Apply for a Library Card and PIN :: Services :: Materials
Policies :: LARL Calendar :: Renewing Items Online
Using Your Library Card

General Information
Frequently Asked Questions:

1. How can I get a LARL Card and how much does it cost?

2. What is my library card number and PIN?

3. Can I return books from another MN regional library system to LARL?

4. What will I find when I visit the library?

5. How long can I keep materials?

6. Are there limits on the number of items I can check out?

7. What if I cannot get my materials back on time?

8. What are the fines for overdue materials?

9. What if I lose or damage materials?

10. Can I reserve materials online?

11. Can I access the LARL online databases without a LARL Card?

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1. How can I get a LARL Card and how much does it cost?
Getting a LARL Card is easy - and it's free! Just provide proof of your address within the LARL region, and you are eligible for a card. Your LARL Card can be used in all LARL branch libraries and LINK sites and at other regional public library systems in Minnesota. LARL Card Application

2. What is my library card number and PIN?
Your Library Card Number is the 14 digit number on the back of your library card, starting with 23500. Your PIN is a 4-? alphanumeric code assigned by you, the patron.

1. Visit the Online Catalog at http://ils.larl.org/, and click on My Account.

2. Enter your barcode number and click Submit.

3. At the prompt, enter the code you wish to use for your PIN, and enter it again in the following box. Click Submit.

4. Your new PIN has been entered.

3. Can I return books from another Minnesota regional library system to a LARL branch?
Yes. They will be returned to the original library through a state funded courier service/system.

4. What will I find when I visit the library?
All of the LARL branches offer a wealth of information and resources for your education and entertainment! Here is a sample of what you will find in the branches:

5. How long can I keep materials?

Click on Policies and scroll down to Circulation Policy for checkout.

6. Are there limits on the number of items I can check out?
Small and popular collections have the following limits:

7. What if I cannot get my materials back on time?
If you cannot get your materials back to the library on time, call your local library and renew the items over the phone. Or, use the Your Account link on the Web Catalog to renew items online.
Note: Overdue items requested by another patron are not renewable.

8. What are the service charges for overdue materials?
Charges for Late Materials:

9. What if I lose or damage materials?
Lost materials will be charged the "Standardized Price," plus a $3 service charge. A receipt for the item will be given to the borrower.

If the item is found and returned within one year of the date of payment, the price of the item will be refunded. A receipt must be presented to obtain a refund. No service charge will be refunded.

Charges will be assessed to repair damaged materials at the discretion of the local librarian. Items not able to be repaired will incur the full replacement cost.

10. Can I reserve materials online?
You may reserve any circulating item in our Web catalog. Materials will not be recalled from one borrower for the use by another borrower unless the materials are overdue.

To reserve materials online, use the following instructions:

A. From larl.org, click on the Search the Catalog button on the upper left hand corner of the screen.

B. Search for the desired item.

C. Pull up the item record by clicking on the title.

D. While the item record is up, click on the button at the top of the page.

E. Enter your library barcode number and PIN, choose your pickup location, and select a date in which you will no longer need the item.

11. Can I access LARL online databases without a LARL Card?
No. You must have a Lake Agassiz Regional Library card to access online databases from outside of the 13 LARL branch libraries. Your library card must begin with the numbers 23500.

Updated 8/21/06