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Frequently Asked Questions

Locations

  • Where can I use my library card?
    • Your LCLS library card can be used at 10 convenient locations throughout Lackawanna County. It can also be used at the University of Scranton (Lackawanna County Residents only), Marywood University, and Keystone College. In addition, the Access Pennsylvania symbol on your library card entitles you to borrow material from any one of over 2,000 participating Pennsylvania libraries.
  • I work in Scranton, but live in Moscow. If I borrow a book at Scranton, can I return it to the North Pocono Public Library in Moscow
    • Yes, Lackawanna County Library system materials can be returned at any Lackawanna County Library System location.
  • If I use the Abington Community Library in Clarks Summit, but the book I want is in the Scranton Public Library, can I have it sent to Abington or do I have to travel to Scranton?
    • If you wish, we can send the book to the library that is most convenient. Ask the librarian in your nearest Lackawanna County Library System location for more information.
  • Where can I return materials if the library is closed?

Book drops are available able the following locations:
Abington Community Library: Bookdrop is available when the library is closed
Albright Memorial Library: Bookdrop is always available on N. Washington Ave.
Carbondale Public Library: Bookdrop is available when the library is closed.
Dalton Community Library: Bookdrop is always available.
Lackawanna County Children’s Library: Bookdrop is always available on N. Washington Ave.
North Pocono Public Library: Bookdrop is available when the library is closed.
Taylor Community Library: Bookdrop is available when the library is closed.
Valley Community Library: Bookdrop is available when the library is closed.

Library Card Registration

  • How do I register for a library card?
  • I live outside of Lackawanna County, but I want to borrow materials from the Lackawanna County Library System. What can I do?
    • If you live in Pennsylvania, find out whether your hometown library participates in the Access Pennsylvania Statewide Library Card program. If they do, you can get a Lackawanna County Library System card at no charge providing you show a valid library card from your hometown library that displays the Access Pennsylvania symbol. If your hometown library does not participate in Access Pennsylvania or you live outside of Lackawanna County, you can receive all of the benefits of the Lackawanna County Library System card for just $10 a year. Lackawanna County library cards are available to Pennsylvania residents or property owners. No cards can be issued to out-of-state residents.
  • I am a student at the University of Scranton, but my driver’s license says I live in New Jersey. Do I still have to pay the $10?
    • No, if you have a valid student ID from the University of Scranton, Marywood University, Keystone College, Penn State Worthington Campus, or Lackawanna College, you can get a Lackawanna County Library System card at no cost.
  • Once I register, when does my card expire?
    • If you are a Lackawanna County resident, your card is good for 3 years. If you live outside of Lackawanna County and are not a student, your card is good for 1 year. If you are a student at the University of Scranton, Marywood University, Keystone College, Penn State Worthington Campus, or Lackawanna College who does not normally live in Lackawanna County, your card is valid until 1 month before the end of the school year.
  • What do I do if my card has expired?
    • Whatever you do, do not throw away your expired library card! Bring your expired library card to the nearest Lackawanna County Library System location. If you have no overdue materials, we will renew your card at no charge. You can also fill out our easy online renewal application form. https://lclshome.org/renew-your-library-card/
  • What do I do if I’ve lost my card?
    • You may replace a lost library card in one of two ways: (1) Apply online and put “Lost Card” in the Comments field. (2) Present ID at any LCLS library. There is a $2.00 replacement charge for lost cards.

My Account

  • I forgot my PIN number. What should I do?
    • Please fill out and submit this form and we will email your PIN to you.
  • How do I update my mailing address or email address?
    • Sign into your library account with your library card and PIN. Go to Account Preferences to update your mailing address and/or email address. You can also fill out the Contact Us Form for a library staff member to assist you.
  • What are the advantages of giving my email address to the library?
    • There are many advantages. Here are the Top 4:
      • You will receive reminders before your materials are due so you can renew or return them at your leisure.
      • When your hold becomes available, you will receive a notification by email.
      • If you wish, you can receive email notifications when new titles by your favorite author or on your favorite subject are cataloged.
      • You will receive advance notification of special events and programs most of which have free or discounted admission with your Lackawanna County Library System library card.

NOTE: The Lackawanna County Library System does not, under any circumstances, release email addresses to other agencies, libraries, or companies.

Loan Periods

  • How long can I keep materials that I have checked out? Loan Periods for the Lackawanna County Library System are as follows:
    • Books, Compact Discs, Talking Books, and Audio Cassettes — 2 week loan
    • Magazines, All Videos, DVD’s — 1 week loan
      Four, two-week renewals are possible on books, talking books, audio cassettes, and compact discs. Two, one-week renewal is possible on videos and DVD’s.
      NOTE: Items that are on hold cannot be renewed.
      7-day loan material and magazines are not eligible for renewal.
    • Overdue Fines:
      VHS Tapes (Children and Adults) — $.50 per day; Maximum fine is $10.00.
      DVDs/Blu Rays (Children and Adults) — $1.00 per day; Maximum fine is $20.00.
      Books, Compact Discs, Talking Books, Magazines (Adults) — $.25 per day; Maximum fine is $10.00.
      Books, Compact Discs, Talking Books, Magazines (Children) — $.25 per day; Maximum fine is $6.00.

Materials

  • What kind of materials do you have that I can borrow?
    • The Lackawanna County Library System has over 300,000 items that can be loaned including Books, Large Print Books, CD’s, Government Documents, DVD’s, Blu-Rays, Magazines, Talking Books, and MP3 Talking Books.
    • NEW! Check out the libraries’ collection of household items you can borrow including: board games, video games, jigsaw puzzles, Roku streaming devices, Verizon Mobile Hotspots, Cricut machines, thermal leak detector, oven thermometer, wooden cornhole set, finger pulse oximeter, bubble machine, digital stud finder, light therapy lamps and much more!
  • How can I find out what books and other materials you have?
    • There are computerized catalogs available at all ten Lackawanna County Library System locations. In addition, you can also access our catalog from your home computer.

Other

  • How do I ask a reference question?
    • You can use our Online Contact Form to send us your question. Simply select “Ask a Reference Question” as the subject of your message. One of our reference librarians will respond to your question promptly.
  • When I search for an item in the catalog, its located is listed as “Stacks.” What are “Stacks”?
    • “Stacks” is another name for library shelving. Ask a staff member or use the signs in your local library to find the call number associated with the item (e.g.; 364.24, FICTION TWAIN etc.).

Downloadable eBooks, Audiobooks, and Video

  • Can I download eBooks, audiobooks, and video from the library?
  • What if I need help using OverDrive, Libby, Kanopy, or Hoopla?
    • Please use our Digital Support Form to contact us with any issues you are having downloading books, audiobooks, or videos. You can also call the library for assistance at (570) 795-4332.
    • You can also visit the OverDrive support website for help on using OverDrive and its app, Libby. Click here to be directed to their support page.
    • For assistance using Kanopy, please visit their website support page.
    • For assistance with using Hoopla, please visit https://www.hoopladigital.com/help

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