BCPL Card and Catalog Help Page.
Skip Navigation
Graphics Version
The navigation path to this page is:
Home > Card and Catalog Help
Page
The Baltimore County Public Library is working hard to make our services available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week and our catalog, Polaris, helps us to accomplish this. Some of the services included in the Polaris catalog include:
Using the Library's Catalog and Accessing Your Account
Access the BCPL Catalog from the top of any BCPL web page by clicking on the
Catalog Home tab or by typing in the Catalog Quick Search box and clicking the
Go button.
Access your library account by clicking on the My Account tab at the top of any BCPL web page.
What is my password? How do I change my password? A password is needed to log into your library account online, in addition to your library card number (barcode) or your username. Both password and barcode number or user name are used in order to safeguard your privacy. The default password is the last 4 digits of your phone number, until you change it.
You can create a username to use instead of your library card number (barcode) by clicking on the My Account tab at the top of any BCPL web page and then the Create username link. You will still need to use your password.
Having trouble logging into your account? Review Your Library Account help menu or call any BCPL branch for assistance.
If you forgot your username, use your library card number and password. If you forgot your library card number, username and password, call any BCPL branch for assistance
Questions About the Library Catalog and Your Account...
How do I limit my search by type of material, date or format?
Can I get a library card registration form in a language other than English?
What do I need to get a library card? What is valid identification?
Does my library card expire? How do I renew my library card?
What should I do if my library card is damaged, lost or stolen?
Can I use my card from another Maryland public library? What is an MPOWER card?
I live or go to school outside of Maryland. Can I get a library card?
How do I cancel, postpone or suspend a title that I have requested?
How do I get a title not owned by Baltimore County Public Library?
How many items may I check out? How long can I keep library materials?
Can I return items to another Baltimore County Public Library branch?
Can I return items to a Maryland public library system other than BCPL?
How do I renew material and how many times can I renew it? Why won't my item renew?
How do I check my library account? How can I review my fines and fees?
What is the Shelf Help automated phone service, and what can I do if it is not working?
How do I get a Baltimore County Public Library card or an MPOWER CARD?
To apply for a Baltimore County Public library card or an MPOWER CARD, visit the Circulation or Borrower Services Desk at any Baltimore County Public Library branch or any Mobile Library Services bookmobile stop.
You can apply for a temporary card online. Complete the Online Registration in order to get a temporary Baltimore County Public Library e-card number. An e-card number can be used immediately to:
To check out material from the library and to use other library services, you will need to apply for a permanent library card in-person at any Baltimore County Public Library branch. If you have a temporary library card number, you do not need to fill out a registration form at the branch to get a permanent library card. Just bring valid identification showing your current mailing address. If you are 17 years of age or under and do not have valid identification, a parent/guardian must be present to show a valid picture ID and sign a registration form to allow you to get a permanent library card.
For step by step instructions, see How to Set Up A New Account.
Can I get a
library card registration form in a language other than English?
Paper registration forms may be printed in
Korean [PDF],
Russian [PDF] and
Spanish [PDF]. Fill out
the form and take it to your library to get a library card.
What do I need to get a library card? What is valid identification?
Adults, ages 18 years and older:
You must have a current Maryland driver's license, learner's permit, provisional license or Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration identification card showing your current address. If you have changed your address, a Motor Vehicle Administration update must accompany your driver's license or identification card.
If you do not have a photo ID showing your current address, you must show one additional piece of valid identification showing your current address.
If the above forms of identification are not available, you will be mailed an identification postal, which must be returned to any Baltimore County Public Library Branch within 30 days. You will need to bring one piece of valid identification showing both your current name and address along with the identification postal. Your library card will be issued when you present the postal and valid identification.
Examples of additional forms of valid identification that can be used along with a photo ID or identification postal:
Can a child get a library card?
Child between the
ages 14 to 17
You can get a library card if you have a valid ID - a current Maryland driver's license, learner's permit, provisional license or Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration identification card showing your current address. If you have changed your address, a Motor Vehicle Administration update must accompany your driver's license or identification card.
If you do not have a photo ID showing your current address, you must show one additional piece of valid identification showing your current address. You may sign your own library card.
If you are 17 years of age or under and do not have valid identification, a parent or guardian must show a valid photo ID and sign a registration form to allow you to get a permanent library card.
No Parent or Guardian Present:
You may be given a registration form to take home for parental signature.
You will be limited to checking out two print items until your parent or
guardian presents a valid ID at the library.
Checking out DVDs and Video Games:
Parental permission and signature is required at the time of registration in
order to check out DVDs and video games other than those rated for children.
Children's DVDs and video games are identified with a J before the call number.
Child under 14 years old
A parent or legal guardian, 18 years or older, must apply for a library card for a child under 14 years old. The child must be present at the time of application. The parent or guardian must show valid identification and must sign the card before it may be used. The person signing the card is accepting financial responsibility for materials borrowed or any charges incurred on a child's card.
No Parent or Guardian Present:
You may be given a registration form to take home for parental
signature. You will be limited to checking out two print items until your
parent or guardian presents a valid ID at the library.
