Gail Borden Public Library District - Elgin, Illinois Gail Borden Public Library Homepage
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Gail Borden Public Library District - Elgin, Illinois
  • Events & Classes
    • All Events
    • My Events
    • Newsletter
    • Virtual Programs
    • Watch More Virtual Programs
    • Virtual Live & Recorded Author Talks
  • Books & More
    • Library Catalog
    • New at the Library
    • Movies, Music & More
    • Media Dispensers for Movies & Games
    • World Language Collection
    • 24/7 eLibrary
    • Book Lovers
    • Databases
    • Resource Guides
    • Interlibrary Loans
  • Services & Support
    • Getting a Library Card
    • Computers & Technology
    • Digital Media Lab
    • Room Reservations
    • Older Adult Services
    • Mobile Library Services
    • Accessible Library Services
    • Passport Services
    • License Plate Renewal Services
    • En Español:
    • ¡Bienvenidos!
  • Kids & Teens
    • KidSpace
    • Middle School Zone
    • Studio 270

Uncategorised

Exhibit Screen Page

Using the Library Catalog

The library catalog is getting an update to bring you a better online browsing experience! The update includes a new mobile app which conveniently brings most of the functions of the new catalog right to your phone or tablet.

All of your current checkouts, and holds will carry over to the new system. When you log in to the new catalog you will sign in with your library card number and your four-digit PIN.

Have questions about the new catalog? Stop by the Information Desk at the Main Library or call us at 847-429-4680.

Access the Catalog

Video Tutorials

English
Español

Features

  • Visually browse staff-curated content.
  • View, manage, and check out ebooks all in one place.
  • See all formats available of a title.
  • Easily create, manage and share your own lists.
  • Save searches to track favorite authors, series and formats.
  • Responsive viewing on any mobile device or tablet.

Using the Catalog

  • Your Account
  • Searching
  • Checkouts
  • Holds
  • Lists
  • Mobile App

Your Account

Logging Into Your Account

  1. Look for the "Sign In" link at the top-right side of your browser.
  2. Click "Sign In".
  3. Enter your library card number and PIN.
  4. (Optional) Click "Reveal Password" to see what you've typed.
  5. (Optional) Click "Remember Me" if using a personal device.
  6. Click to sign in.

Your Account

The Your Account page features three main areas:

  • Left sidebar: Navigate to key sections like checkouts, holds, fines, and account settings. Access personalized lists, saved searches, and reading history.
  • Account settings (underneath the left sidebar): Adjust language preferences, update hold pickup locations, reset PIN, and access your library card information.
  • Center: View an account activity summary and personalized book recommendations.

Searching

Searching for Items

  1. On the catalog's main page, locate the search text field.
  2. Type in a keyword, author, title, or other search term.
  3. Click the "Search" button.

Viewing Search Results

  1. Results will show each title with all available formats grouped together.
  2. Check the status: "On Shelf" means it's available now.
  3. Click "Where is it?" to see specific location information.
  4. Use format filters on the left to filter results by format.
  5. Use "Available Now At" to filter by branch or eResource app.
  6. Use left-hand side filters to narrow results further.

Checkouts

Viewing and Managing Checked Out Titles

  1. Sign into your account.
  2. Click "Checked Out Titles" from the account menu under the "Your Account" on the left-hand menu..
  3. View your checkouts, including due dates and item information.
  4. To renew eligible items, click the "Renew" button next to the title.
  5. Use checkboxes to select multiple items for renewal.
  6. Click "You Might Also Like" for recommendations.
  7. Use the "Sort By" dropdown to change the order of displayed items.
  8. Click "Export to CSV" to download your checkout list and open in Microsoft Excel.

