Ask A Librarian!

So you’ve just finished watching your favorite TV or news program, or listening to your favorite radio show.  For the last hour, they touted the brilliance of someone’s latest novel or nonfiction read.  The damage is done – your interest is piqued.  All you’re thinking now is, “I’ve got to read this book.” 

You… and maybe just a few other people.  (Anyone remember Tickle-Me Elmo?)  Well, the first step is to head straight to the library’s catalog – either in-person or online – and see if you’ve beaten the rest of those viewers or listeners to the punch.  The library may have anticipated the wave of heightened interest and ordered extra copies, so you may be able to stake your claim then and there.  But if not – the library’s copies are already checked out – make sure you place a hold on that title.  The library will put you on a waiting list just for that title.  As the items are returned, they are set aside for those next on the waiting list.  The library will notify you either via phone or email as soon as your book is ready.  And if for some reason the library doesn’t own a copy of the book, don’t despair - as long as the book has been in publication for at least a year, the library’s Interlibrary Loan service may be able to borrow the book from another library system.    

The library catalog lets you place holds –  even Interlibrary Loan requests – online from the convenience of your computer.  If you need help finding a book, placing a hold, or just getting more information on how to place an Interlibrary Loan request through your library, visit Ask a Librarian today and get live help from a real Florida librarian.  No matter what you’re looking for, we’ll help you find it. 

What can we help you with today?

Ask a Librarian provides Florida residents with live chat services with a real Florida librarian from 10 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday (ET), and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday (ET).  You can also send an e-mail to your local library’s staff.