Ask Your Librarian

Can I return e-downloads before due date?

2011-07-25T08:54:00.000-07:00

Q: Is there a way to remove items on digital loan after they have been read instead of waiting for them to expire?

A: Audiobooks must expire, but they do so quickly in only 7 days (you can keep them longer on an MP3 player.)

For eBooks, you must download to Adobe Digital Editions on your PC then you can return them early. Just hover over the book cover and you’ll see an arrow pointing to the top left corner. Click it and you’ll see Return Borrowed Item. That removes it immediately from your My Items on Digital Loan list.

If you’re using the OverDrive mobile app, ebooks can be returned early by clicking the symbol to the left beside the title on the My Items on Digital Loan list.

Kindle

2011-06-30T19:11:00.000-07:00

Q: Can we "check out books" using our Kindles?

A: Kindle Owners: The time has finally come! Your eReaders are compatible with free downloadable ebooks from the Library! Please refer to this webpage for more information and instructions - http://www.forsyth.cc/library/?StoryID=17093
.

How to put an eReader on hold?

2011-03-17T12:15:00.000-07:00

Q: "Is there a way to reserve or put a hold on the e-readers? I'd be interested in trying both Nook and Sony".

A: The Library now has eReaders for check out! Please stop by or call your local branch to place hold on a book reader. For the list of all library locations and phone numbers please visit this link: http://www.forsyth.cc/library/locations.aspx or email forsythlibrary@gmail.com and ask your librarian.

Any resources online to learn Italian?

2011-01-07T16:04:00.000-08:00

Q: "Do you have anything that could help me learn Italian?"

A: We do! We have Mango Languages - new database that can help you lean different languages (up to 29!). It’s the fun and effective way for travelers of all kinds to learn to speak a foreign language. To access Mango please go to Online Resource page, scroll down and click on Mango Languages. Sign in with your valid library card, and sign up for Mango Languages with your email and the password of your choice.

Start using Mango and let me know how you like it!

Are your audio books available for Apple's Mac computers?

2010-10-28T06:16:00.000-07:00

Q: "Hi, I have a MAC computer. I love your digital library, but I noticed that the audio books are not available for Apple's Mac computers. Why are they not offered for the MAC?"

A: The only audiobook format that will pass through to your MAC is MP3. (The W in WMA stands for Windows.) So, if you install the OverDrive Media Console for Mac, then you can check out MP3 format audiobooks.

Using the Advanced search on the North Carolina Digital Library home page, you can select by format, and even click the checkbox at the bottom to see what’s available right that minute.

OverDrive just held a training month event for libraries and they said that Apple products would soon be providing more access to the licensing software that these digital books use. I can’t wait until that happens!

My library card is expired! What to do?

2009-10-18T13:52:00.000-07:00

We update library cards every year to keep the information current.

If you'd like to update your library card - please fill out renewal form on the website or follow this link http://www.forsyth.cc/library/update_card.aspx. We'll be glad to update your library card via email.

You can also stop by or call 703-3030 (or your local branch) to update your card.

What is my current NCLIVE password?

2009-10-17T14:51:00.000-07:00

Your valid Forsyth County Public Library card number (no spaces between digits) is your NC password. Email me if you have any questions.

Overdue hotline !!

2009-10-15T16:52:00.000-07:00

Have an overdue item on your library account? Please email me your library card number and the book title - I'll be glad to renew them for you. Keep in mind - you can renew your items online before the date due. Can't keep up with due dates? Use Library Elf!

What is my PIN?

2009-07-27T06:18:00.000-07:00

Your PIN helps to access your library account online. With PIN you can place holds on books, delete your holds, and renew your materials online. Please click here to receive your PIN. You also can call circulation desk 336-703-3030 at Central library or your local branch to obtain your PIN.

How to access My Account online?

2009-06-26T06:12:00.000-07:00

You can access your account online to see what you have checked out and to renew your materials. Go to the library homepage www.forsythlibrary.org, then click on Search Catalog, then click on Revew and Renew My Materials (top right). You can sign in using your library card number (no spaces) and your PIN number. Hope it helps!

Is it possible to "borrow" e-books from the library to read on a Kindle?

2009-06-25T10:10:00.000-07:00

Kindle is a book reader device. It allows you to read your books via a 6″ display screen on the device. You can download book through a wireless connection.

Unfortunately, North Carolina Digital Library audiobooks are DRM (digital rights management)-protected. That’s a publisher’s requirement for the privilege of borrowing rights for libraries. You might find that WMA or MP3 formats are supported, but not if they include digital rights management protection.

But, things change sometimes quickly. Within the last year, iPods became compatible with only MP3 format, and now they’ve enhanced the OverDrive Media Console to make them compatible with our WMA titles as well! Hang in there. Much depends on the contracts with publishers and how they allow the book to be shared. Thanks for the message. Keep listening, and more importantly, keep enjoying!

MultiSearch doesn't work - what to do?

2009-06-24T13:35:00.000-07:00

MultiSearch makes it possible to search our online catalog and many of the subscription databases at the same time.

For MultiSearch to work properly, you probably need to delete your computer’s cache and enable cookies to be set. Here’s how to do that in Internet Explorer:

1) Under the Tools menu, select Internet Options.
2) Under the General tab, see Browsing History and use the Delete button to clear out the memory of old files.
3) Under the Privacy tab, the setting must be at Medium or lower for MultiSearch to show you results.

If you use a different browser, just remember to clear out old internet files and history, and then make sure your settings allow cookies.

Give MultiSearch a try!

Where do I sign up for the NextReads?

