Learning to manage your library account

Account FAQs

There are three easy and convenient ways to connect with Milton Public Library and manage your account (including checking the status of your account and renewing items):

  1. In-person at a service desk during library hours
  2. Online through our Catalogue
  3. Through our automated phone system, TeleCirc

 

Using TeleCirc

Using TeleCirc

TeleCirc enables you to use your touch-tone telephone to renew items and check on the status of your account. Here's how:

  1. Dial 905-875-2665 which is our regular phone number
  2. Select 6 for TeleCirc
  3. Enter your 14-digit library card number and PIN when prompted
    • Note: your PIN is usually the last four digits of your phone number
  4. Press * to stop TeleCirc, or back-up at any point
  5. Follow the prompts

TeleCirc FAQs

TeleCirc - FAQs

  1. What is TeleCirc?
    The Milton Public Library relies on two methods to notify patrons of holds and overdue items - phone and email. If you choose to receive notices by phone, you will now be receiving those messages from our automated system - TeleCirc. You can now also use your touch-tone telephone to renew items and to check on the status of your account at any time during the day.
  2. What is the phone number?
    The TeleCirc number is the regular library phone number, 905-875-2665. You access the service by selecting option "6" from the opening message. You'll be prompted to log in with your 14-digit library card number and your PIN number - so have it ready!
  3. Why does TeleCirc ask me if I want to log in?
    To protect your privacy, TeleCirc does not list the titles of the items that are either overdue or available for pickup. You are offered the opportunity to log in to your account so that you can verify exactly which items it is calling about.
  4. Where do I find my PIN number?
    Your PIN number is usually the last four digits of your phone number.
  5. Do I have to switch if I am signed up for email notification?
    If you are already signed up for email, nothing will change for you. However, you are now able to phone in to the library to check your account and to renew items if, for any reason, you can't access the Internet.
  6. Why is the library doing this now?
    This system is in place in most larger public libraries and it has many advantages to MPL patrons – especially those in rural areas without broadband access.
  7. If I don't want to listen to the entire message can I disconnect?
    You can press the star key at any time to interrupt TeleCirc and hang up your phone.
  8. TeleCirc mispronounces my name. Can this be fixed?
    Yes it can. Call in to TeleCirc and select "Account Options" and then "Customize your recorded name".
  9. If I find myself in an area I don't want to be in or listening to a long list of items - is there anything I can do?
    Pressing the star (*) key stops TeleCirc from speaking and allows you to back up at any point. If you want to log out – just keep pressing the star (*) key until TeleCirc says "Goodbye".
  10. Will this new system allow you to offer notification by text messaging?
    At the moment, this service is not available.
  11. When is TeleCirc available for dial-in access?
    TeleCirc is available for dial-in access 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
  12. If I have ten overdue items, will I get ten calls or just one?
    No matter how many items become overdue on a single day (or how many holds arrive on a single day), you will only receive one call from the Library.
  13. I'm not getting called by TeleCirc about overdue items or holds, what is going wrong?
    There are several things that could be happening. First, make sure that we have your correct phone number then staff can help you determine possible solutions.

Library Notification

Library Notification – Did You Know?

Patrons can choose to be contacted through email or our automated phone system (TeleCirc) when items are overdue, or to receive notices for items that have been placed on hold. Additionally, pre-overdue notices will also be sent through email. Please ask us if you have any questions, and we can assist you.

When an item you have placed on hold becomes available, you will receive a telephone call from TeleCirc, unless you have registered for the email notification service.

Please return your borrowed items on or before the due date (by midnight) to avoid late fees. Patrons can elect to receive an email reminder notice of items coming due. While we offer this service for your convenience, it is your responsibility to monitor due dates and return materials promptly.

Note: failure to receive the email reminder will not result in fines being waived.

Email Notification FAQs

Email Notification FAQs

  1. Why would I want to use email to get my hold notices?
    Your hold notice will go directly to your email address - unlike a phone message that can get erased or not relayed. You will also be given the title of the item available. We would not leave the title of a book with a family member or on voice mail because of privacy concerns.
  2. Will I still get a telephone notification?
    Unfortunately not. If you choose the email option that is the only way you will receive your notices.
  3. I'm not a big user of my email. Is this something I should pass on?
    If you don't check your email a couple of times a week, this service may not be for you. We hold your items for seven days. If they are not picked up because you didn't check your email, they go back on the shelf or to the next person on the holds list. If you've been waiting a long time for a title, this would be very disappointing.
  4. Are there any set-up issues I should know about?
    There are two common problems to keep in mind. First, your home firewall and/or email software may block messages that are sent in bulk - as these notices will be. It may think that it is junk mail. If this happens you, you will need to configure your software to allow us through. Email messages from the library will have the subject heading "Message from the Milton Public Library" and will have been sent from the email address This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. And lastly, keep us up to date when you change your email provider.
  5. How do I register for email notification of my holds?
    Call the Circulation Desk at (905) 875-2665 or come into the Library and register at the Circulation Desk to begin receiving your notices by email. There are changes that need be made in your record that only staff can do. If your email address changes after this initial setup, you can update your record yourself.
  6. I've changed email providers a number of times. Can I change my own email address without coming into the Library?
    You certainly can. Go into the catalogue from the Library's home page and change your present email address or enter one for the first time. For registered users of the email notification service, this will update your email address. Please note that first-time users of the email notification service must call the Circulation Desk or come into the Library and register at the Circulation Desk to begin receiving notices by email.