How to place HOLDS on books, CDs, DVDs?

It's easy. Go to www.forsythlibrary.org and click on the big button Search Catalog.

Under Search Library option limit your search to Forsyth County Public Library or expand your search to NC Cardinal libraries.

Type in the book title and click Search.

Locate the book that you want to read. Click on Place Hold option next to the book record. Type in your card number and your 4-digit PIN (ask us if you don't remember your PIN).

To select your pickup location drop down the menu and chose the name of the branch that you use. Click on the button that says Submit.

You will see the receipt - Hold was successfully placed. Hooray!

I don't remember my PIN. Help!

The PIN is a 4 digit number that you gave to us at the time of your library card registration.

If you do not know your pin, call any of the library branches, tell us what PIN you'd like to have, and we'll reset it right away!

Please have your library card number ready when you call.

My library card is BLOCKED! What to do?

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

If you'd like to update your library card to make it valid, 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. The update will not be immediate.

If you need to update your library card right away, you can call 336-703-3030 (or your local branch). Please have your library card number ready.

What is my PIN?

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 a PIN generated for you. Your request will be processed manually by a librarian. The respond will not be immediate.

You can call  336-703-2990 or your local branch, and a librarian will set a PIN that you prefer to have.

How to renew my materials online?

You can renew your materials online. It's easy. 

Login to My Account, press Items Checked Out, check-mark items you'd like to renew, press Go. 

You will need your valid library card number and your PIN. We can help you with your PIN. Just send us an email and include your library card number, or call 336-703-3030.

However, if the item is overdue, or if someone else has placed a request for the item, or if you have reached the renewal limit you will not be able to renew online.

How to RENEW my materials online?

You can renew your materials online. It's easy. 

Go to the library Catalog, click on My Account (top right), and login. You will need your valid library card number and your PIN. If you don't remember your PIN send us an email and include your library card number. You can also call 336-703-3030 or your local branch to reset your PIN.


You will not be able to renew online if: 

• the item is overdue 

• if someone else has placed a request for the item, or 

• if you have reached the renewal limit. 

How to access MY ACCOUNT online?

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, click on Search Catalog, then click on My Account (top right).

You can find My Account directly by pressing this link.

Login with your library card number (no spaces) and your PIN.

Items Checked Out tab will help you to view and renew your materials.

OVERDUE hotline

Have an overdue item on your library account? Please call 336-703-2990 or email us 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!

Interlibrary loan

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 for checkout. Please include your library card number.

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).

I don't see a book that I need in the Online Catalog - what to do?

You have a couple of options.

First of all please go to the Advanced search Online Catalog page, and check if the book is available at the library (don't forget to expand Search Library option all the way up to NC Cardinal). Recently we expanded the Catalog to 4.2 million items available for holds that can be delivered for free to your branch.

If you can't find a book in the online library catalog, or if the book is published recently and has age protection for placing a hold, please submit your request by emailing to Ask Your Librarian. Don't forget to provide your library card number and the name of the branch library that you'd like to use for checkout. 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 more than a year ago, please let us know (click here) the title and the author's name, and we'll submit the Interlibrary Loan request on your behalf. Don't forget to provide your library card number and the name of the branch library that you'd like to use for checkout.

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.

Can I send a fax from the library?

​Rural Hall Branch, Carver School Road Branch, and Central Library have fax machines. 

Not free. The first page is $1.75 and one dollar for any additional page.

All Branch libraries have new copy machines that you can use to SCAN documents and email to the desired address at no charge. Please, keep this option in mind.

How to join the Friends of the Library?

You can "be a friend" by joining the Friends of the Library group! Any individual may join the Friends. Contact the Central Library Friends via email.

 All Branch libraries have friends groups. Click here for the complete list of them.

How to place holds on a DVD?

We have a great selection of DVDs in the library. You can place holds on older movies (3 month old from FCPL collection, 6 month old from NC Cardinal collection) and on any nonfiction educational DVD titles.

You can also call the library and ask us to pull the DVD off the shelf and keep it on hold for you for 24 hours.

How to request an OBITUARY?

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.

Can I have my exam PROCTORED in the library?

Forsyth County Public librarians serve as proctors. Please contact a branch of your choice and ask what can you do to get your exam proctored.

Where do I sign up for the NextReads?

NextReads newsletter is the List of New Books in your library on 26 topics.

You can place holds on books in the newsletter directly from your email. Simply click on the book title and then on Place Hold option. We'll deliver the book to your home Branch library.

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

Receive notifications via email

Go paperless! 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!