Late last year, PrairieCat, launched a library app available to interested PrairieCat members. In this digital age, did we really have a choice but to jump on the bandwagon!? No. We’re so glad we did though! (This is probably the only time Emily is happy to have been a band wagoner.) It’s been a few months that the app has been an available feature here, so some of you may already be familiar with it. However, I hope you stick around and read this because you may learn something new!
First and foremost, my most favorite feature of the app is that I have my library card with me at all times and it isn’t on my clunky car keys! Once you’ve downloaded the app, chosen Peru Library from the drop-down list, and added your account (If you need help with this, check out this video) you can access your library card by clicking on the small card icon in the bottom green band! Most of us don’t go anywhere without our smartphones anymore and this allows you to never worry about where your library card is again. Say goodbye to that anxiety when you walk in our front door or when it’s time to renew your account. It’s with you all the time now!
The app has a number of handy features. For anyone that isn’t already a cardholder, you can apply for a Peru library card right on the app! Just fill out the information, upload a photo of your picture ID (NOT a selfie, sorry!) and a photo of a utility bill with your Peru address, and submit. We’ll respond with a confirmation and tell you what your next steps are to obtain your card. You can also renew your library card in this same way! Here’s another helpful video for you showing the process.
You can manage your account in the app. This means you can place holds, freeze holds, cancel holds that aren’t already in-transit, pay your overdue fines (Hey, we all do it. It’s okay!), even access other linked cardholders’ cards for quick and seamless hold pick-ups. You can find our contact information in the Library Information section or by touching the speech bubble in the green band at the bottom. No need to google us and accidentally call Indiana! (Yes, it happens.) If you don’t already follow us on social media, you can find all of our socials on the connect with us section.
Our PrairieCat catalog is searchable through the app in the Search the Catalog feature or by selecting the magnifying glass in the bottom navigation bar. You’re already logged in so you can place the hold right there without having to worry about remembering your card number and pin as you do with the website. You can also access our event calendar and digital collections from the app. This means the Tumble Book Library is always at your fingertips!
If you need help don’t hesitate to call! I will be happy to troubleshoot with you or show you the ins and outs of using this new library feature. Emily