Non-custodial Guardian Accompanying the Child:
The guardian (including grandparents, aunts and uncles,
adult siblings, foster parents) must live at the same address and be 18 years old or older. The
guardian must show identification as noted above that verifies the address
on the registration form and must sign the child's card.
Checking out DVDs and Video Games:
Parental permission and signature is required at the time of registration in
order to check out DVDs and video games other than those rated for children.
Children's DVDs and video games are identified with a J before the call
number.
Does my library card expire? Do I have to renew my library card?
All Baltimore County Public Library cards expire three years from the date of registration. All Baltimore County Public Library cards must be renewed every three years. To renew your library card go to the Circulation or Borrower Service Desk at any Baltimore County Public Library branch or at any Mobile Library Services Bookmobile stop. Please bring your current library card and a Maryland Driver's License or Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration identification card. A Motor Vehicle Administration update must accompany your driver's license or Identification card if there has been a change of address. If identification is unavailable, please bring one of the valid identification items with your library card.
What should I do if my name or my address changed?
Your library card can be corrected in-person, by phone at any Baltimore County Public Library branch. If you telephone, press 3 for library account information. The next time you visit the library, you will need to bring your current library card and a Maryland Driver's License or Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration identification card. If there has been a change of address, a Motor Vehicle Administration update (*MVA is now calling it a "change of address sticker" *) must accompany your driver's license or identification card. If this identification is unavailable, please bring one of these valid identification items with your library card.
What do I do if my library card is lost, damaged or stolen?
If you lost your library card, you should report it lost immediately in-person or by phone at any Baltimore County Public Library branch. Press 3 for library account information. You are responsible for any items checked out on your library card until it is reported.
To get a replacement card, you will need to complete a library card application form at the Circulation or Borrower Services Desk when you visit the library. You will need valid identification. Replacement cost for a lost or damaged library card is $2.00.
Can I use my library card from another Maryland public library systems at BCPL?
To use a library card from another Maryland public library system at any BCPL branch, it must be registered at the Circulation or Borrower Services Desk. Once your card is registered you may borrow our materials or use our subscription research databases.
A new library card will be issued only if your current library card's identification number is not compatible with our circulation software. Valid identification is required. Online registering of another public library's card is not available.
The MPOWER card is a statewide public library card. It allows holders to check out materials from any Maryland public library. The MPOWER card can eliminate carrying multiple library cards.
You must register your MPOWER card at each Maryland public library system you wish to use. Since all public library systems in Maryland use different circulation systems with their own user database, each library system needs to add your MPOWER card identification number and your name to its user database. Once registered as a user of that library system, you should be able to check out items from that library system as well as use most of their subscription research databases.
You are not required to have an MPOWER card to borrow material at another public library system. You can also register your permanent Baltimore County Public Library card or any library card from another Maryland public library system.
A non-resident is a person who does not live, work, attend school, or pay taxes in Maryland.
Non-residents can apply for a permanent non-resident card at the Circulation or Borrower Services Desk at any Baltimore County Public Library branch. A card can be issued immediately if the customer agrees to abide by the rules and regulations of Baltimore County Public Library, signs the library card, and has a current out of state driver's license showing the same name and address as on the registration form, or has photo identification plus one additional piece of valid identification.
Non-residents of neighboring states (Delaware, District of Columbia, Pennsylvania, and Virginia) can obtain a temporary BCPL library e-card number by registering online.
How do I request a title / place a hold?
You must first have a library card from Baltimore County or have an M-Power Library Card that is registered with Baltimore County in order to place a reserve. You can register for a temporary library card by registering online. All eligible material may be requested (placed on hold) at any Baltimore County Public Library branch either in-person, by phone or online using the BCPL catalog.
There is no charge for placing a hold on an item, with the exception of "On Order" items. You will be notified when your material is available at your pick up location. Requests are held for seven days following notification. If an item is not picked up within seven days following notification, there is a $1.00 charge per item which is not picked up. There is an additional $1.00 fee for each item placed on hold through the Book Ahead service or through the Interlibrary Loan service. There are several ways to check the status of your requests (holds).
To place a request (hold) - if you already have a library card number (barcode number) then you can log into your account, search for an title and then click on the Place Request button. Your password is the last four digits of your phone number. You can change your password after you log into your account.
Click here for step by step directions to place a request.
How do I cancel, postpone or suspend a title I have requested?
There are several ways to cancel a request for a hold. The Information Desk staff at
any
Baltimore County Public Library branch
can help you cancel your requested items.
If the items have not yet arrived at your branch, you can cancel by logging
onto your library account and following the directions -
how to
cancel or suspend your request / hold online. To do this, you
will need your library card number (barcode) and password. The password for
an account created prior to Dec. 10, 2009 will default to the last four
digits or your phone number until you change it.
If the items you requested are "ready for pick up" or are in transit, then
you cannot cancel the hold online but must
call
the branch to which you requested the item be sent. When you call the
branch, after the recording picks up, press 3 to speak to someone about your
library account information. Have your library card number ready.
