SCLends to the rescue!!!

It has been brought to our attention that many patrons do not realize that you can access the library via the internet by using our BlogSpot account as a portal. When you go there you will see the email address as well as our online catalog. Go to www.leecountypubliclibrary.blogspot.com and on the right hand side of the blog is a link called SCLends. When you click on the link it will take you to the SCLends main catalog (16 statewide libraries!) You can browse the catalog or access your account. Once you have an account you can renew your books, change your address your e-mail or any other information we have on file.
If this is the first time you have accessed it, you will need to enter your library card and a four digit pin number. If you do not have the pin number, call the library and we can assign you one. Once you have entered the pin the main account screen appears. Click on the tab that says “Accounts Preferences” and your account information will appear. The first time you go there, click on the password field and enter your pin, then enter a password of your choice. That’s it! You are done!! (This is a good time to check that the information we have is correct.) It is hard to write up these steps in paragraph form, so if you need more help I have made a “cheat sheet” and it is available at the front desk. If you are still having a hard time, I will be offering classes on Saturdays to help you out; once you have done it a couple of times, all will become clear!
Many of our patrons do not have internet access or skills. Not to worry!! You can call or come to the library and we can search the catalog for you. You have to have your library card to place holds. But other than that there are no other requirements. Once you place a hold, a request goes to the participating library where they pull the book and send it to us. Once we get it, we scan it and an e-mail goes out to you.
Just a few random thoughts about SCLends: when you access your account to renew books, the books cannot be overdue. You will have to call to renew books that are overdue. I have asked the committee to look into this since it makes no sense to me that you can’t renew an over due, and we will probably resolve it in the future. Also, if you are wishing to place a hold on a new release book, there is a 60 day window where the home library restricts the lending. So, you can place the hold, they just won’t send it. Also, we have been pleased at the number of hold requests we get here at the library! Each week we send out 60-75 volumes that other libraries have requested – I think that speaks well of our collection; we have stuff that other people want!!