What is changing? 

The new online catalog will enhance the experience for both patrons and staff. In addition to the familiar features you already love—such as keeping your current holds (even if frozen), and creating personalized reading lists—this updated system will make it easier than ever to save time, discover new materials, and engage with your local library. These improvements reflect our ongoing dedication to providing you with the best possible service and access to our resources.

Some features of the new online catalog:  

• Unified Title Display: See all available formats of a title, including print, digital and audio, conveniently located in one place. 
• Series Information: Easily discover if a book is part of a series and see the complete reading order, including cover art.
• Personalized Recommendations: Explore the "You May Also Like" section to find similar authors, titles, and series that match your interests.
• Saved Searches: Store a specific search query within your account to easily access the same search results later without having to re-enter the criteria. Useful for keeping track of new books by your favorite author or a specific topic. 
• Enhanced Information for Children's Books: Parents and young readers can view details such as Lexile measures, Accelerated Reader (AR) scores and recommended age and grade levels.  

Behind the scenes, the new software will also improve library operations, streamlining tasks like cataloging, acquisitions, and managing patron records. Transitioning to this system involves a significant investment and the hard work of our dedicated staff, and it underscores our commitment to supporting our community. We are excited about this upgrade and look forward to providing an even better library experience for everyone.  

Service Interruptions

There will be some service interruptions as we update the catalog to the new system.

What will be affected:

• Beginning July 18, patrons will not be able to place holds on materials until after the migration is complete on August 19. 
  • Patrons waiting for materials when the pause goes into effect will not lose their place in line. Existing holds will be transferred to the new system and will become available again after August 19.
• Between August 7 and 18, there will be no online system to check in returned materials. You can return materials, but they will not be checked in until the new system goes live on August 19. 
  • Materials can ONLY be checked out during this time. 
• Between July 18 and August 18, no new periodical issues or books will be added to our collection.  
• Between August 6 and 19, Beatley Central Library will not be accepting book donations.
• Between August 7 and 18, our online catalog will not be updated and will not accurately reflect an item’s status (whether it is available, checked out, or on hold). 
• Existing Library cardholders with accounts in good standing will have access to all of our digital resources. 
• Between August 7 and 18, we will not be able to accept any new library card applications.  
• All Library locations will be CLOSED on Tuesday, August 19, as we complete the system migration.

What will be the same:

• Materials on Libby will remain available to check out as usual.
• Patron computers will remain available. 
• Patron printing will remain available.
• Patrons with existing Library cards and accounts in good standing will be able to check out materials in the branches and continue using our online resources. 

Other changes to expect:

• Patrons will no longer be able to check their accounts or renew items by telephone.
• There will be no paper mail notifications.
• Text/SMS notifications WILL be available by the end of August.