My Library Account

I Lost My Library Card. What Should I Do?

Report a lost or stolen card immediately by calling or visiting any CADL branch. Or chat with us using the button on the lower right in our website. We will deactivate the card.

You are responsible for all items checked out on your library card up to the time you report it lost or stolen, including overdue fines or other fees.

If you notice items checked out on your library account that you do not recognize, contact any CADL branch immediately. Or chat with us using the button on the lower right in our website.

My Card Isn't Working. How Come?

Although we encourage regular use of CADL cards, situations may occur that cause a card to be blocked until the problem is resolved. Examples include:

• Your card may be expired. Learn more here.
• Patrons who accumulate $10 or more in charges or fines won't be able to borrow items or use library computers until the amount is paid down to less than $10.
• Patrons who have been referred to a collection agency by CADL will have their cards blocked until all related charges are paid, including overdue fines.
• A card being used for public computer access by someone other than the cardholder will be deactivated. The cardholder will be notified of such use and will need to come to the library to reinstate the card.

Contact staff at any CADL branch during open hours to review your account. Or chat with us using the button on the lower right in our website.

I Can't Log In. Help!

We have some suggestions on the CADL Website & App questions page.

How Do I Place a Hold?

Place a hold on an item so that you can pick it up later from the branch of your choice. Please note that there is a delay between placing a hold, and when the branch actually receives it or can have it ready, so be sure to wait for your hold notice letting you know the item is ready before scheduling a time to pick it up.

To place a hold on an item:

1. Log into your library account on the CADL website
2. Use the search to find the item you are looking for
3. Once you have the item on screen, click the red Place a Hold button
4. Confirm which branch you’d like the item sent to
5. A notice will come up on the screen confirming your hold, and letting you know that you’ll receive a notification when it is ready
6. Wait until you get a ready notification, and then schedule your item pick-up

Alternatively, if you are already at the page for the item you’d like, you can:

1. Click the red Place a Hold button
2. Login to your account
3. Confirm which branch you’d like to pick up at
4. Wait for your ready notification and then schedule a time to pick up

What Is Freezing Holds and How Do I Do It?

Ever had your book or movie arrive at the library while you were away, then lose your place in line? With our new feature, you can "freeze" your hold temporarily. We'll just skip over your name for that item until you "unfreeze" it.

Steps:

1. Sign in to your account at cadl.org
2. Click on your holds list
3. Find the FREEZE column at the end of every item on your list.
4. Click the checkbox for items you want to freeze temporarily.
5. Click the Save Changes button.
6. Click "yes" when asked to confirm the freeze.
7. Holds you've frozen will now have a blue background.
8. To unfreeze them, just follow the same steps and uncheck the FREEZE box.

Please note: You can only freeze holds when you are on a waiting list. If there is no waiting or the hold is "in transit" or ready to pick up, you won't be able to freeze it. You also cannot freeze MeLCat requests.

I Can't Make It In To Pick Up My Hold. Can You Hold It Longer?

Please contact staff at any CADL branch during open hours. We will be happy to discuss your options.

I'm Out Of Town. Can You Renew My Items?

If you are not able to renew your items via one of our convenient methods, please contact staff at any CADL branch during open hours. Or chat with us using the button on the lower right in our website.

I Returned an Item, But It Is Still Listed As Checked Out To Me. Can You Double Check?

Sometimes that happens and we are sorry for the inconvenience. Please contact staff during open hours at the branch where you returned the item, or drop us a line using our contact form and let us know which items you returned. We will investigate and work with you to resolve the issue.

How Can I See the Titles I've Checked Out Before?

For physical materials that you check out from our branches, you can activate the Reading History feature in your account. Read more about Reading History on the CADL Website & App questions page.

Why Were All My Holds Changed To Be Picked Up at Aurelius?

When a branch is closed for renovations, one of the steps we take is to remove that branch from the list of possible locations to pick up a hold. We do this early in the process so that you and we have time to make adjustments to routines.

For new holds, you will need to choose another CADL branch.

For each existing hold, please choose another CADL branch. We do not change them for you automatically. 

When you first log in to your account on the web site, it may look like all of your holds have been changed to Aurelius. They have not been changed until and unless you click Save Changes. Please select your desired branch for each hold and Save Changes. (You cannot change some and not others. All of the displayed settings will take effect when you click Save Changes.)

If you never Save Changes, your existing holds will continue to come in to your originally chosen branch until the branch closes. Your pickup notice will clearly state which library has your hold.

I'm Not Getting My Email Notices. How Come?

Common reasons you might not receive email notices

• Are you sure that the email address in your account is current? You can check and update it yourself by logging in to your account and clicking 'Modify Personal Information' or talk to staff at your local branch.
• Check your spam folders and add circulationbounce@cadl.org to your contacts or approved senders list.
• We send out hold pickup notices once a day early in the morning. If you notice that your hold is ready and you check it out before the batch of notices is sent, we won't send you a notice.

I'm Not Getting My Text Alerts. What's Up?

First, verify that you are actually signed up. You cannot tell from looking at your online library account whether you have signed up for text messaging. To find out, text the word NOTICES to (517) 507-3064 . A return message will verify whether you are signed up and for what messages.

If you are not signed up, follow the instructions here to sign up.

If you are signed up, please get in touch using this form. Please submit information about the specific notice you think you should have received, including the title of the item and the date you think you should have received the notice. We will research the issue and reply.

What are the checkout limits for digital items?

For digital items, the loan limits are as follows:

• Overdrive/Libby: 10 checkouts and 15 concurrent holds
• hoopla: 12 checkouts per month
• Kanopy: 8 checkouts per month
• RBdigital: No checkout limit