Holds

Placing a Hold

  1. Sign into your account.
  2. When you find the item you'd like to checkout, locate the "Place Hold" button next to the format you prefer.
  3. Review the hold information at the top, which shows how long you'll have to pick up your hold once it's available.
  4. Check the pickup location. It will default to your home library unless you've specified otherwise.
  5. (Optional) Select a different pickup location if desired.
  6. (Optional) Click "Always use this pickup location" to set it as your preferred pickup location for future holds.
  7. (Optional) Click "log me out after requesting the item" if you're using a public computer.
  8. If everything looks correct, click "Submit Hold Request".
  9. You'll see a success message along with some recommended titles that are currently available for checkout.
  10. For eContent that's currently available, you may have the option to check it out immediately instead of placing a hold.

Viewing and Managing Holds

  1. Sign into your account.
  2. Click "Titles on Hold" located at the top right-hand corner of the screen.
  3. VHolds that are now ready for pickup will be at the top of the screen under "Holds Ready for Pickup."
  4. Scroll down to see "Pending Holds" still in progress.
  5. To pause a hold, click "Freeze Hold."
  6. To unpause a hold, click "Thaw Hold."
  7. To cancel a hold, click "Cancel Hold."
  8. To change pickup location (if not filled), click "Change Pickup Location."
  9. For eContent, click "Preview From the Book" to see a sample.
  10. Click "While you Wait" for similar title recommendations.

Lists

Creating Lists

  1. Sign into your account.
  2. Click "Your Lists" from the account menu.
  3. Click "Create a New List".
  4. Type in a name for your list in the "List" field.
  5. (Optional)Type in a description for your list in the "Description" field.
  6. (Optional)Click the "Private" toggle button to share your list with others. If left alone, the list can not be shared. This setting can be changed later.
  7. Use the keyword search to find the item you want. When you find the desired item, locate the "Add to List" button next to the "Share" links.

Mobile App

Discover Gail Borden Public Library in your pocket! The mobile app lets you browse and borrow with ease. Search the catalog, including digital content, to find your next great read or favorite movie. Place holds, check due dates, and renew items with just a few taps.

Devices using operating software that has reached or is approaching end of life cannot be supported. We recommend GBPL App users have at least iOS 16 or Android 12 prior to download.

Getting Started

  1. Download the mobile app for iOS & Android:
    Download on the Apple Store
    Get it on Google Play
  2. Log in with your library card number and PIN.

Mobile App Screens

Users of the mobile app will interact with five main screens: Discover, Card, Scan & Go, Account, and More. Select the expandable boxes below to learn about the features of each screen.

Discover

  • Search with a keyword or use your phone camera to scan an item barcode and search.
  • View curated library collections.
  • Manage the collections you see on your Discover screen.
  • Navigate to other areas of the app using the bottom menu.

Search & Filter

  • After searching for an item, on the search results screen, tap the "Filters", "Sort By", or "Search Within" buttons to narrow your search.
  • Add items to a list.
  • Tap on the record for more details and to place a hold.
  • Add title to a list.
  • Apply any filters to narrow your search.

Card

  • Tap on "Card" to view your scannable library barcode.
  • A scannable library card will display, showing the library card number and expiration date (your device's display brightness will automatically adjust so the barcode scanner can read it).

Linked Accounts

  • Tap "Open Barcode" for a scannable barcode popup.
  • Swipe through any accounts you may have connected via Linked Accounts.

Scan & Go

  • Tap "Scan & Go" along the bottom of the app to check out items from the library.
  • Tap "Add a new item" and use scanner to scan the library barcode of the item.
  • Continue adding items. Checked out items in this session will display on a list.
  • Tap "Finish" when you are done checking out.
  • Either Start a New Session or tap View Checkouts to see all checked out titles.

Account

  • Tap on "Account" along the bottom of the app to pop out the "Account" drawer.
  • View and manage: Lists, Saved Searches, Reading History.
  • View and pay outstanding "Fines and Fees".
  • View "Contact Information" on your library account.
  • Link to or view other library accounts that you manage.
  • "Sign Out" of the app.
  • Modify your language and display preferences (ex: Dark Mode).
  • View and manage "Checked Out Titles" and "Titles on Hold".

