Show All Answers

1. Logging in the Library Catalog

To use some features, you identify yourself by logging in. You log in by typing in your library barcode number and your password. Your password is what your PIN was in the old catalog. If you recently applied for a library card, your password is the last four digits of your phone number. You log in only once, and you remained logged in until you log out or until there has been 3 minutes of inactivity on the screen. Follow these steps to log in for your entire session: 1. Click Log In in the My Account menu. The log-in form is displayed. 2. Type your barcode number (from your library card) in the Barcode Number box. 3. Type your account password in the Password box. 4. Click Log In. Your name and the Log Out link are displayed on the left side of the page when you are logged in. 5. Log out by doing one of the following: • Click the Log Out link at the bottom of the account page, if you are viewing information in your library account • Click Log Out in the My Account menu • Click Log Out on the left hand side of the screen Important: Logging out protects your privacy. If you are using the online catalog in the library, be sure to log out.

My Account

2. Can my child get a library card?

A parent or legal guardian is required to sign for juvenile borrowers under the age of 18 years. This acknowledges the parent or guardian's responsibility for loss or damage of materials and overdue charges on materials loaned to the child.

Library Cards

3. How do I get a library card?

Click on following link for details: Library Cards

4. Can’t remember your library card number? Set up a username!

Want to place holds or access your account without having to remember your library card number?  Now you can!  Setting up a username is easy and can be done from the comfort of home.

• A username may be used to log into your account in place of using your barcode number.
• Create a username by logging into your account, selecting “My Record,” and then clicking on “Change Logon.”
• Once you create a username, the system will send you an email confirming the change.
• Your username can be used interchangeably with your library card number to log into your account.
• Your username will NOT work for logging into OverDrive or Libby.

Please contact the Circulation Desk at 262-782-4140 Opt. 3 with any questions.

My Account

5. Can I pay for my Library fines online?

If you owe fines of $5.00 or more, you can pay online with a credit card. Just log into MY ACCOUNT and click on “Pay Fines Now!” This option only appears if you owe $5.00 or more. A 5% service fee applies.

6. How can I renew items?

You may renew items in person, over the phone at 262-782-4140 Opt. 3 or click on the My Account link below. All circulating materials may be renewed three times. Items with holds on them, items previously renewed three times, interlibrary loan items, Explore Passes and items from the browsing collection may NOT be renewed.

My Account

7. What is pre-overdue email notification?

Provide the Library your email address to receive emails reminding you of upcoming due dates for materials checked out at the Brookfield Public Library. Email notices will be sent three days prior to when a material is due. You may sign up for this service in person at the Circulation Desk, over the phone at 262-782-4140 Opt. 3 or click on pre-overdue email notification sign up link below. Reminder notices are sent as a courtesy. Failure to receive a notice does not remove your responsibility to return items promptly and pay fines.
Pre-overdue Email Notification Sign up

8. Can I place a hold on an item that is checked out?

You may call the Library at 262-782-4140 Opt. 1 or use the online catalog on the web. All circulating materials except items from the browsing collection can be placed on hold. Patrons are notified for available holds and overdues by an automated phone system. Holds

9. How long can I keep an item?

Click on the following link for details:

Loan Periods

10. I’m going on vacation and don’t want you to call about my book while I am gone. What can I do?

You can place your holds on suspension. To suspend or reactivate requests, and specify the date to reactivate them: Select the check box by the title for each request that you want to suspend or reactivate, and click Suspend/Reactivate Selected Requests (or click Suspend/Reactivate All Requests to suspend or reactivate all your requests). The Suspend/Reactivate Hold Requests dialog box appears. Type the date when suspended requests should be reactivated, or type today’s date to reactivate an inactive request. Type the date in the format mm/dd/year (for example, 3/05/2015 for March 5, 2015). Click Submit.. You can use this feature when you place a hold, or modify an existing hold. You may call the Library at 262-782-4140 (option 1) or use the Online Catalog and My Account on the web. Holds

11. How do I get a replacement for a lost card?

Please let the Library know as soon as you lose your card. After you verify your address, you will be issued a new card.

12. If I forget my library card can I still check out materials?

Yes, if you show proper photo ID with your current address (driver’s license, check book or currently postmarked bill). If fines exceed the $10.00 threshold, this matter must be resolved before you can check out materials.

13. I have a business/work in Brookfield. Can I get a library card?

Click on the following link for details:

Library Cards

14. What is self check?

Self check allows users to check out their own materials, provides immediate delivery of service without waiting in lines for assisted checkout, and provides another option for library users to “get in and out quickly” while preserving their privacy. All materials except items on hold can be checked out at one of two self check workstations located in the Library.

15. What is CAFE?

CAFE stands for Catalog Access For Everyone. This term was coined to describe the group of cooperating libraries who joined together to share resources in an effort to provide better and more comprehensive service while reducing the cost of operation to local taxpayers.
The group began in 2003 when the Brookfield Public Library arranged to share the Waukesha Public Library's newly upgraded computer system. Since then all the other public libraries in Waukesha and Jefferson County have joined the group. The combined database of these libraries now contains more than 800,000 titles, 2.4 million items and 313,000 registered borrowers. CAFE Libraries

16. Can I use my card at other libraries?

Your CAFE library card may be used at any CAFE member library. All public libraries in Waukesha and Jefferson County are CAFE members libraries. Questions? Call the Circulation Desk (262) 782-4140 Opt. 3 for more information.