How To & FAQ

Signing up for a library card is free and only takes a few minutes. Here is how to get a card online and in person.

In Person Library Card Sign Up

1. Bring an ID and proof of residency or employment in Allegheny County, such as a driver’s license or bills in your name.
2. Ask for a registration form at the circulation desk.
3. Fill out all information, including your name, address, and contact information.
4. Agree to the patron terms of use.
5. Sign and turn in the form.
6. Choose a four-digit PIN for online catalog use.
7. Receive your library card and keychain card and borrow anything you like!

Online Library Card Sign Up

1. Go to https://acl.bibliocommons.com/ and click “Log In or Register” at the top right of the page.
2. A pop-up will appear asking for your library card number and PIN. Click “I need a library card”.
3. Fill out all information, including your name, address, and contact information.
4. Click “Register”.
5. When you arrive at the library, let a staff member at the circulation desk know that you started a library card application online.
6. Show the staff person an ID and proof of residency in Allegheny County, such as a driver’s license or bills in your name.
7. The staff person will ask for any missing information on your application form, such as preferred contact method or home library.
8. Receive your library card and keychain card and borrow anything you like!

FAQ: What if I don’t have my library card or forget my PIN?

A: If you forget your library card, we will need to see your ID to verify your account. This is to prevent other people from borrowing items or accruing fines.

A staff member can reassign your PIN when you visit the library.

FAQ: Who can use a library card?

A: Anybody who lives in Allegheny County can use a library card. Children and teenagers under 16 years old must have a parent or guardian co-sign on their account.

Families can link multiple library cards or people to a single account.

Card holders can also designate certain people to pick up their library items, such as a friend or family member, provided that the chosen person has an ID.

FAQ: How do I renew my library card?

A: Library cards automatically renew as long as they are used. If they are unused for more than 2 years, your card will expire. If that happens, bring an ID or proof of residency or employment in Allegheny County to the circulation desk. Staff will update and verify your information in our system and, if required, issue you a new library card. Replacement cards are $2.

FAQ: What if I don’t live in Allegheny County?

A: If you live or work outside of Allegheny County and have an Access PA library card, you can get an ACLA library card for free. If you don’t work or live in Allegheny County and don’t have an Access PA library card, you can apply for an ACLA library card for $10. The card will expire in 1 year instead of 2 years.

FAQ: What can I do with my library card?

A: A library card allows you to borrow unlimited Allegheny County Library Association items for free, such as books, movies, music, toys, and kits for one to three weeks (not including renewals).

You can also access a variety of digital items including ebooks, audiobooks, video games, and research databases.

Library members are also encouraged to attend events or join clubs such as storytimes, art classes, movie viewings, game nights, and discussion groups. We offer programs for adults, teens, and kids.

The online catalog lets you see what items are available to borrow at our and other local public libraries. Other features include saving searches, tracking what you’ve read, and managing your library card.

Using the online catalog to borrow an item

1. Go to https://acl.bibliocommons.com/.
2. Type what you’re looking for in the search bar at the top of the page and click the magnifying glass icon.
3. Click the Print Book, eBook, Audio Book, or Music icons to see only items of that type. The number on the top right corner of the icon indicates how many items of that type match your search.
4. Use the drop-down menus on the left side of page to filter out items you don’t want to see in your search, such as items for age groups you aren’t interested in.
5. Click the name of the item you like.
6. Look on the right side of the page. A white button saying “It’s here!” indicates that the item is available at Moon. The Availability text underneath its name will tell you which department it is in and its call number.
7. A blue button saying “Hold” means that it is available from another library. Click “Availability Details” on the left side of the page to see which libraries have it.
8. If you want to borrow an item from another library, click “Hold”. A pop-up will appear asking for your library card number and your PIN. Type those in and click “Log In”. (If you are already logged in, you will not see the pop-up.)

