Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions2023-04-25T13:39:13-04:00
How do I get a library card?2023-04-25T13:46:03-04:00

Library cards are FREE to any Lebanon County resident over the age of 18. Visit your local Lebanon County Library with a valid picture ID and proof of current residence.

Please read our Library Card Registration Policy and Borrowing and Lending Policy.

 
At what age can my child get a library card?2022-01-27T08:31:03-05:00

This decision is made by the parent/guardian. A child may obtain a card whenever the parent/guardian feels the child is able to handle the responsibility. Please remember, however, the parent/guardian is ultimately responsible for any fines or lost book charges until the child turns 18.

Can I borrow from any of the Lebanon County Libraries?2022-01-27T08:31:09-05:00

Yes, we are a county-wide system. Our online catalog includes holdings from all six county public libraries. You can select any item from the catalog, and we will send to your local library. By default, your pick-up library is the library at which you registered.

How do I borrow library eBooks?2022-01-27T08:31:15-05:00

Free, downloadable eBooks and audiobooks are available through our Overdrive eLibrary. Please note that although eBooks are listed in our catalog, you must borrow through our eLibrary.

How many books and other materials can I check out?2021-11-17T12:12:35-05:00

There is no limit on the number of “circulating” items you may borrow, with the exception of audio books, magazines and DVDs. There is a limit of 10 DVDs, 10 audio books and 10 magazines per library card.

How long can I keep a book out?2021-11-17T12:13:17-05:00

Most items can be checked out for 21 days. DVDs have a 7-day check-out period.

Can I return books to any Lebanon County Public Library?2021-11-17T12:13:52-05:00

You may return borrowed materials to any Lebanon County Public Library location.

I need to keep my items longer than three weeks. What do I do?2021-11-17T12:14:57-05:00

You may renew your items a maximum of two times, as long as someone else did not place a hold on your item. You may renew online, in person, or by telephone.

Online: Library materials may be renewed online with your library card number and password. To renew a book online, go to the online catalog, then Patron Account. Once you are logged in, click on “Items Out.” In the list of items you have checked out, click in the check box to check mark each item you wish to renew, then click on “Renew Selected Items” below the list of your items.

By phone: You can call any of any of the county libraries during library hours. Please be aware that library staff cannot renew items past the renewal limit (2 renewals/item) or cannot renew your item if someone else has a hold on it.

In person: Renewals may be made in person at any Lebanon County library location. In addition, you can renew your library materials at any Lebanon County Library location during regular open hours by using any public computer (Your library card number and password are required).

I’m not able to renew my items online. Why?2021-11-17T12:15:49-05:00

You will not be able to renew an item due to any of the following:

  • The fine on your account is greater than $5.00.
  • The item is overdue.
  • The item has already been renewed twice.
  • Your card has expired or your card will expire prior to the new due date.
  • There is a request by another library patron for the item.
The library closest to me does not have the item I need, but I see it’s available in another library in the county. Can I borrow that one?2021-11-17T12:17:05-05:00

Yes. Here’s how:

Find the item you want to request in the catalog. Click on “Place Request”. Log in using the barcode number from the back of your library card and your PIN. (Don’t have a PIN? Call your local library). Choose the pickup library. Click on submit request.

Delivery runs between the libraries three times a week, so if the item is on the shelf, it should be delivered to your library within two to three days. Your library will contact you when your item has arrived. Please make sure your library has current contact information to reach you.

How do I request materials from a library outside the county?2021-11-17T12:17:40-05:00

Contact staff at any Lebanon County Library to request items that are not owned within the county. Please remember that new items (materials published within the previous 6 months) are not available for request, and that not all libraries outside Lebanon County are willing to lend DVDs, computer games or audio books.

Please note that items borrowed from outside the county may not have three week loan period and must be returned on or before the lending library’s due date. There may be a charge for this service depending on the lending library’s policy.

Patrons will be notified when materials arrive, and they will be held for one week. The Library will charge patrons a postage fee (to return the item back to the library it was borrowed from) if they do not pick up a requested item.

Effective September 1, 2017, Interlibrary Loans for materials owned by libraries outside of Pennsylvania will not be satisfied. This decision has been made due to a more than 200% increase in the cost to Lebanon County Libraries to subscribe to OCLC to facilitate borrowing of materials from libraries outside of Pennsylvania.

Interlibrary Loans from libraries within Pennsylvania (which make up 84% of all Interlibrary Loans) will not be affected. Borrowing from other Lebanon County Libraries also will not be affected.

How will I be told my books are ready for me?2021-11-17T12:18:15-05:00

You will be notified by email or phone when your material is available. If you wish to be notified by email, please contact the circulation staff at any Lebanon County Library.

Please be sure that your email provider is not blocking the address we are using to send notifications to you. You may need to add circdesk@lclibs.org to your email “white list.”

Do the libraries accept gift books and magazines?2021-11-17T12:18:45-05:00

The Libraries accept gifts and donations. The items may be added to the collection or sold to raise money. Staff may give you a receipt for tax purposes stating the number of items you gave, but cannot assign a value. Please do not drop off books in poor condition, textbooks more than five-years old, or records.

Library System Policies

The Lebanon County Library System (LCLS) is made up of six independent public libraries serving the information needs of Lebanon county residents.

LCLS provides the means for the six libraries to share resources. These shared resources include: online catalog system, computer support, interlibrary lending, delivery services, technology upgrades, and ebook lending.

COUNTY WIDE LIBRARY POLICIES:

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