Frequently Asked Questions
1. I forgot my pin number. How can I retrieve it and/or reset it?
1. I forgot my pin number. How can I retrieve it and/or reset it?
You can try the following steps the Pontiac Public Library uses when setting a pin number for a new library card:
a. The default pin number for patrons that got their library card in the last 2.5 years is the month and day they were born in a four digit format (mmdd). For example, if someone is born on January 1, 1975, his/her pin number will be 0101.
b. The default pin number given by the system is 1234.
c. If none of the above solutions works, you will have to come into the library, go to the circulation desk, and show the staff your library card and state id. They will then be able to retrieve your pin number and change it if you would like it changed.
2. How do I renew books online?
2. How do I renew books online?
In order to renew books online, please follow the steps below:
a. Type in (or click on): http://pontiac.lib.mi.us.
b. Click the “Online Catalog” tab.
c. Go to “Please select your library from the dropdown box below” and select Pontiac Public Library.
d. Click “My Account”.
e. Click “Renew materials and Review my account”.
f. Type in your library Card Number and Pin number in the boxes provided.
g. Click “Display user information.”
h. Check the box next to the item you want to renew.
i. Click “Renew selected items”.
j. If the item has a hold by another patron placed on it or you have renewed it too many times, the system will not allow you to renew it.
k. If you wish to cancel a hold, choose the “cancel” option.
l. If the item hold is placed through MeLCat, it is preferable to renew it there as well. Click on “MelCat”, on the left side of the library catalog Home page and then click “continue” or go to (or click on): http://mel.org/melcat.
m. Click on “MyMeLCat” in the middle of the page and then choose your library from the list.
n. Sign in using your name and your library card number where indicated.
o. Click on your requests link (link example: “2 requests (holds)”).
p. Check the box on the left of the hold you wish to renew and click on “renew”.
q. If you wish to cancel a hold, choose the “cancel” option.
r. If you have any trouble renewing your items, we can assist you by phone or in person.
3. Why can’t I place an order on MEL?
3. Why can’t I place an order on MEL?
Please note the following:
a. If you attempt to place a hold the same day you get your new card, MEL will reject the request. You will have to wait until the next day. This happens because MEL uploads new patron records every night.
b. The number on your library card is shown with spaces. When you enter your library card number to place the hold, make sure that there are no spaces between the digits.
c. If after doing the above you still have a problem placing a hold on MEL, please talk to a staff member.
4. How long is my hold going to be kept at the Pontiac Public Library?
4. How long is my hold going to be kept at the Pontiac Public Library?
We keep the holds for 7 days. After the 7 days, the item is returned to its home library.
5. How do I request information about an article or an obituary?
5. How do I request information about an article or an obituary?
Please note the following:
a. For an article, please provide the date and the subject of the article
b. For an obituary, please provide the name of the deceased and the date of death.
c. The usual turn around time is 2 weeks, but it can take longer if we receive many requests at the time of your request or the article/obituary is very old. You will be notified when the retrieval of your requested information is completed. A charge of $3.00 is applied to each request. This amount must be paid prior or upon the delivery of your information. If you want your information to be mailed to you, please provide us with a self-addressed, stamped envelope along with your payment.