I avoid paying a fine?
Your item is overdue, now what? To avoid paying overdue charges, you can participate in Food for Fines. The third full week of each month we accept donations of non-perishable foods in lieu of library fines. One non-perishable item will pay the fine for one overdue item being returned. All donations are passed along to the Plymouth Food Pantry, serving local families in need.
The Food for Fines program does not include old fines or fees.
What are the rates for fines?
- All materials except for videos, DVDs, or rentals are $.10 a day
- Videos and DVDs are $.25 a day
- Rentals are $.25 a day
Can I donate books and other materials to the library?
We welcome donations of books and other materials of value. Click on the link to see more about our book donation policy.
