FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Using The Catalog.
Why Is The Catalog Different?
Like most things today, nothing is built to last forever. Our old catalog had reached its limit in terms of the content we could add to it. Our online materials, like e-books and e-audio books from Libby and Hoopla, could not be integrated into search results, and patrons had to use separate apps to access them. Our new catalog fully integrates our e-materials and allows us to add new content as it's added to our system.
Which Catalog Do I Use?
Every library in the Westchester Library System has its own branded version of the catalog that gives patrons access to library-specific collections, and direct access to its website and event calendar. No matter which library catalog is selected, patrons can still search and access the entire library system's collection.
To view your library's catalog, navigate to the Our Member Libraries tab, and choose your desired location.
How Do I Get A Library Card?
Anyone who lives, works, owns property, or attends school in Westchester County is entitled to a library card from one of our 38 member libraries.
Please enter your address into our Library Service Area tool to see who your home library is!
Each member library has its own policies for issuing a library card. Contact your local library to find out what information and identification is required when applying for a library card.
Note: Library cards can be used at any of the 38 member libraries in Westchester County, but some services or materials may only be reserved for home library patrons. Patrons may only have one active library card at a time.
If you live outside of Westchester County and DO NOT work, go to school, or own property in Westchester, you may purchase a card from the Westchester Library System at an annual fee of $75. Individuals 65 years of age or older or with a disability are eligible for a reduced rate of $35. This application form, available for new cards and renewals, should be sent directly to WLS with your payment.
Where Is Advanced Search?
Advanced Search can be accessed from the Keyword drop-down menu.
How Do I Find Audiobooks?
Type the title you are looking for in the search bar, click the search button or the enter key on your keyboard. When your search results load, if audio-book is an option, it will be listed in the available format options.
For a broader search, click the search button to see available search facets and icons. At the top of your screen, you can limit to audiobooks by clicking the audiobook icon or selecting audiobook format from the facet menu on the left side of your screen.
The Catalog Doesn't Have The Book I'm Looking For. How Do I Get It?
You can request an ILL (Inter Library Loan). By filling out this form, we will ask to borrow the title from other library systems in New York, or around the country!
How Do I Edit My Holds?
Titles on Hold will show all titles, both physical and digital, that are currently on hold for you in Your Account > Titles on Hold. Holds ready for pickup will appear above any pending holds.
Select the holds you wish to edit and choose the available options on the right side of your screen. Patrons can cancel, suspend (freeze in place), activate (unsuspend), or change the pick-up location for their holds.
What Does Suspend and Activate Mean?
Suspending and activating holds is handled in Your Account > Titles on Hold. You must be logged in to the catalog to do this.
Suspend Hold: Pause my hold for now. This title is on hold for you, but it will not be filled/made available until you activate it.
Activate Hold: Unpause the suspended hold. This tells the system to start looking for the next available copy to fill your hold now that you are ready for it.
How do I Import My Lists From The Old Catalog?
If you created lists in our old catalog, they can be imported into the new catalog after logging in for the first time by visiting Your Account > Your Lists and clicking Import from Old Catalog.
Note: If titles have been deleted from the library catalog, they will not appear on your imported list.
Is My Reading History Private?
The Westchester Library System takes the privacy of your library records very seriously. Therefore, we do not keep track of what you borrow after you return it. However, our catalog has a feature called "My Reading History" that allows you to track items you check out. Participation in the feature is entirely voluntary. You may start or stop using it, as well as delete any or all entries in "My Reading History" at any time.
If you choose to start recording "My Reading History," you agree to allow our automated system to store this data. The library staff does not have access to your "My Reading History", however, it is subject to all applicable local, state, and federal laws, and under those laws, could be examined by law enforcement authorities without your permission. If this is of concern to you, you should not use the "My Reading History" feature.
How Can I Watch Medici.tv on a Smart TV?
Patrons who want to view Medici.tv on their Smart TV can do so with the following options:
- Use the TV’s built-in browser
- Use an HDMI cable to connect a computer to the TV set
- Stream medici.tv from a PC, Android phone, or tablet with built-in Chromecast technology
- Cast medici.tv using a Google Chromecast device connected to a TV
- Stream medici.tv from any Apple product using built-in AirPlay technology
- Cast medici.tv through AirPlay using an Apple TV device connected to a TV
Note: Medici.tv on Roku is not available for library patrons, and for technical reasons, there is currently no Android app available. The mobile version of their site is fully functional and easy to navigate on Android devices (smartphones, tablets, etc.).
Why Won’t Hoopla Music and Video Play On My Desktop?
Hoopla music and video require Flash Player. Make sure that your browser allows it to run.
Can I Still Use/Search The Old Catalog?
No❤️ The “old” catalog will remain available to patrons until the end of August 2023. It will then be retired from public use permanently.