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DC Public Library is excited to announce the upcoming launch of our new online catalog! On April 16, 2025 the library will transition from our current cataloging system to a new catalog with enhanced features, easier navigability and a better, more efficient experience for patrons. Find your story in the new DC Public Library online catalog.
Service Alert
April 21, 2025, 9 a.m.
Welcome to the new online catalog! Please note that your saved lists (My Lists) will carry over to this new catalog, however they will not be available immediately for access. It could take up to two weeks for you to see your lists reflected in your account.
Discover the New Catalog
The library is excited to introduce a new online catalog that will enhance the experience for both patrons and staff. In addition to the familiar features you already love—such as tracking your reading+ history, keeping your current holds (even if frozen), and creating personalized reading lists—this updated system will make it easier than ever to save time, discover new materials, and engage with your local library. These improvements reflect our ongoing dedication to providing you with the best possible service and access to our resources.
Some new features we’re particularly excited about include:
Material Type Rollups
Find every version of what you’re looking for in one place! Now, a single search will result in one listing that combines formats and editions in one rollup. Simply select the tab for the format you would like and place your hold.
Saved Searches
We all love building our reading lists, but now go one step further and build a saved search! With Saved Search, store a specific search query within your account to easily access the same search results later without having to re-enter the criteria. Essentially, you can create a personalized list of items that match your saved search parameters – extra useful for keeping track of new books by your favorite author or a specific topic!
My Bookshelf
You'll still have My Account, but get event faster access to your account information - like your bookmarks & lists, holds, checkouts, reading history and profile information - in the My Bookshelf bar at the bottom of the catalog.
Behind the scenes, the new software will also improve library operations, streamlining tasks like cataloging, acquisitions, and managing patron records. Transitioning to this system involves a significant investment and the hard work of our dedicated staff and it underscores our commitment to supporting our community. We’re excited about this upgrade and look forward to providing an even better library experience for everyone.
Two Day Offline Period to Prepare
To accommodate the transition, our current online catalog will experience a two-day offline period on Apr. 14 and 15, 2025. While you may browse our collection online, including in the DC Public Library app, you will not be able to place holds on physical materials. However, if you would like to visit one of our branches in-person to check something out, a staff member will be ready and willing to help! This offline period will only affect physical materials and NOT our online resources such as Libby/Overdrive, Freegal Music+, PressReader, etc.
Additional service details in anticipation of the catalog transition
- Any materials checked out after March 24 will have an extended loan period of 4 weeks (you’ll have 28 days rather than the typical 21).
- During the offline period, you will not be able to access “My Account” and the associated features. For more information on how this transition will affect Reading History and My Lists, please visit our FAQ.
Post-Launch Details and FAQ
We are so excited for you to experience the new online catalog and find your story at DC Public Library. Below you’ll find some frequently asked questions about what to expect both during the offline period on April 14 and 15 and after the new catalog goes live on April 16. For continued updates, please revisit this webpage!
Offline Period FAQ
I have a loan due during the offline period, will I be able to return it?
Yes! However, all loans due during the offline period will have an automatic extra week extension (you’ll have 28 days on your loan rather than the typical 21).
Can I check out materials during the offline period?
Absolutely! However, you will need to visit the library in-person to check out physical materials. You will not be able to place a hold on physical materials via the online catalog. Digital materials such as eBooks and eAudiobooks will be available for checkout through OverDrive/Libby during the offline period.
Will I be able to access online resources such as OverDrive/Libby, Mango, or PressReader?
Yes! All of our online resources, found on our Research & Learn page, will be available for use during the offline period.
Will I be able to register for a library card online during the offline period?
Yes, you will still be able to register for a library card via our online Get a Card form during the offline period.
New Catalog FAQ
Will I still be able to access my checkout history in the new system?
If you have opted in to save your checkout history in your current account, your checkout history will carry over to the new catalog system. If you have not opted in to save your checkout history but would like to, please visit My Account and find the opt-in button located under “Account Information > Preferences”.
Similarly, will My Lists still be available to me?
The book lists you have created via My Lists will carry over to the new system. However, there are two things to consider:
- Items that are accessed via OverDrive/Libby (this includes eBooks, eAudiobooks, and eMagazines) will not carry over on your lists. All other material formats will.
- Your lists will not be available immediately for access. It could take up to two weeks for you to see your lists reflected in your account.
With this in mind, we recommend saving your lists externally as a precaution. To do so, please log in via My Account and select “My Lists” in the dark gray utility bar (located next to “My Account”). Next, select the list you would like to export and choose “Select All” at the top of the list. Then use the “Actions” dropdown to select either “Email this to me” or “Print”. Repeat for each desired list.
Will this transition affect the DC Public Library App?
No. You may notice a slightly updated look and feel in the DC Public Library app, however this transition will not affect the functionality of the app and you will NOT have to download a new app. Don't have the DC Public Library app? Download it now!
Will this transition affect new materials being added to the catalog?
To accommodate the transition of data from one system to another, there will be a delay in new physical materials being added to our collections. However, if you are interested in finding a newer title, we recommend checking our digital collection on OverDrive/Libby. While you may experience longer hold periods for the latest physical and digital materials, we invite you to browse the abundant collections of what is available on library shelves.
If you subscribe to the Wowbrary newsletter, you may notice this lull reflected in their highlighted titles. We appreciate your patience as we get the new catalog up and running!
How do I access my holds, checkouts, etc.?
To access your holds, checkouts, personal information and more in the new system, please log into My Account at the top of our website using your DC Public Library card number and 4 digit PIN. Once you are logged in, you can access your information one of two ways:
- Click on your name in the dark gray utility bar (located next to “Search”). A box will expand where your checkouts, holds, fines/fees, home library, and library card expiration date will show. To access and edit your personal information such as address, preferred pickup location, passcode and other preferences, click on your name. To access your checkouts, holds, and fines, click on the corresponding item in this expanded box.
- At the bottom of the page, us the “My Bookshelf” tab in the charcoal colored bar to open your account information including: checkouts, holds, fines/fees, and profile information (including address, preferred pickup location, passcode and other preferences). Here you’ll also notice access to My Lists & Bookmarks, Saved Searches, and Reading History!