Frequently Asked Questions

To receive email notices about new library materials,

• First, make sure that your correct email address is entered in your library account. 
• Then create one or more Preferred Searches for your favorite authors, subjects, or a title when there's that one special book just about to arrive! You will get email when new library materials arrive that match your preferred searches. 
• Read the next FAQ to find out how to create a Preferred Search!

These alerts are sent by email only. That's because they are automatic. An alert is sent from the library catalog the moment a new item is added.

Steps to make a Preferred Search

1. Start by logging in to your library account.
2. Use the search bar at the top of the screen to search. It usually works best to search by title, author, or subject. (Watch out! if you save a keyword search as a preferred search, you could get emails about items that don't interest you but happen to have your keyword somewhere.)
3. When you get your search results, even if nothing is found, you will see the ’Save as Preferred Search’ button appear near the search bar. Click the button to be notified any time a new item that matches your search is added to the Library collection. 
4. Please note that you will only see the Preferred Search button when you are logged in to your account and have done a search. 

Examples

• If you use the SUBJECT search for ’organic gardening’ while in your own account, and click the ’Save as Preferred Search’ button, you will be notified when new books with that subject are added. 
• If you use the AUTHOR search, and click the button, you will be notified when any new books by that author are added.
• If you use the TITLE search for a new book the library doesn't have yet, and make that a Preferred Search, you'll get an email right away if the library buys it.