If you have kids in the house, you’re probably a frequent patron of your local library. And you no doubtedly have paid your share of overdue fines.

If you could just find a way to track the dozens of books that are checked out, those that are coming due, and even renew them without going back to the library, you’d probably be able to fill up a nice size piggy bank with all that extra change (or dollar bills!).

 

These days, most libraries have started to embrace the internet and have systems where you can register your library card online and do some account management. You do it with your bank accounts, email, etc, why not use the net for the library too?


 
Just as an example, the Bergen County Library System in New Jersey has an online system that allows you to review items you currently have checked out, outstanding fines, pending requests, and to renew items before they become overdue.To use the YOUR LIBRARY CARD feature from this library system, you need a PIN #which you can ask for the next time you visit your local library. Once a PIN has been assigned to your library card account you will be able to change your PIN yourself via their site.



One of the most useful features is the ability to SET EMAIL PREFERENCES so that the library will email you when books are OVERDUE as well as when they are ABOUT TO BE OVERDUE (they call it “pre-overdue”) – with a list of those specific titles. You can then find them and return them to the library OR, just renew the books / videos online.

How do I set up my own account for Bergen County Libraries in New Jersey?


1) Go to www.bccls.org
2) Click on the YOUR LIBRARY CARD link on the top left column
3) You’ll need your PIN # (if you don’t have one, get one the next time you go into the library in person)
4) Once logged in, you can set-up your email preferences and ask for email notifications.

Your local library, wherever you, are probably has a similar system. Ask your librarian the next time you go in, or even give them a ring!



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