How do I register?
The first time you log in, you will be prompted to create an online account.
- Go to the Log In page.
- Enter your library card barcode and PIN (or password).
- Click Continue to Account Setup
- Verify that your information is correct. Click Continue
- Choose a username. This will be displayed anywhere you enter shared content and can also be used as your login username instead of your barcode.
Don't worry about having the perfect username at registration, you can always change this later in your account settings.
- Accept the Terms and Conditions
- Click Complete Account Setup
- You will see a confirmation page with your new username. You can then continue on to your account.
Why do I have to register?
An account is required to take advantage of all of the features of the site, including the ability to manage your renewals and holds, contribute ratings and reviews, and follow others to see what they’re enjoying.
Registration is a one-time process that allows you to create an easy-to-remember login name, or username, that you can use instead of your barcode to check your account.
Choosing a Username
If you have a Google or Hotmail account, you already know about usernames. If not, think of a username as your library nickname. You will use it to log in instead of your library barcode.
Need ideas?
- Use your initials and your street number (SDK203)
- your dog’s name
- something about you (Twilightfan)
Keep it short and easy for you to remember. Any public comments and lists that you post will include your username.
Username Restrictions
Username choice is fairly flexible. You can choose any combination of letters and numbers, as well as underscores ( _ ).
- Must be unique
- Limited to 50 characters
- Cannot be all numbers
- Cannot use spaces or alphanumeric characters
Unless your barcode consists of both letters and numbers, it cannot be used as a username. You can still use it to log in, but it will not be used when you create or post content.
Children's Usernames
For users in the United States, the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) requires web sites that collect personal information from children to obtain parental consent. For this reason, children under 13 are not allowed to display their real names, nor can they type their own usernames, enter comments, or add other kinds of content that require typing, since these could be used inappropriately. To generate a username, a child can select a combination of color and animal name.
Do I have to provide my birthdate?
No, your birthdate is not required for registration. If the library already has this information on file, it will be shown on the registration page and saved to your account.
Your local library may allow you to delete this information after you register. Check with your library about their policy.
If the library does not have your birth date on file with your library card, it will not be displayed on the registration page, and you don’t need to provide it if you so choose. But note that if you decide not to provide your birth year and month, the system will assume you are a minor, and for safety reasons, some features will not be available to you.
In the United States, minors are not able to create a username or write comments.
If you notice your birth date is incorrect, please ask a staff member at the circulation desk to update this information the next time you visit the library to ensure the library’s records are accurate.
Providing an Email Address
An email address is optional. It will be used if you forget your PIN/password and request a reset. Your library may also use your email address to send you notifications of items ready for pickup, coming due or overdue.
Multiple accounts can use the same email address to register.
PIN/Password
Some libraries offer the option to change PINs but it is not required. Many libraries use the last four digits of your phone number, your zip code or something that could be equally easy to guess. Your account will be more secure if you change it.