2009-06-19T07:24:00.000-07:00

NextReads newsletter is the list of new books in your library delivered by email along with the book suggestions on 26 topics. You can immediately check whether the item is available by clicking on 'Check Your Library Catalog' link. If the book is checked out - you can place hold on the book.

To get started, click here, check-mark your favorite topics, and sign up with your email address. Newsletters will come to you monthly or quarterly. Happy reading!

Receive notifications via email

2009-06-09T11:31:00.000-07:00

Hate automated phone calls?
Let us know what your email address is, and we'll be glad to send your library card notifications via email. We'll also let you know when your library card is about to expire. You can renew your card via email without losing your library privileges even for a day!

What is NCLIVE?

2009-05-12T19:47:00.000-07:00

NCLIVE database offers statewide access to a rich array of electronic information including online access to award winning videos, complete articles from over 16,000 newspapers, journals, magazines, and encyclopedias, and access to over 25,000 online books. You can find the link to NCLIVE here. To access NCLIVE your need current password. Email me if you need the password.

How to place holds on books?

2009-03-16T06:50:00.000-07:00

It's easy. Go to http://www.forsyth.cc/library/default.aspx and click on the big button Search Catalog on the right side of the screen. Type in the book title and click Search. Look on the screen and locate the book that you want to read. Click on the blue line with the book title to see the full record. If you are happy with what you see - click on the button on left that says Place Hold. Type in your card number and your PIN (ask me if you don't remember your PIN) . You need to select your pickup location. Drop down the menu Pick up at and then chose the name of the branch that you use. Don't worry about the Expiration Date option. Click on the blue button that says Place Hold. You will see the receipt - you hold was placed successfully. Hooray!

How to reach local unemployment security office?

2009-03-14T07:03:00.000-07:00

The new address for the local Employment Security Commission office is 450 W Hanes Mill Rd. Suite 101 (off University Parkway, across from Hanes Mill Hosery, Skyworks). The phone number: (336) 776-6720. You can also check ESC website.

How to renew my materials online?

2009-03-11T05:45:00.000-07:00

You can renew your materials online. It's easy. Go to the library Catalog page, click on Review and Renew My Materials (top line on the right), and follow instructions. You will need your valid library card number and your PIN. I can help you with your PIN if you don't remember it. Just send me an email.

How to get Interlibrary loan?

2009-03-09T07:42:00.000-07:00

Don't see a book that you'd like to read in the library catalog? We can help with Interlibrary loan! Forsyth County Public library works in cooperation with other libraries nationwide in obtaining the requested material. Just send your librarian the title of the book, and let us know what branch library you prefer to use.

You have to be 18 years old and have a valid library card. Your are limited to 3 active requests at any given time. You must have library account in good standing with no overdue materials or fines. Please, allow 2-3 weeks to receive the material. Interlibrary service is free unless the lending institution imposes a fee.

We can NOT request reference and audiovisual materials, and high-demand new books (less than one year old).

How to request an obituary?

2009-03-08T13:01:00.000-07:00

We can help with the obituary search in Winston-Salem Journal. We have Winston-Salem Journal on microfilm since 1898. Please, send us the name and the date, or as much information as you know. We'll reply to you with the electronic file - a scan of the obituary attached to the email at no charge. If we have to mail a hard copy, the charge is $ .15 per copy, plus $1.00 for shipping and handling.

I don't see a book in the catalog - what to do?

2009-02-28T09:45:00.000-08:00

You have a couple of options.

If the book is published recently, please go to the Online Catalog page (http://vega.co.forsyth.nc.us/) and click on Purchase Request. Submit your request by filling out the short online form. If the book has good reviews we'll buy it for the library collection and place a hold for you.

If the book was published a while ago, please let me know (click here) the title and the author's name, and I will submit the Interlibrary Loan request on your behalf. Both options are free for you as a library user. You might also like to check downloadable audio service and see if the book is available to download.

I can't place holds on DVDs - why?

2009-02-27T03:19:00.000-08:00

We have a great selection of DVDs in the library, but you can only place holds on nonfiction educational DVD titles. If the DVD is not nonfiction educational, you need to come to the library to check it out. You can call the library and ask us to pull the DVD off the shelf and keep it on hold for you till the end of the day.

Can I download audiobooks to my Mac?

2009-02-10T10:26:00.000-08:00

Our collection of audiobooks from OverDrive and the North Carolina Digital Library has expanded to Mac users. As of June 2009, you can install the OverDrive Media Console on your Mac and have access to audiobooks from the library website. This version also enables the WMA-format audiobooks to be played on iPods as well as MP3 players. The collection is still expanding into all available formats. Right now, only titles designated as MP3 format will play through your Mac computer. Keep checking for more variety, and keep listening!

How to join the Friends of the Library?

2009-02-09T09:47:00.000-08:00

You can "be a friend" by joining the Friends of the Central Library group! Any individual may join the Friends. Contact the Central Library Friends via email. All the other branches also have friends groups. Click here for the complete list of them.

Can I have my exam proctored in the library?

2009-02-08T17:25:00.000-08:00

If you'd like to have the exams proctored at the Central Library and if your exams are to be taken online, you'll need to call Linda Sparks at the Central Library, 703-3005.

The librarians in the Business/Science Department at the Central Library can proctor paper exams. The exams can be emailed or mailed to us and we can send the completed exams back to the school. If you need a quiet room to take your tests you will need to call our Administrative Office at 703-3013 to reserve Room 204. If there are forms that the proctors need to fill out for your school prior to proctoring your exams, please have the school send those to us.

Any of the four librarians in the Business/Science Department can proctor your exams. Please call at 703-3020 and we can answer any other questions you have.

If it is more convenient for you to have the exams proctored at one of our other branches you'll need to call that branch to learn the specifics. Click here for the list of all the branches and their phone numbers.