Can I still pay my existing fines in 2018?
Yes! Our 2018 budget depends on projected revenue from fines, which currently go toward the Library’s technology needs and collection. If you can pay your existing overdue fines in 2018, your payment...
View ArticleI have always thought of paying my fines as my donation to the library. Can I...
Yes! Now and in the future, all donations to the Library can be made through The Friends of Saint Paul Public Library. Your donation will support critical Library programs and services.
View ArticleWhy does the Library want to eliminate overdue fines?
Eliminating overdue fines and increasing access to the Library benefits our entire community! Children enjoy picture books and early learning materials that help them prepare for kindergarten and...
View ArticleHow will the elimination of fines affect the Library’s budget?
Eliminating this revenue will not affect Library collections, technology, programs, or services. The Mayor’s budget proposal ensures the Library can maintain its current level of investment in these...
View ArticleWhat is the cost of this proposal to taxpayers?
This proposal would add $215,000 per year to the Library’s General Fund budget. The impact of this increase on a median value home would be $1.42 per year, or $0.12 per month. A median value home in...
View ArticleWhat should I do if I see a late fine on my account?
We intended to remove late fines on all patron accounts as of January 2. If you see a late fine on your account, it is in error. Please notify a library staff member who will clear it.
View ArticleI haven’t been to the library in years. Will my card still work?
Your library card may have expired if you haven’t used it in more than one year. Please see a library staff member who can reactivate your card or register you for a new card.
View ArticleWill people return items if there are no late fines?
For years SPPL has not charged late fines on children’s items, which were returned at similar rates as those items that were fined. Other libraries have reported that return rates actually increased...
View ArticleI’ve never had a library card. How can I get one?
Visit any Saint Paul Public Library (SPPL) branch to register for a library card. You will need a photo ID, proof of your date of birth, and proof of your current address to complete the registration....
View ArticleHow can I change my notification preference?
To change how you are contacted by the library regarding overdue notifications, visit your account settings and click the "Change" link under Contact Preferences. You can choose to be contacted by...
View ArticleCan I pay my fees online?
To pay your fees online by credit card, log in to your account and select Fees from the menu under your username in the upper-right corner of the screen. Click the "Pay Fees" button to be taken to our...
View ArticleWhat if I have problems logging in?
Can’t remember your username? A username contains only letters, numbers, and underscores. If that doesn’t help you remember it, log in using your library card number and then go to "My Settings" to see...
View ArticleWhat are Lucky Day items?
Lucky Day book and DVD collections have many of the newest and most popular titles. They are not available for holds, so they are on the shelf waiting for you to check them out. Find Lucky Day...
View ArticleWhat should I do if I get the message “That username or barcode is not...
Registration is required to get a new password by email. Register on the new website, opens a new window using your library card number and existing PIN or password. If you are unable to register...
View ArticleCan I log in to other library resources with the username I created for the...
The username created for the catalog can be used to log in to the catalog, but will not work for other online resources. Use your library card barcode number (and password or PIN, if necessary) to log...
View ArticleCan I save searches to run them again later?
If you often search for titles by the same author, or on the same subject, you can save your search and run it again later. This can save you time, especially if you have constructed a complex search...
View ArticleAre “saved searches” in new catalog the same thing as “preferred searches” in...
Saved Searches in the library catalog are not the same as "preferred searches" from the library's previous catalog system. If you have preferred searches set up in the classic catalog, you can still...
View ArticleHow can I place holds on items in the library catalog?
To place a hold from search results: Log in to your account. Enter some keywords and run your search. Find the title you want. Titles with at least one copy in the library show Available. To see the...
View ArticleCan I get text message alerts for overdue and held items?
You can sign up to receive text message alerts for overdue and held items. You will also receive alerts 3 days before items are due. To sign up for text message alerts, log in to your account on the...
View ArticleIs my PIN the same as my password?
Your library account PIN (Personal Identification Number) is the same as your password. Passwords can be made up of letters and/or numbers and must be at least 6 characters long. Some of our online...
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