Frequently Asked Questions
Page Contents
Library Cards and Checking Out Books
Finding What You're Looking For
Contacting and Visiting the Library
This page lists some of the most common questions we answer for our patrons. If you can't find what you're looking for, please contact us.
Library Cards and Checking Out Books
How do I get a library card?
There is no charge for library cards. Library cards are free. If, however, you have lost your card, there is a $3.00 charge for replacing it.
Find out more about getting your Library Card.
How do I Renew a Book?
Visit your library account page, click "Renew My Materials", and log in with your User ID and PIN.
How do I Use the Self-Check Machine?
The self-check machines are located just inside in library’s inner doors. You can follow the instructions given on the self-check screen.
First choose your language—English or Spanish. Then place your library card so that the machine can read the bar code on the back of the card. The scanline, the red line of light must be over the barcode to enable it to read. Remove your card. Then the system will check your account. Next, place the first item in the trough. Place the item so that it is resting on the surface of the trough and so that the machine can read the item’s barcode, under the red scanline. This will also desensitize the security strip. The machine will respond and be ready for the next item. When you have checked out all of the materials you want, click on the Print Receipt button. The machine will print out a slip listing all of the materials you have checked out and when they are due back to the library. And you are done!
You can also check your account by pushing the Account Info button. The system will tell you how many items you have checked out, how many are overdue, how many hold requests you have and how many are ready for pickup. Additionally, it will tell you what you may owe in fines and fees and whether there are any messages for you. When you are done, push OK.
Finding What You're Looking For
How can I Search the Catalog?
Visit our Online Library Catalog and enter any search terms into the search box. Click on Search. This will perform a keyword search in our catalog.
If you know the author, title, or specific subject you can select the appropriate term from the drop-down menu on the left of the search box.
How can I Find Articles?
The Lodi Public Library makes available the InfoTrac Database of magazine and journal articles, images, videos, and podcasts on a vast variety of subjects. Please contact a reference librarian, who will be glad to help you.
How do I Use an Online Database?
The Lodi Public Library has the following databases:
- InfoTrac (for magazine and journal articles, images, videos, and podcasts)
- Reference USA (for business information)
- Learning Express Library (for all kinds of test help, including school tests, placement tests, and job exams)
- All Data (for car and truck repair information)
InfoTrac, Reference USA, and Learn-a-Test are all available remotely, from home or office. All Data is available only in the library. Access them all online.
If you need help using any of these databases, please contact a reference librarian.
How do I Borrow a Book that the Lodi Public Library doesn't Own?
Please contact a reference librarian to request that we get the book you want from another library.
Contacting and Visiting the Library
How do I contact the library?
To contact any department at the Library, please review our Contact Us page.
How do I Reserve Meeting Space at the Library?
To reserve meeting space, please call 333-5534. The Library Secretary will be able to help you.
Helping Your Library
How can I help the Library?
Learn more about volunteering at the Lodi Public Library, donating to the library, and others ways you can support us.
Job and Volunteering
How Do I get a Job at the Library?
Learn more about jobs at the Lodi Public Library through the City of Lodi.
How can I volunteer at the Library?
Learn more about volunteering at the Lodi Public Library.
Returning Books and Overdue Fines
Where is the book drop located?
The book drop is located in the alley behind the library. The alley runs between Church St. and Pleasant Ave.
How do I Pay my Fines Online?
Currently fines cannot be paid online. When we have this capability, we will inform everyone.
Computers and Internet Access
Does the Library Charge for Computer or Internet use?
There is no charge for using computer or Internet use, including our free Wi-Fi service.
How do I Reserve a Computer?
Please contact the Circulation Desk to reserve a computer before your visit, or speak to us while you're here.
How do I Access the Internet or Email?
When you are on a computer with Internet capability, click on the Internet Explorer icon.
How can I Print my document or a Webpage?
Printing is done through your computer use account held in our Cassie system; you can put money on your Cassie account at the Circulation Desk.
When you are ready to print from one of the library’s computers, simply click on the print icon or click on print from the File menu.
The cost of printing will be deducted from your Cassie account.
Does the Library have Computer Classes?
We do not currently have computer classes. As soon as we are able to offer these classes again, we will inform everyone.