From any computer…

Go to the LAPL home page by typing www.lapl.org In the address box or by clicking on this link.    

CLICK ON CATALOG.  Next, choose to Search the Catalog in either English or Spanish.  

The next screen shows Search Types.

Select the Search Type you want by clicking on the upside-down triangle next to the box reading Keyword.

Types of searches:  

1. Choose Keyword Search if you are unsure of the exact title, subject or author.  For example, if you want a book on dog training, type the words dog training in the box.

2. Choose Title Browse Search if you know the EXACT title of the book, including punctuation.   DO NOT TYPE BEGINNING ARTICLES SUCH AS: A, AN, or THE.

3. Choose Author Search if you would like to see all books by an author which are available in the catalog.  You can type the name with either last or first name appearing first.

Click on Search

You will see a list of titles.  To see more about a particular book or to place a hold on the book, click on the title.  You will see a list of the libraries which have the book and whether or not it is checked out.

Placing a Hold

If the item is checked out, or at a different library, you can reserve it by clicking on the Place Hold button on the left side of the screen.  On the next screen, type in your 14 digit library card number (omitting spaces) and your 5 digit zip code, then click Enter. 

On the next screen, click in the circle next to the name of the branch where you wish to pick up the item.  Select “Studio City” if you want to pick up the item at the Studio City branch.  You will be notified by phone when the item may be picked up.

You will see the message Hold Placed.  If you get the message, Hold Not Placed, there should be an explanation as to why the hold could not be placed.  If not, call your local librarian at the Reference Desk, for assistance. 

To see information about your holds, your place in the holds list and to cancel a hold, click on the View Your Library Record button.  If you wish to cancel a Hold,  click on “ Holds” and select the specific title you wish to cancel.

You have now placed a hold on a book.  Now either Return to the Catalog, start a New Search or return to the Main Menu. 

Gerri McCammon, Adult Librarian