FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Circulation Policy | Library Card Policy | Library Catalog | Misc Questions Wireless Hotspot Logo
  1. How do I cancel/suspend the library items I requested? Is there a fine?
    To cancel your holds, you can use Telecirc or cancel/suspend online. Login to your online account with your library card number and your PIN. Click on Holds. Find the title you requested and click on the box next to the item (s) you wish to cancel. Click on the Cancel Request button located at the top of your Requested List. To suspend your hold, enter relevant dates into the drop down boxes next to "Suspend till" box. Click Change Status. Effective October 1, 2007, any expired holds will accrue a fine of $1.00 per item.
  2. How do I renew my items?
    You can renew your items over the telephone by calling one of our locations. This is especially helpful if your library card has expired or the online services won't let you renew because your card will expire before items would be due.
  3. What is Telecirc?
    An automated system you can use 24 hours a day to access your library account to find out what you have checked out, due dates, or to renew the items you have checked out. You must know your library card number and PIN to be able to use the automated system. The Telecirc number is 444-4100.
  4. How do I get a library card? Apply on our website or bring current identification showing your current living address to any library location to apply.
  5. When will my card expire? (Douglas County Residents Only) Library cards are essentially permanent but proof of residency is required for resident adults and juveniles every two years; temporary resident cards are renewed every three months.
  6. I do not live in Omaha. Can I still get a card?If you live in Douglas county, you can get a library card at no cost. If you live in Council Bluffs or Lincoln, and have valid library cards in your city, you may qualify for a reciprocal card. For other Non-Residents, you may get a library card for a fee.
  7. Can I be notified via email about books I have requested?
    Yes, call or visit any library to add your e-mail address to your account and request e-mail notification. If you call, you will need your library card number and PIN. If you visit a library, bring your card (it's also always a good idea to bring current ID with you, in case your card has expired) and ask to have an e-mail address added to your record. You will be notified, via e-mail, of requested items which have arrived.
  8. What is a PIN?
    PIN stands for Personal Identification Number and is assigned to every customer's library card. If you did not select a PIN, one was randomly selected for you. You may provide your library card AND a current form of identification in person in any Omaha Public Library location to find out your PIN or change your PIN.
Library Card Policy
  1. My books are overdue. How much will I owe? Please refer to the fees chart on the Circulation Policy .
  2. I'm an Educator. Can I check out items for my class?
    A teacher in Douglas County can be issued a business card under his/her school/particular class name (with the teacher as guardian of the card). The applicant must bring in a letter from the school requesting a card for (name of the class) and stating who will be allowed to check out on the card and who will be the responsible party for the card. Check-out limits and fine/fee policies are the same as resident library cards.
Library Catalog
  1. I want to look for a book online. How where do I start?
    Click on the link above. The screen you will see allows you to type in a title, keywords in a title or subject, author or any number of things.
  2. I want to check my record online. What do I need to do that?
    Click on the link above. Select the “Check your patron information & renew items”. Follow the screen instructions. You will need your library card number and your PIN.
  3. Can I get reference help when the library is closed?
    The Omaha Public Library staff has carefully selected websites to help you get reference help. These can be found in our Subject Index. There are also Subscription Databases for reference. You can also find them by searching the catalog. If you want to ask a reference question, you can email “Ask a Librarian” and someone will answer your question as soon as possible.
  4. Can I renew my items online even when the library is closed?
    Yes, with your library card number and your PIN, you can, just call Telecirc 444-4100. Or you can renew online . Again, you will need your library card number and your PIN.
Misc Questions
  1. Do you provide access to the Internet? Yes, we do. The public access computers are filtered with WebSense. You can read our Internet Policy here. Free Wireless and a Wireless Guide is available for patrons who have laptops.
  2. Can I type up my papers at the library?
    Yes, the Kid's Connection computers have MSWord and are at each library location. Also, Benson, Millard and Main (W. Dale Clark) Libraries have computer labs that can be used by the general public. Due to demand, you may have to wait/take turns. Teens in middle/high school have priority at the Kids Connection computers, but they are available for others when not in use. Be sure to call lab locations to make sure computers are available.
  3. Do you have meeting rooms to reserve?
    Yes, each location has meeting rooms that can be reserved by the general public. Call your local library to obtain a reservation form as well as check to see if your organization qualifies to reserve the room.The Meeting Room Application and Meeting Room Policy are also online as downloadable .pdf files.
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