How do I get a title not owned by Baltimore County Public Library?
Direct Loan Service or Interlibrary Loan ILL Service
Direct Loan
Service
Public library Systems offering Direct Loans:
Anne Arundel County,
Baltimore County,
Carroll County, Cecil
County,
Frederick County,
Harford County
and Enoch Pratt Free Library in
Baltimore City.
Interlibrary Loan (ILL) Service
Audio-Visual Material from Enoch Pratt Free Library and ILL Service
How many items may I check out and how long can I keep library materials?
Customers may check out up to 100 items at a time with the exception of video games, which are limited to 3 at a time.
Library materials are loaned to you for 21 days, with the following exceptions:
Most materials can be renewed two times.
Can I return items to another Baltimore County Public Library branch?
Yes, you can return Baltimore County Public Library materials to any Baltimore County Public Library branch. All branches except the Loch Raven Library have a Book Drop. Items must be returned by closing time on the due date to avoid late fines. Entertainment or feature DVDs checked out on Friday are due at a branch or in a Book Drop by 5 p.m. on Sunday.
Can I return items to a Maryland public library system other than BCPL?
Yes, all public library systems accept materials borrowed from any Maryland public library systems for return subject to that library's current fines and fees, policies and procedures. It is recommended that you ask for a receipt showing the date, what materials you returned and what fines were paid, if any. Since the item must be sent from the other library system back to Baltimore County Public Library before it can actually be checked in, your library account may reflect that delivery delay.
How do I renew material and how many times can I renew it?
Renewals allow you to extend the original loan period for an item already checked out to you. Renewals are for the same length of time as the original loan period. The new due date is calculated from the date of renewal. Items eligible for renewal may be renewed two times. If your item is already late when you renew it, appropriate late fines will be applied to your library account.
Materials can be renewed online or through automated phone system,
SHELF HELP.
To renew online,
log into your account or click
here for renewal directions.
An item is not eligible for renewal if
How do I check my library account? How can I review my fines and fees?
You can check your library account by calling or visiting any BCPL branch, by using the automated phone system, Shelf Help or log into your library account online.
To call a branch, visit the BCPL Hours and Locations page to find the phone number. Once the recording starts, press 3 for library account information. To protect the confidentiality of your library account, you will need your library card number and you may be asked additional identification information.
To check your account online, click on the My Account tab located at the top of any BCPL web page. Enter your library card number (barcode) and password, then click the Log In button. The default password is the last 4 digits of your phone number until you change it. For security reasons, you are encouraged to change your password the first time you log into your account.
Click on the tabs near the top of the page to see Items Out and Requests. If you have any Overdue items, they will be listed in the Items Out section and the due date will be listed in red. To review any fines or fees, click the Fines & Fees tab.
To use the automated phone system, SHELF HELP, call 410-494-9063 then press 2. You will need your library card number to get to your account information.
What is my password? How do I change my password?
A password is needed to log into your library account online, in addition to your library card number (barcode). Both password and barcode number are used in order to safeguard your privacy. The password defaults to the last four digits of the phone number the library has listed in your account until you change it.
You may change your password by logging into your account and clicking on the My Account tab located at the top of any BCPL web page. Then enter your library card number (barcode), your password (Default is the last four digits of your phone number) and click the Log In button. If you have not changed your password previously, use the last four digits of your phone number. If you cannot log onto your account, call any BCPL Branch and ask for assistance with resetting your password.
Once logged into your account, click on the Change LOGON button at the bottom of the screen. Now click on the Change PASSWORD button, also at the bottom of the screen. Type in your old password (Default is the last 4 digits of your phone number), type in your new password twice and then click the SUBMIT button.
What is the SHELF HELP automated phone service, and what can I do if it's not working?
Baltimore County Public Library's automated phone service, SHELF HELP, allows you to get the following information about your library account or to renew items by dialing 410-494-9063 on a touch-tone phone. You will need your library card identification number.
Once the recording starts:
Press 1
For library information such as branch hours, addresses, phone numbers, and
holiday closings.
Press 2
To Check Your Library Account: find out if your card is in good standing or if
you have overdue items, fines, etc. See
fines and fees for more information.
Press 5
To go directly to Renewals: this feature allows you to renew items
already checked out to you. You can renew all checked out items or only one item
from a list of what you have checked out. Renewed items will be due three weeks
from the date of renewal. Not all material can be renewed.
Items eligible for renewal may be renewed two times. If the item is overdue,
fines will be added to your account.
Press 6
To check on Requests: you will need your library card number. This will
tell you which of your requests are available for pick up or are still pending.
For all menus, press * (the asterisk symbol) to return to the previous menu.
If for any reason SHELF HELP is not working, it is your responsibility to renew your materials online or by visiting or phoning a branch.
This page is provided by the Baltimore County Public Library, Towson, Maryland USA.
The text version of this page was last revised on
14 January 2010.
The graphics version of this page was last revised on
14 January 2010.
You are welcome to provide feedback.