Using the online catalog to manage your library card

1. Go to https://acl.bibliocommons.com/ and click “Log In or Register” at the top right of the page.
2. A pop-up will appear asking for your library card number and PIN. Enter those and click “Log In”.
3. Click “Account” on the top right-hand corner of the page. A drop-down menu will appear.
4. Click “Checked Out” to see which items are currently being borrowed. You can renew items from this page as well.
5. Click “Holds” to see which items you have requested to borrow and their status.
6. Click “Lists” or “Book Cart” to see items or catalog searches you have saved for later.
7. Click “Reading History” to view items you have borrowed in the past. This feature is off by default but can be turned on whenever you like.
8. Click “Saved Searches” to see all catalog searched you have done recently.
9. Click “Profile” to view or change your library card information.
   • “About Me” shows your name and address and allows you to change your contact information and preferences.
   • “Library Card” shows your library card number and its expiration date.
   • “Change PIN” allows you to change your PIN. If you don’t know your PIN, contact the library to set a new one.
   • “Preferred Libraries” shows which Allegheny County Library Association libraries you prefer to borrow items from. You can change these at any time.
   • “OverDrive Options” shows how long you can borrow digital items from OverDrive. You can change the length of time you borrow items at any time.
10. Click “Messages” to see any messages you have received, such as due dates or hold notices.

FAQ: How do I borrow an item that isn’t in the catalog?

A: Sometimes we don’t have items in our catalog because they are rare or very old. If you’d like to get an item outside of the Allegheny County Library Association network, check for it at other Pennsylvania libraries with AccessPA or worldwide with WorldCat. Then request the item through interlibrary loan by making an account with the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s ILL website. Loans are often free but may require a delivery fee.

You can borrow ebooks without visiting the library whenever you like. There are few different ways to do it, so pick the method that works best for you.

Getting an ebook using the ACLA website

1. Go to https://acl.bibliocommons.com/ and log into your account using your library card number and PIN.
2. Type what you’re looking for in the search bar at the top of the page and click the magnifying glass icon.
3. Click the eBook icon to see only eBooks which match your search.
4. Click the name of the item you like.
5. Look on the right side of the page. A blue button saying “Check Out” indicates that the item is available. Click “Check Out” to borrow it.
6. Click “Checked Out”. A drop-down list will appear. Click “Read now” to read the ebook online. Click “Download” to deliver the ebook to your OverDrive, Libby, or Kindle apps.
7. Click “Return” to return the ebook. Digital items automatically return after 1 to 3 weeks if you do not manually return them.

Getting an ebook using the OverDrive website

1. Go to acla.overdrive.com and click “Sign In” on the top right corner of the page.
2. Log into your account using your library card number and PIN OR your OverDrive email account and password.
3. Tap “Search” on the top right hand corner of the page and type your search into the bar that appears. Tap the magnifying glass icon on the right side of the page.
4. Use the drop-down menus on the left side of page to filter out items you don’t want to see in your search, such as items for age groups you aren’t interested in.
5. Click the name or picture of the item you like.
6. A purple button saying “Borrow” indicates that the item is available. Click “Borrow” to borrow it.
7. Click the purple button saying “Go to Loans”. Click the purple button that says “Read in Browser” to read the ebook online or click the blue button which says “Download” to deliver the ebook to your OverDrive, Libby, or Kindle apps.
8. Click the grey “Return” icon and then the purple “Return” button to return the ebook. Digital items automatically return after 1 to 3 weeks if you do not manually return them.

Getting an ebook using the Libby app

1. Download Libby for Android, iOS, or Windows devices.
2. Log in by tapping the “Library Card” text on the purple bar and tap “Add A Card”. Type in your library card number and tap the purple button that says “Sign In”.
3. Tap “Search the catalog” at the top of the page to find an item.
4. Tap the name or picture of the item you like.
5. Tap “Borrow” beneath the cover picture and the magenta button that says “Borrow!” to borrow the item.
6. Tap “Go to Shelf” on the bottom right corner of the app to see your borrowed items.
7. Tap “Open Book” to read the downloaded ebook or tap the magenta check mark icon to read the ebook online.

