Catalog FAQs

My Account FAQs

 

How do I apply for a library card?

  • You must apply for a library card in-person at an ABQ-BernCo Library branch.
  • You can print out the downloadable Library Card Application below, complete it and bring it to any of the Public Library branches. Or, you can request an application at a branch.
  • Bring your current photo I.D. and proof of your mailing address on your first visit to the library.
  • Your card is good right away at all branches of the Public Library, and for accessing all our eResources and eBooks.
  • Use your library card to check out books, DVDs, audiobooks, music CDs, magazines, and more!

 

How do I renew my library card?

For a library card renewal, please visit the nearest library. Make sure you bring your library card and current photo ID with you, as well as proof of your current address if it is not on your photo ID. Your card will be updated for three years. We are unable to renew library cards online or over the phone. We ask that parents who are renewing their children's cards do so at a time they can bring their children to the library with them. There is no charge to renew your library card.

We do offer services for patrons that are homebound and unable to come into the library to apply for or renew a library card. For homebound patrons, please call (505)768-5141 Monday-Friday between the hours of 10am and 5pm and ask for customer services.

 

Why do I have to go into a library branch to renew my library card?

The Public Library is required legally to ensure that the patrons we serve live in the state of New Mexico. Our contracts with our electronic resource vendors, such as OverDrive/Libby and Hoopla, state that the services we pay for are intended for New Mexico state residents, whose tax dollars are used to pay for such services. As such, the Library's policy does require patrons to visit one of our 19 library branches and show their photo ID in order to apply for a library card, and to visit a branch at least once every three years with their photo ID to confirm that they still do live in New Mexico. 

What is My Account?

My Account lets you view your checkouts, holds, and any fines you may have. You can also view your personal information, change your PIN and set up your preferences.

How do I get to My Account?

Click My Account from the menu bar at the top of the screen.

Note: If you are not already logged in, the system will prompt you to log in with your library card number and pin before you can access the My Account page.

Personal Information

 

What is my PIN or password?

When your account was created, a 4-digit PIN (personal identification number) was chosen to protect your account from unwanted access.

 

How do I change my PIN?

To change a known PIN:
  1. Log in to your library account.
  2. Go to My Account.
  3. Open the Personal Information tab, then open the Change PIN section.

  4. Provide your current PIN and your desired new PIN, then click Update.

To reset your PIN:

  1. Click Log In from the menu bar at the top of the screen.

  2. Click Forgot my PIN.

  3. Provide your username and click Submit.

You'll receive an email with a recovery link. Follow the instructions in the email to reset you PIN.

 

How do I set up text (SMS) notifications?

If you have a phone that can receive text messages, you can use the SMS Notifications section under My Account to enter the phone number and select which notifications you want to receive. Click Add New to define a new phone and select the notifications you want to receive. You can subscribe to the following notifications:

  • Bill Notices—Lets you receive notifications about fines and fees.
  • Overdue Notices—Lets you receive notifications about items that may be coming due or have passed the due date.
  • Hold Pickup Notices—Lets you receive notifications regarding items that you have placed on hold.
  • Manual Messages—Lets you receive messages written to you by a librarian. These may be in response to a communication you have sent to the library.
  • User Announcements—Lets you receive general messages sent by the library.

 

How do I change my personal preferences?

  1. Click My Account in the menu bar at the top of your screen.

  2. Log in, if prompted.

  3. Navigate to the Personal Information tab, then open the Preferences section.

  4. Adjust your preferences the way you want, then click Update.

    The checkbox preferences deserve special mention, as follows:

    • Record my checkout history—lets you specify if you want the system to display your checkout history in the Checkouts tab. If you have selected Show my checkout history and the History tab does not show current activities, make sure that Record my checkout history has also been selected.
    • Show my checkout history—lets you specify if you want the system to keep track of the items that you check out from the library. Your checkout history will not display the recent history unless both Show my checkout history and Record my checkout history are selected.

