Technology FAQs

  • General Questions

    To activate, or register, your library card for use with the library's catalog, click or touch the blue and white Log In/My ELPL button located in the top right corner of every page of elpl.org:

    Log In to your library account by clicking/touching this button.

    A drop-down menu will appear.  Click or touch the green and white Log In/Register button:

    A login page will appear.  In the Username or Library Card Number field, enter your entire 14 digit library card number, with no spaces.
    In the PIN or Password field enter your PIN.  If you have not been assigned a PIN call the Service Desk at 517-351-2420 or Contact the Library to create a PIN.

    login_dialog

    After you successfully log in the system will walk you through a few more steps, including:

    • Creating a username 
    • Confirming your email address and date of birth
    • Determining if you would like to keep track of your reading history

    Once those steps are finished you will be taken to Your Library Dashboard, where you can:

    • View and renew checked out items
    • View and manage holds
    • Submit a Suggestion for items not owned by the library
    • Create Lists of library items for yourself or to share with others
    • Add items to your Completed, In Progress, and For Later shelves to help you keep track of what you've checked out and what you would like to check out.

    If you are able to log in to your library account you can change your PIN/password from Your Library Dashboard.  From the Dashboard, click or touch the Settings icon:

    Settings icon located in the Library Dashboard

    From the settings page you can update your:

    • Email address
    • Username
    • PIN/Password
    • Saved Searches
    • Suggested Purchases
    • Community Content Defaults
    • Borrowing History
    • Shelves settings
    • Feeds settings
    • Ignored Users
    • Child Account Permissions
    • Community Credits

    If you are not able to log in to your library account you can reset your PIN/Password online as long as there is a valid email address in your library account.  To reset online:

    1.  Click or touch the blue and white Log In/My ELPL button located in the top right hand corner of any page of elpl.org:

    Log In to your library account by clicking/touching this button.

    2.  Click or touch the green and white Log In/Register button:

    3.  A Log In page will appear.  Click or touch the Forgot your PIN or Password? link and follow the prompts:

    PIN/Password reset form on elpl.org

    If you have never created a PIN and don't have an email address in your library account, call the Service Desk at 517-351-2420 or Contact the Library for technical assistance via email.  During open hours we can reset your PIN/Password.

    You can search the library's catalog from any page of elpl.org.  At the top of every page, look for a magnifying glass near the top right:

    Magnifying glass icon for library catalog search

    Click (or touch if you are using a touchscreen) the icon and a catalog search box will appear:

    Catalog search box on elpl.org

    Click the drop down menus to change where you are searching (catalog, FAQs, website) and how you are searching (keyword, title, series, author, etc.).

    Kanopy Film Streaming ServiceKanopy is an on-demand film streaming service available to ELPL cardholders. Stream films from your computer, television, mobile device or platform by downloading the Kanopy app for iOS, Android, AppleTV, Chromecast or Roku.  And just like ELPL's other digital collections, there are no late fees - when the lending period ends titles are automatically removed from your device.

    Here's how to get started:

    1.  Visit Kanopy's website, opens a new window and click the Sign-Up button, located in the top right hand corner of the page.  If you are using a mobile device first download the Kanopy app and then create an account from within the app.
    2. Provide your name, email address, and create a password.  This email/password combination will be used to authenticate you as a Kanopy user on any computer or device you use to access Kanopy content.
    3. After creating your account you will need to check your email account for an email from Kanopy to finish activating your account.
    4. After clicking the activation link in your email from Kanopy you will be asked to enter your 14 digit library card number.  This will connect your Kanopy account to your East Lansing Public Library account.
    5. After connecting your accounts you will be able to check out Kanopy films.

    If you have additional questions try the Kanopy FAQ.

    See what's new on Kanopy, opens a new window!

    Library copier/printer:

    • 10 cents a page for black & white prints and copies
    • 50 cents a page for color prints and copies

    A HotSpot portable WiFi device allows you to carry a portable internet source with you wherever you go.  It can provide wireless internet access for up to 10 devices at a time.  It does not need to be plugged into a data port and you do not need a wireless or internet subscription to use it.  Just your library card!

    Checking out a HotSpot

    HotSpots can only be checked out by patrons 18 years and older.  Display boxes for the HotSpots will be placed on library shelves.  Simply pick up a display box and take it to the front desk to check out a HotSpot.  A library staff member will retrieve a HotSpot, explain how it works, and ask you to sign a user agreement, acknowledging your responsibility to return or replace the contents of the HotSpot kit, and your willingness to abide by the library's HotSpot policy.  If no HotSpots are currently available for checkout, holds can be placed on the devices by anyone 18 and older, with a library card in good standing.

    Hotspots will check out for 14 days.  One, 14-day renewal is allowed if there are no holds on the HotSpot.  If you have placed a hold on a HotSpot, you will receive a notice when it is ready for pickup.  Please do not return HotSpots to a book return.  Please return them to a library staff member at a public service desk so as not to damage the device and its accessories.

    Yes.  Ask for a guest pass at the Service Desk.  A guest pass user is eligible for 60 minutes of library computer access each day.

    Each patron can have one 60 minute computer session each day.

    Guest passes are available if you don't have a library card.

    If you are logging in with your barcode number check to make sure that the number is correct.  If you have recently received a new library card you will need to use the barcode number on that card.  Your old barcode number might be saved in your browser so try typing in the new number - don't rely on the number that your browser might have saved.

    If you think your PIN/Password is at fault you can click the Forgot your PIN or Password? link on the catalog login page.

    Still having trouble?  Call the Service Desk at 517-351-2420 or email elplcirc@cityofeastlansing.com

    Complete the One on One Technology Help form, opens a new window to request help with mobile technology, social media, digital library services like hoopla and the cloudLibrary, and more.  Please note that due to COVID-19 and state and local rules, all One on One sessions will be virtual.

    Here are some things to remember when requesting a One on One:

    • One on Ones are scheduled first come, first served.  We make every effort to fulfill appointment requests as soon as possible, but during peak periods there can be a wait of 1-2 weeks.
    • Techies or librarians are not able to repair equipment or trouble-shoot hardware and software problems.
    • Patrons can use their own equipment during a One on One session, however, Techies may not be able to provide assistance for non-standard software.
    • Techies cannot give professional tax, legal or health care advice.
     

    Unfortunately, no.

    However, you are able to scan your document(s) to an email address at no charge using the library's printer/copier/scanner.