FAQs

Circulation Policy

• How do I cancel/suspend the library items I have requested?
  
• How do I renew my items?
  
• What is Telecirc?
  
• How do I get a library card?
  
• When will my card expire?
  
• I do not live in Omaha. Can I still get a card?
  
• Can I be notified via email about books I have requested?
  
• What is a PIN?
  
• Can I renew my items online even when the library is closed?
  

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 (no spaces) 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.
   
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 photo 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 five 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 Lincoln, and have a valid library card in your city, you may qualify for a reciprocal card. For other Non-Residents, you may get a library card for a fee. Please call 444-4800 for non-resident card pricing.
   
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 must provide your library card AND a current form of photo identification in person at any Omaha Public Library location to find out your PIN or change your PIN. To protect all library card holders, PIN numbers will not be given over the phone or email.
9. Can I renew my items online even when the library is closed?
   Yes, your account can be managed anytime via our online catalog. Or through Telecirc by call 444-4100. Please note that your account can not be expired and you must know your PIN.
   

Library Card Policy

• My books are overdue. How much will I owe
  
• I'm an Educator. Can I check out items for my class?
  
• I lost my library card. What do I do?
  

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.
   
3. I lost my library card. What do I do?
   Lost or stolen library cards must be reported immediately in person or by telephone to prevent unauthorized use or access.  Patrons are responsible for all use of their library cards and all items checked out on their accounts.  Lost or stolen library cards can be replaced with photo identification at any Omaha Public Library location.  See the Library Card Policies for more information.
   

Library Catalog

• I want to look for a book online. How or where do I start?
  
• I want to check my account online. What do I need to do that?
  
• Can I get reference help when the library is closed?
  
• Can I renew my items online even when the library is closed?
  

1. I want to look for a book online. How or where do I start?
   Visit our Online Catalog. 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 account 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 Subscription Databases for reference. You can also find them by searching the catalog. If you want to ask a reference question, you can use our AskOPL service 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

• Do you provide access to the Internet? Wireless access?
  
• Can I type up my papers at the library?
  
• Do you have meeting rooms to reserve?
  
• Are you closed for the upcoming holiday?
  
• What time do you open?
  

1. Do you provide access to the Internet? Wireless access?
   Yes, we do. The public access computers are filtered with WebSense. You can read our Internet Policy here. Free Wireless is available for patrons who have laptops.
2. Can I type up my papers at the library?
   Yes, most computers at each branch have Microsoft Office. In order to use the computers at the library, you must have an active library card and PIN number.
   
3. Do you have meeting rooms to reserve?
   Yes, most locations have meeting rooms that can be reserved by the general public. See our Meeting Room Policy for more information or call your local library to see if your organization qualifies to reserve the room.. First time applicants must apply in person at the branch you wish to use. You may get the application at the location or have it already filled out by downloading it here. Those who already have an application on file can renew online or call your local library to renew.
4. Are you closed for the upcoming holiday?
   To see a list of upcoming holiday closures click here. To view the entire calendar of events including closures, click here.
5. What time do you open?
   Visit the library locations page for information regarding the hours of a specific branch.