Frequently Asked Questions about My Account
If you have further questions, you can fill out our online form or
call 717-652-9380 option 2.
How do I log into My Account?
1. Click the “Library Account Login” link at the top of The Library’s homepage.
2. Enter your library card barcode number and 4-digit PIN and click Submit.
Why can’t I log into my account?
- Make sure that you are entering in all 14 digits of your library barcode.
- Confirm that you are using your correct PIN. This is the 4-digit number you chose when you registered for a library card. If you do not know your PIN please read the “How do I find out my PIN?” section below.
- Make sure you are using your active library card, and not one that you have previously reported as lost or stolen. These cards have been deactivated and are not valid library cards.
If you are still unable to log into your account, report the problem to us using our online web form.
What is Auto Renewal?
The Library now offers automatic renewal of checked out items. Eligible items will be renewed for you 3 days prior to their due date.
To be eligible for auto renewal, accounts must be in good standing with no blocks or restrictions and account balance under $10.
Items must be renewable three days prior to their due dates when the Due Date Reminder is sent. The following conditions will prevent a borrowed item from being renewed:
– Item is on hold for another member.
– Item is an Interlibrary Loan or District Loan.
– Item has reached its 5 renewal limit for your borrowing period.
Will I be notified?
If you have provided an email address, we will notify you of your new or upcoming due dates in a Due Date Reminder email.
You can add an email address by accessing your Library Account.
An email address is not required for auto renewal. Members without an email address will still have their eligible items renewed automatically and can monitor due dates in My Account.
What if my items were not automatically renewed?
Items that did not auto renew may be manually renewable later. The Library provides 6 different ways to renew. You can now renew most items up to five times. www.dcls.org/return_renew.
Other Auto Renew Details:
-
– The Auto Renewal due date is calculated from the original due date. This is different from manual renewals, where new due dates are calculated from the date of renewal.
-
– Automatic Renewals count towards an item’s 5 renewal limit.
-
– There is no way to opt out of automatic renewals.
-
– E-Resources such as Overdrive, Libby, and Hoopla are not subject to auto renewal.
How do I change my Personal Information in my Library Account?
Use the Edit Account feature to change your home library, telephone number, contact preference, add or change your email address – including opting into text messaging.
Note: You cannot change your address through Encore. To update your address, please visit your Library.
1. Click “Edit Account” once you’ve logged into your account.
2. Update your contact information. Scroll down and click Submit.
You can also…
- Call one of our eight libraries and have your library card ready. A staff member will look up your account and ask you three security questions to verify your identity.
- Visit us at any one of our library locations. Please bring your library card or photo identification and a staff member will be happy to update your account information.
- Visit us Online: Modify personal information
If your name has recently changed, please visit your local library location with photo identification that verifies your new name. You will need to fill out a new library card registration to update your account.
How do I change my Notification Preferences?
You can change how you receive your library notices from your account in Encore. The available choices are email, phone, and print (snail mail). It is important that you keep all of your account contact information current.
To Change your notification preference
1. Log in to your account in encore
2. Click “Edit Account”
3. Review the agreement
4. If you agree to the listed statements, select one of the notification methods listed at the bottom of the screen
5. Click Submit
You can also…
- Call one of our eight libraries and have your library card ready. A staff member will look up your account and ask you three security questions to verify your identity.
- Visit us at any one of our library locations. Please bring your library card or photo identification and a staff member will be happy to change your notification method.
- Receive Text Notifications. The ability to receive text message account notifications is now available. Those who choose to opt into this service must agree to the terms and conditions and will receive both text messages and one other form of notification of your choice. There is no option to receive only text messages. FAQ
Forgot Your PIN?
NOTE: You need to have a valid email address listed on your library account to use this feature. If you do not have a valid email listed on your account, please call your local library.
1. From the Library Account Login page, click “Forgot Your PIN?”
2. Enter your library card barcode number and click the “Submit” button.
3. An email will be sent to the email address listed on your library account. Click the link provided in the email.
4. Enter your library barcode number and new PIN (must be 4 digits – No letters or special characters) and click Submit.
You can also…
- By Phone: Call one of our eight libraries and have your library card ready. A staff member will look up your account and ask you three security questions to verify your identity. They will then ask you to provide a new four-digit number. PINs are encrypted so staff is unable to tell you the current PIN associated with your account.
- In Person: Bring your library card or photo identification to your local library and a staff member will be happy to assist you.
*To protect your account and personal privacy, only the library cardholder can retrieve their PIN, or in the case of a juvenile, the parent/guardian that signed for the juvenile library card.
I lost my library card. How do I get another one?
If you cannot find your library card, please contact us immediately. A staff member will deactivate the lost card right away to prevent unauthorized use. To receive a replacement card you will need to visit us at one of our eight library locations with photo identification and we can issue you a new card right away. There is a $2 fee to replace lost cards.
What is an Authorized User?
If you have difficulty making it to The Library during open hours, need someone to pick up materials for you, or just want to share your account with someone else in your household, you may want to add an Authorized User to your account.
An Authorized User can borrow materials, place holds, access your account information, and update your account information on your behalf. You will be financially responsible for any fines or fees on your account caused by the actions of your Authorized User.
Ask at any location about adding an Authorized User to your account.