Member of the CCS Group of Libraries
Our Library is a member of Cooperative Computer Services (CCS), a group of 28 area libraries that share an online catalog and patron database, which means more access to more materials!
Benefits of CCS libraries:
- Shared Online Catalog – When searching the Library’s catalog, you will see items owned by Palatine Library followed by items owned at other CCS libraries, including nearby libraries in Lake Zurich, Wheeling, and Prospect Heights.
- Request and Pick Up at Any CCS Library – You can request and pick up most items from all CCS libraries directly from our catalog.
- Notification Options – You can be notified of holds, renewals, and overdue items by email, phone, and now by text.
- Return Items to Any CCS Library – You can return most CCS library items to any CCS library and the item will be checked in at that location, immediately clearing it from your account.
- Automatic Card Registration – Your card is already registered with other CCS libraries because of the shared catalog and user database.
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Automatic Renewals – Items that you have checked out that do not have holds will be automatically renewed up to three times.
- Mobile Friendly – You can easily browse the catalog on any device.
Features of the New Catalog
There’s a lot to love about our online catalog including access to 5 million items. Here are a few of our favorite tips and tricks to get the most out of your experience.
Get Text Item Information to Your Phone
1. On a search results page, click “Find It” next to the checkmark.
2. Click the phone icon to the left of the items’ call number.
3. Enter your cell phone number and carrier name.
Find Similar Reads
Find books, authors, and/or series similar to what you already prefer.
1. Click on a book title in the catalog.
2. Scroll down to the “Suggestions and More” section.
3. Discover other books in a series, similar authors and titles, story elements and genres, ratings, and reviews.
Create Custom Username
Log into your account using a unique, easy-to-remember username instead of your library barcode number.
1. Click “Log In” at the top-right corner of the catalog.
2. Click “Create Username” and enter your library card number and password.
3. Enter and verify your desired new username, check the “Change Username” box, and click “Save.”
Item Pickup Options
Pick up Palatine Library materials at any CCS library.
1. On a search results page, click “Place Hold” next to the item you want to request.
2. Enter your barcode/username and password and log into your account.
3. In the “Pickup Library” dropdown menu, select your desired pickup location.
Map of Library Items
See a map of other CCS libraries that have an item.
1. Click on any item title.
2. Scroll down and click “Map It.”
3. See a map of which CCS libraries have the item, how many, and which are available.
4. Select a library for contact info, and “Get Directions” for a printable route to that library.
New Notification Options
Get notified of all holds and overdue items by email, phone, text, or mail.
1. Click “Log In” at the top-right corner of the catalog and log into your account with your username and password.
2. Under the My Account menu on the left, select “My Record.”
3. Under “Contact Information and Preferences,” complete your contact information.
4. Under “Preferences,” choose the “My preference for receiving library notices” dropdown menu to select:
-Mailing Address
-Email Address
-Phone
-TXT Messaging
5. If selecting TXT Messaging, select your phone and carrier.
See Your Checkout History
Keep a list of materials you have checked out for reference—or to brag about how many books you’ve read!
1. Click “Log In” at the top-right corner of the catalog and log into your account with your username and password.
2. Under the My Account menu on the left, select “My Record.”
3. Under “Contact Information and Preferences” click on the “Maintain Reading List” check box beneath the Carrier menu.
4. Answer the privacy and confidentiality policy pop-up.
5. Click “Submit Change Request.”
Create Catalog Lists
Keep track of what you want to check out in the future.
1. Click “Log In” at the top-right corner of the catalog and log into your account with your username and password.
2. Under the My Lists menu on the left, select “Create new saved list.”
3. Answer the privacy and confidentiality policy pop-up (must select OK to use lists).
4. Type a title for your new list and click “Create List.”
Add to an Existing List
1. On a search results page or a specific item page, select “Add to List” to the right of the item, below “Place Hold.”
2. Choose the list you want to add it to.
3. You can see your lists to the left when searching the catalog.