New VPL News! The Vassalboro Library has joined the MILS consortium (Maine Info Net Library System). MILS is a shared library system that brings together small libraries of all types from across the state. Check the new library catalog through our website! Patrons are able to access millions of library materials through this new system ultimately strengthening our ties with State libraries. However, there are many new changes to be aware of:
Access to your library account where you can see items checked out, when they are due, and place renewals. For all recent users you have a 13-digit barcode on the back of your library card. If you are a “legacy” user, and only know your four-digit number, you will need to contact the library for your barcode and card. Login to your account using your barcode number and pin number. Your pin is the last four digits of your phone number and can be changed by a librarian.
Renew items on your account. Checked-out items are now out on 3-week loan rather than the old 2-week loan. You will be restricted to 1 renewal for a total of 6 weeks. You can, however, contact the library for extra renewals as long as no one else is looking to checkout those items.
Auto-messaging through email. You will receive an email when you check out, when items are coming due, and past due. As you know we do not charge late fees and just want our items returned. The new system will allow us to keep better track of overdue items and we will lose less to theft. If you do not share an email and are overdue you will receive phone messages.
Interlibrary loan. The most important and useful change is you can now check for books held at other Maine libraries and request those books. It is as simple as finding the book and pressing the request button, or having a librarian do it for you. This allows you access to over 2,000,000 items, rather than limited to our collection of 30,000 and having to submit a paper request form (our old system).
If you have any questions please reach out to the library and speak to one of the librarians. We will do our best to help you learn the new system.
Brian Stanley – Library Director
207-923-3233
