BORROWER INFORMATION

Using the Catalog
My Account 
Borrowing Limits
* Fine Free *
Renewing or Returning Items
Holds and Requests
Charges
Notice
Lost or Stolen Card
VIP Discounts with your Library Card

For additional questions Contact Us.

 

USING THE CATALOG

The online Catalog  makes it easy to find an item in the library, at home or from a personal device. 

See the Catalog’s Getting Started guide for additional help with searching, logging into your account, and placing a request. 

 

MY ACCOUNT

What can I do through My Account?

Use My Account to renew materials and to review your checkouts, due dates, overdue items, requests, and charges. 

See the Catalog’s Getting Started guide for additional help.

How do I access my library account?

You must have a PIN to access your account at any library terminal or remotely through the B&ECPL's website.  To create or reset a PIN, click the Forgot My PIN link.

Will my library card expire?

Library cards issued to permanent residents do not expire. Other expired cards may be updated at any B&ECPL location with proper identification. 

What does “good standing” mean?

An account is in “good standing” when the charges do not exceed $50.00 and there are 15 or less overdue items.  

Can my account be blocked?

When charges exceed $50.00 or more than 15 items are overdue, the account is not in good standing and the account is blocked from new checkouts and renewals. 

 

BORROWING LIMITS

How many items can I borrow at one time?

Most permanent card holders are allowed to check out as many as 50 items at one time.  Restrictions may apply based on borrower profile or type of material.

How long can I keep borrowed materials? 

Standard loan periods are 21 days and 7 days.  The length of time will vary depending on the type of material borrowed.

Material

Loan Period

Books and Audio Books

21 days

New Fiction

7 days

Adult Magazines

7 days

DVDs, Blu-rays and VHS; Music CDs and cassettes; exam books and computer software

7 days

Downloadable OverDrive eBooks and eAudio

7 days or 14 days

Downloadable OverDrive videos

3 days, 5 days, or 7 days 

 

RENEWING OR RETURNING ITEMS

Can I renew library materials?

Most items may be automatically renewed 3 times, if your account is in good standing and the item is not on a request list.  The new due date is calculated from the original due dates.  

Will I receive reminders about returning materials?
B&ECPL has implemented three (3) autorenewals for eligible items:

  • The Library will send a message whether a renewal has been successful or has failed. (Renewal limit reached, waiting list item, etc.)
  • Items will be renewed from due date rather than date of renewal.
  • Renew items (by phone, online, etc.) ONLY within 2 days of due date.

Staff can continue to renew items for patrons anytime.

Renew online, by telephone or in person?
 
To renew online 24/7, access My Account from the Catalog.  

To renew by telephone 24/7, call 716-845-9040. You must have your library card number, PIN and barcode from the item ready. 

Stop by any B&ECPL library to renew in person or call 716-858-8900 during Central Library open hours to renew.

Where can I return items? 

You can return items to any B&ECPL library regardless of where they were checked out, unless otherwise noted at time of loan.  Most B&ECPL libraries have outdoor drop boxes available as a courtesy for 24-hour returns.  Please note: there are certain library materials that SHOULD NOT be returned to a drop box.

 

HOLDS AND REQUESTS

Can I request an item that is currently checked out? 

If you find an item in the Catalog and there are currently no copies available, you can click the Request Item button.  If you haven’t already logged into My Account, you will be prompted for your library card number and PIN.  

When prompted, select a Pickup Library, then click the Request Item(s) button.  If successful, the request window will display "Success."  To see all of your requests, access My Account from the top of the website, or from the Catalog.  Click the Holds tab.

Can I request an item from another B&ECPL library?

If you find an item in the Catalog that is not available at your local B&ECPL library you can click the Request Item(s) button to have the item shipped to your local library for pick up.  If you haven’t already logged into My Account, you will be prompted for your library card number and PIN.  To create or reset a PIN, click the Forgot My Pin link from the login window; this feature requires a valid email address in your account.  

When prompted, select a Pickup Library, then click the Request Item(s) button.  If successful, the request window will display "Success."  To see all of your requests, access My Account from the top of the website or from the Catalog.  Click the Holds tab.   

How will I be notified that my request is ready?

Notification for request items is available by e-mail or via an automated phone system.  To select your preferred notification method, complete the Notification Preference and Contact Update form or visit your local library.  The library card used to place the request must be the library card used to check out the item.  

If the B&ECPL doesn’t have an item, can I request an item from another library system?

Library cardholders can request books, articles, music CDs or DVDs from other library systems through Interlibrary Loan (ILL).  Although the service is free, some lending libraries may charge a small fee.  First-time users must create an ILL account.  For more information, see the Interlibrary Loan FAQ.  

 

CHARGES

How much is the fine for overdue library materials?

There are no charges for overdue materials as of May 1, 2022.

Will I get notice of overdue materials?

The issuance of overdue notices is a courtesy to borrowers.  Non-receipt of a notice does not eliminate liability for lost item charges.  Notification for overdue materials is available by e-mail or an automated telephone system.  To select your preferred method of notification or to update information, complete the Notification Preference and Contact Update form or visit your local library.

Can I get a refund if I find an item that was lost and paid for?

To receive a refund for a lost item, you must return the item with the B&ECPL cash register receipt or eCommerce receipt showing full payment. 

Can I donate a replacement copy if I lose or damage library material?

Yes. The B&ECPL will accept a replacement provided it is an exact match for the lost or damaged item and is in new condition. 

Can a credit card be used to pay charges online? 

Yes.  You can pay charges online 24/7 by logging into Pay Charges Online with your library card number.  MasterCard, Visa and Discover are accepted.  A minimum payment of $5.00 is required.  Full or partial payments may be made.  Log into My Account to find the total charges due. 

 

OVERDUE NOTIFICATIONS 

When will I receive notices?

NOTICE METHODS WHEN
Autorenewal Email Only 2 days before item is due
One Day Overdue Notice Email Only 1 day overdue
Overdue Notice Phone or Email 7 days overdue
Lost Notice Phone or Email 21 days overdue
Outstanding Bill Notice Phone or Email Exceeds $50 in charges

To select or change your notification method, fill out the Notification Preference and Contact Update form.

 

LOST OR STOLEN CARD

What happens if my library card is lost or stolen?

Borrowers should immediately report lost or stolen cards to any B&ECPL library. 

The registered borrower is responsible for all use of the library card.  Possession of a valid card implies authorized use.