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Pardon Our Dust!
- Derrick Larcom
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
Change is in the air at City Hall - Literally!
If you’ve visited us recently, you may have noticed a bit more hustle and bustle than usual. City Hall is currently undergoing some much-needed HVAC renovations to ensure our building stays comfortable for years to come. While we are excited about the improvements, the project does mean things will look a little different at the library for the next few weeks.
What's Changing?
Because the renovation work is extensive, we’ve had to temporarily reduce some of our services. Most importantly, the basement level—which houses the majority of our book collections—is currently inaccessible to the public. We know, we know—half the fun of the library is wandering the stacks and discovering your next favorite read. While we can’t let you downstairs right now for safety reasons, we’ve made sure you can still get the materials you love.
How to Get Your Favorite Books & Media
Think of us as your "personal shoppers" for the next month and a half! Even though the basement is closed for browsing, our entire collection is still available for checkout via our hold system.
What is a "hold"?
A hold is a reservation placed on an item in the Next Search Catalog. When the item arrives at the Library you will be notified based on your account preferences: email, phone, or postcard.
The item remains at the main desk for 7 days then will be returned to the home library. Holds are the best way to get new items faster and access items from Next Search Catalog consortium libraries.
Placing Holds
Holds can be placed online, in Aspen LiDA, or in person.
Online: There is no limit on how many items you can place on hold.
Log in with full card number and password using the Log in to Your Account link at top of the web page.
Search for item by title, author or subject.
Select the “place hold” icon.
Confirm hold information.
Click “confirm hold.”
In Person: Visit the Library and speak to a staff member. Staff can place up to 3 holds per patron per day. Staff can also show you how to access your account, conduct a book search, and place holds online.
Aspen LiDA: Aspen is an app that allows you to view books at the Library, place holds, and look at our other services such as Hoopla. Simply download the app, join the Ottawa Library, and then add your library card. Then you can browse the Ottawa Library from the comforts of your home.
