Frequently Asked Questions
Collection
Because technology is changing and there are so many streaming and downloadable options, we won’t be adding any more music CDs to our collection.
We've moved them to storage to make room for more of our popular collections. But don't worry—you can still place holds on CDs from our catalog
Account
1. Place items on hold using the online library catalog, www.slolibrary.org Click on the Search the Catalog button and place requests.
2. If you need assistance, please call the library to speak to a staff person. Have your library card number ready.
3. You may place up to 20 holds.
4. When you receive notification that your hold is ready for pickup, visit your selected library to pick up your requests.
You can change the pick-up location to any of our 14 branches in your account online. Go to your holds list and check the box by the items you wish to change the pickup location for, then click the Change Pickup Location button.
You will receive an email, text or phone notification based on the preference selected in your account.
Yes. Please bring the library card of the person who requested the hold items and you can pick up their items.
We encourage you to contact library staff before paying fines on your account.
We will always send an item back to its owning library, even after we leave the Black Gold Cooperative Library System in July. Please note that it will stay on your account until it’s checked in at the owning library.
Yes—You’ll find your digital card (barcode) in two different places:
- In your online account when you sign into My Account from SLOLibrary.org
- In the Library’s mobile app, myLIBRO
You may still be signed into the Black Gold side. You'll need to add your SLO Libraries card to Libby. Here's how:
- Tap the icon with the three lines at the bottom of Libby and select Add Library.
- Enter your zip code
- TapCounty of San Luis Obispo Public Libraries
- Tap Sign In With My Card
- Enter your library card number
- TapSign In
- TapNext
- Tap the Book iconto go to loans and holds
Some patron holds were affected during our updates. This was unexpected. If you notice something’s not right, please let us know so we can help you manage your holds. If the title you want to place a hold on isn't available, please submit a suggestion for purchase online or recommend it in the OverDrive app. We’ll do our best to get you your eBook or audiobook!
If you have anything borrowed from Black Gold on Libby, it will stay there until you've returned the book. It should automatically disappear when you've added your County of SLO Public Libraries card and viewed your account or checked something out. We don't recommend uninstalling/reinstalling the app—That might erase certain tags, lists, or histories.
You can also remove the Black Gold card. Click or tap on the 3 lines at the bottom of the app. Underneath YOUR LIBRARIES you'll see Add Library and 1 Card+, both in red. Click or tap on 1 Card+ to see all your library cards. Choose Black Gold. On the image of the Black Gold card, you’ll see ACTIONS. Click or tap ACTIONS for more options.
Services
Some public computers are available at each library. Computers are spaced 6 feet apart, and computer sessions are limited to a one-hour session per day. Mobile printing is available. Chromebooks, Wi-Fi hotspots, and Launchpads are available for checkout.
Library staff are following State and County guidelines to ensure safety by maintaining separate workspaces, sanitizing workstations, and wearing masks . The spaces inside the libraries have been adjusted to accommodate distancing; furniture will be arranged with safety in mind.
We are not able to guarantee the safety of shared library materials. During this time, it is recommended that you consult the CDC guidelines on how to protect yourself from exposure to COVID-19, and use our Digital Library if you have any concerns.
Please check with your local branch.
After many years of proposing to Black Gold various alternatives in sharing costs more equitably, our requests were always denied. We have the resources, staffing, and funding to better provide for our patrons without relying on Black Gold.
We hope you will find what you are looking for in our collections. If you do not, please let us know what you are looking for either via suggest a title, through an email at Ask A Librarian, in person, or via telephone. We want to hear what you’re looking for! We may also be able to help you find existing items in our collection that meet your needs.
Yes. You will still have access to all of our digital platforms. Since we will no longer share Libby with other patrons in Black Gold, for example, you may see that you will not need to wait as long for your item.
If your library card number begins with the digits 2206300 you will not need a new card. If your library card begins with a set of numbers other than these, you will need a new library card. Please contact library staff for assistance.