How do I...?
- Connect to the catalog.
- At the top of the screen, type in your library card barcode number (no spaces).
- Type in your PIN. (How do I get a PIN?)
- Click on "My Library Space" from the toolbar near the top of the screen.
- Click on the "Review My Account" option under the "My Library Space" bar.
"My Account" found under "My Library Space" displays account information about the library card number currently logged in. This screen lists items that are checked out, titles currently on request (holds), and fines or fees due. From this screen, you can also cancel requests (holds).
... Apply for a library card?
You can obtain a library card from any Anoka County Library! Anoka County Library (ACL) cards are free to residents of Anoka County. The name of a parent or guardian is required for children under 18. You may use your ACL card at any MELSA library in the Twin Cities area as well as other public libraries in Minnesota.
You are responsible for all materials borrowed with your card. Report a lost, stolen or damaged card immediately to protect your record. Replacement cards are available for $1. Please notify ACL of changes in name, address or phone number. Your record will be updated without charge.
... Renew materials?
- Connect to the Catalog.
- Login by typing your library card number (no spaces) and PIN at the top of the page.
- Click on "My Library Space".
- Click the "Renew My Materials" option below the "My Library Space" bar.
- Select items by clicking the box next to the items to be renewed. Select all items by choosing the "Renew All" option.
- Click on "Renew Items."
- Click on "OK" when the renewal has been verified.
Note: If items cannot be renewed a message will display letting you know that the item was not renewed.
... Request materials?
- Connect to the catalog.
- Login by entering your library card barcode (no spaces) and PIN number at the top of the page.
- Search for the materials to be requested.
- From the list of "hits" select the title you want by clicking on "Place Hold": button or "details" for further information about the title. If your search results in only one "hit" you will skip this step.
- While viewing the title details, you can also place a hold by clicking on the "Place Hold" option on the left side of the page.
- Select the library from which you would like to pick up the material.
- Click on "Place Hold"
- Click on "OK" after your hold request has been verified.
- Expiration and suspension dates are optional and can be left blank.
- You will be notified when your request is available for pickup.
- To get back to your list of "hits" click on "Go Back" on the toolbar.
... Get or Change my PIN?
If you need a PIN or if you have fogotten your PIN: Complete the "Contact Us " form in the library catalog under "Contact Us ". Please include your name, address, library card number, email address and desired PIN. Your PIN may be up to 10 alphanumeric characters. (ex: 1234, abc123)
If you need to change your PIN:
- Connect to the catalog.
- Login by typing your library card number (no spaces) and current PIN at the top of the page.
- Click on "My Library Space".
- Select the "User PIN Change" option.
- Enter the new PIN of your choice. Your PIN may be up to 10 alphanumeric characters. (ex: 1234, abc123)
- Re-enter the same PIN for verification purposes.
- Press the "Enter" key or click on the "Change PIN" button.
- Click "OK" when your PIN change has been verified.
... Sign up for email notices or change my email address?
- Connect to the catalog.
- Login by entering your library card number (no spaces) and PIN at the top of the page.
- Click on "My Library Space".
- Select "Add/Change your email address".
- Enter your email address and library card barcode number.
- Click on "send".
Note:
- Your e-mail address will be used to notify you when:
- a requested item is being held for you
- you have materials that will be due in 3 days
- you have materials that are overdue
- Please use an e-mail address that you check on a regular basis. E-mail notices contain information that is time sensitive.
- Your request will be registered in our database within 2-3 business days.
- The address will need to be entered and verified again in 2 years.
You may also sign up for email notification at any Anoka County Library location.
... Contact a librarian?
Phone us at 763-717-3267 (option 1) for a reference librarian at the Northtown Library in Blaine. TDD/TTY users call 763-717-3271. Call us for any book, DVD, CD, periodical or information need including how to use our Catalog and Online Resources.
Email us at aclref@anoka.lib.mn.us . Please include your library card barcode so we can request materials for you. A reference librarian from the Northtown Library in Blaine will reply and, whenever possible, email you the requested information as an Adobe document.
Visit a librarian: Find your nearest Anoka County Library.
... Suggest a book for the library to buy?
For newer (published in the current or previous year) or forthcoming titles, please fill out the Anoka County Library Purchase Form located in the Catalog under "Contact Us." We recommend that you login to the Catalog first before filling out this form. If you cannot login, please include your library card barcode in the space provided on the Form.
If the title is purchased, a Hold will be placed for you. If an item is not purchased, we will try to borrow it from another library unless you tell us not to do so.
We may contact you through your library account. To access this from the catalog:
- Enter your library barcode and PIN
- Click on My Library Space
- Click on Review my Account
- Click on the Requests/Library Messages button.
... Ask about an overdue?
Please review our policies on Borrowing Material. If you have additional questions, please contact the administrative offices.
... Get a book from another MN library?
We try to get interlibrary loans of materials that we don't own from other library systems. Interlibrary loans usually take 2-3 weeks if available elsewhere in Minnesota. Contact us at 763-717-3267 or aclref@anoka.lib.mn.us for more information.
For recently published or forthcoming titles we recommend that you contact us first. We may be evaluating the title for purchase. Your interest in the title is very helpful to us as we develop our local collection. Please fill out our purchase form for these newer titles or contact us directly at the phone number or email address given above.
You can also search for and request materials from other Minnesota libraries by using the MnLINK system and then choose the "Get it!" option. Then enter your library card barcode. We will contact you when the material is available.