Checkouts

 

How do I view the items I currently have checked out?

  1. Click My Account in the menu bar at the top of your screen.
  2. Log in, if prompted.
  3. Navigate to the Checkouts tab.

 

How do I know if an item is overdue?

  1. Click My Account in the menu bar at the top of your screen.
  2. Log in, if prompted.
  3. Navigate to the Checkouts tab.

 

How do I renew an item?

  1. Click My Account in the menu bar at the top of your screen.
  2. Log in, if prompted.
  3. Navigate to the Checkouts tab, then expand the desired section.
  4. Select the item or items you want to renew or use the Select All option to select all your current checkouts.

  5. Click Renew.

Note: items must be eligible for renewal to renew in My Account. 

Holds

 

How do I place a hold?

To place a hold, use the Place Hold button or the Select an Action drop-down list from the search results page or from the detail display for the item. You can manage your holds from the My Account page, but you cannot place a hold from My Account. To place a hold in person at your library, please see a librarian.

To place a hold:
  1. Perform a search for the item or items you want.

  2. Do one of the following:

    • From the Search Results page or the Title Details page, find the item you want to place on hold and click Place Hold.
    • From the Search Results page, use the checkboxes to select multiple items and click Place Hold(s) from the Select an Action drop-down list. This option may not be available on mobile screens.

    Note: If you are not logged in to your library account, choosing the Place Hold option prompts you to log in.

  3. From the window that displays, select the pickup library from the drop-down list.

  4. Click Place Hold.

    A message displays that tells you whether or not the hold was successfully placed.

 

How do I view my holds?

You can view your current holds from the Holds tab in My Account. The Holds tab has two sections: Library Holds and Digital Holds.

 

How do I know if an item is ready for pickup?

If you have any holds that are available for pickup, an alert icon displays in the Holds section in My Account. You will also receive a notification from the library in the form that you have specified. 

 

How do I suspend a hold?

  1. Click My Account in the menu bar at the top of your screen.
  2. Log in, if prompted.
  3. Navigate to the Holds tab, then expand the Digital Holds or Library Holds section.
  4. Select the hold you want to suspend.
  5. Click Suspend Hold(s).
  6. Provide the dates on which you want to begin and end your hold suspension.
  7. Click Suspend.

Note: If no end date is provided, the hold will remain suspended for one year or until the suspension is manually removed.

How do I cancel a hold?

  1. Click My Account in the menu bar at the top of your screen.
  2. Log in, if prompted.
  3. Navigate to the Holds tab, then expand the Digital Holds or Library Holds section.
  4. Select one or more holds you wish to cancel.
  5. Click Cancel Hold(s).
  6. Confirm the cancellation.

Note: If your Library Hold is already ready to be picked up, you cannot cancel the hold online. To cancel a hold that is ready for pickup, please call or visit the library.

 

How do I edit the pickup location for a hold?

  1. Click My Account in the menu bar at the top of your screen.
  2. Log in, if prompted.
  3. Navigate to the Checkouts tab, then expand the Library Holds section.
  4. Select the hold or holds whose pickup location you want to edit, or click the Select All option to select all current holds.
  5. Click Edit Pickup Location(s).
  6. Use the drop-down list to select the new pickup location.

  7. Click Change.

Note: If your Library Hold is already ready to be picked up, you cannot edit the hold online. To edit a hold that is ready for pickup, please call or visit the library.

Fines


How can I view my current fines?

  1. Click My Account in the menu bar at the top of your screen.
  2. Log in, if prompted.
  3. Navigate to the Fines tab, then expand the Current Fines/Blocks section.

 

How do I pay a fine?

  1. Click My Account in the menu bar at the top of your screen.
  2. Log in, if prompted.
  3. Navigate to the Fines tab, then expand the Current Fines/Blocks section.
  4. Select the fines you want to pay.
  5. Click Make a Payment.
  6. Fill out your payment information.

  7. Click Submit.