More

  • Tap "More" along the bottom of the screen to navigate to additional options.
  • Tap to view the hours and information related to your Home Library.
  • See "Location" information for other libraries in the system.
  • Tap on custom menu links added by your library.
  • From the "Preferences" screen, you can:
    • Manage Browse Categories
    • Manage Notifications
  • Tap "Support" to see if a new version of the mobile app is available.
  • Adjust "Language" and "Appearance" from either "Preferences" or "Account".

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are you changing the app?

We have opted for this new app and catalog because they offer greater customization, enabling us to incorporate community feedback and make necessary adjustments.

How can I provide feedback on the new app?

You can submit your feedback using our online Comment Form, call our Information Services Desk at 847-429-4680 or text our Information Services Desk at 847-754-4599.

Where can I get help with using the new app?

You can visit the Mobile App section of our new Using the Library Catalog page by clicking here, call our Information Services Desk at 847-429-4680 or text our Information Services Desk at 847-754-4599.

I cannot find my expiration date in the app. Where is it?

Most library cards no longer have an expiration date. For cards that do expire, the expiration date appears on your library card in the app.
  • Tap on "Card" to view your scannable library barcode.
  • A scannable library card will display, showing the library card number and expiration date (your device's display brightness will automatically adjust so the barcode scanner can read it).

Conference Room Form (2)

Conference Room Rules
  • 7 - 10 People
  • A two hour reservation can be made up to one month in advance.
  • One request per month.
  • Only covered beverages allowed in room
Library Hours
Monday - Thursday:
9 am - 9 pm
Friday & Saturday:
9 am - 6 pm
Sunday:
Noon - 5 pm
Contact Information
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Room Information
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Liability For Use of Facility

The undersigned (the authorized representative of the organization requesting this reservation), on the date and time specified, hereby expressly agrees to indemnify, and hold Gail Borden Public Library harmless from all claims, actions, suits, proceedings, costs, expenses, damages, and liabilities, including attorney’s fees arising from, or resulting from occupancy or use of Gail Borden Public Library premises by the requesting organization.

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Book Club Collection

Violins of Hope Page

Senior Tech Fair at Rakow



Events
 

Senior Tech Fair

📆 Saturday, April 15 ⏰ 9:30am - 11:30am

📍 Rakow Branch

From smart homes, medical health apps and finances to entertainment like movies,gaming and virtual reality - learn how technology can assist in your everyday life.

Online Banking and ATM Safety

📆 Monday, April 17 ⏰ 10:00am - 11:00am

📍 Rakow Branch

The financial experts at KCT will discuss the options of online banking, ATM use and scams to avoid.

Register

Senior Cell Phone Basics

📆 Tuesday, April 18 ⏰ 2:30pm - 3:30pm

📍 Rakow Branch

Learn basic phone operations such as adding and removing apps, increasing text size, battery care, low memory and more.

Register

iPad Basics

📆 Wednesday, April 19 ⏰ 2:00pm - 3:00pm

📍 Rakow Branch

Learn how to navigate Apple's iOS mobile operating system on iPhones and iPads.

Register

Stay Connected!

Senior Programs from our Area Agency on Aging

📆 Wednesday, April 19 ⏰ 6:00pm - 7:30pm

📍 Rakow Branch

Learn more about senior tech programs that combat isolation like the Virtual Senior Center, Generations online, and Get Set Up.

Register

Technology for Your Health and Safety

📆 Thursday, April 20 ⏰ 10:00am - 11:00am

📍 Rakow Branch

Health apps, samrt watches and alert systems will be explained.

Register

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Main Library

270 N. Grove Ave.
Elgin, IL 60120
847-742-2411 
Hours

Rakow Branch

2751 W. Bowes Rd.
Elgin, IL 60124
847-531-7271
Hours

South Elgin Branch

127 South McLean Blvd.
South Elgin, IL 60177
847-931-2090
Hours
 
Información en español
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