Getting an ebook for your Kindle via WiFi

1. Turn on your Kindle and make sure that you are connected to WiFi. If you aren’t, enter your Settings and connect to a WiFi network. If you cannot connect to WiFi, follow the instructions for Getting an ebook for your Kindle via USB.
2. Open a web browser on your computer or device and go to www.amazon.com. Click “Sign In” on the right side of the page.
3. Log into your Amazon account using your Amazon-connected email address and password.
4. Go to acla.overdrive.com and click “Sign In” on the top right corner of the page.
5. Log into your OverDrive account using your library card number OR your OverDrive email account and password.
6. Tap “Search” on the top right hand corner of the page and type your search into the bar that appears. Tap the magnifying glass icon on the right side of the page.
7. Use the drop-down menus on the left side of page to filter out items you don’t want to see in your search, such as items for age groups you aren’t interested in.
8. Click the name or picture of the item you like.
9. A purple button saying “Borrow” indicates that the item is available. Click “Borrow” to borrow it.
10. Click the purple button saying “Go to Loans”. Click the black button that says “Read now with Kindle”.
11. The web browser will reopen the Amazon website. Click “Get Library Book” and select your Kindle from the drop-down menu.
12. Check your Kindle for the ebook. It may take a few minutes for the ebook to download.

Getting an ebook for your Kindle via USB

1. Open a web browser on your computer or device and go to www.amazon.com. Click “Sign In” on the right side of the page.
2. Log into your Amazon account using your Amazon-connected email address and password.
3. Go to acla.overdrive.com and click “Sign In” on the top right corner of the page.
4. Log into your OverDrive account using your library card number OR your OverDrive email account and password.
5. Tap “Search” on the top right hand corner of the page and type your search into the bar that appears. Tap the magnifying glass icon on the right side of the page.
6. Use the drop-down menus on the left side of page to filter out items you don’t want to see in your search, such as items for age groups you aren’t interested in.
7. Click the name or picture of the item you like.
8. A purple button saying “Borrow” indicates that the item is available. Click “Borrow” to borrow it.
9. Click the purple button saying “Go to Loans”. Click the black button that says “Read now with Kindle”.
10. The web browser will reopen the Amazon website. Click “Departments” at the top of the page.
11. Look under “Apps & Resources” and click “Manage Your Content and Devices”.
12. Look at the list of books. The top listed book will say “Borrowed” in yellow next to the title. Click the button with 3 dots next to the title and click “Download”.
13. Plug your Kindle into your computer using a USB cable. Open it as a storage device so you can view its files. Leave this window open.
14. Open your Downloads folder in another window. Click the book file in the Downloads folder and drag it into your Kindle’s Documents folder.
15. Close the windows, eject your Kindle, and unplug it.
16. Check your Kindle for the ebook. It may take a few minutes for the ebook to appear.

FAQ: How long do I get to keep an ebook?

A: By default, ebooks are borrowed for 21 days but you can change the term limit to 7 or 14 days. You can return an ebook at any time. Currently ebooks cannot be renewed. You can borrow up to 20 digital items at a time and place up to 15 holds at a time.

You can only borrow one ebook format at a time. If you borrow an item as an OverDrive book, you cannot simultaneously download it as a Kindle book.

FAQ: What can I get besides ebooks?

A:  You can access a variety of digital items with your library card, including audiobooks, e-magazines, video games, music, and video streams. Find out more on our Digital Items or Research pages.

You can print pictures, files, and emails from your phone, tablet, or computer by visiting the online portal, using the ePRINTit app, or email.

Printing online

1. Go to Moon Library’s online printing webpage.
2. Enter your name, initials, or library card number — 5 characters are required — so staff can identify your print job. Enter your email or phone number if you want a receipt. Click Continue.
3. Click the dotted line box to open the file manager. Find your document, picture, or file, and select it. Click Open. Repeat the process if you have multiple things you want to print.
4. Under Layout, pick As Saved, Portrait, or Landscape to set the orientation of your print. As Saved prints the file as you see it. Portrait prints in a vertical orientation. Landscape prints in a horizontal orientation.
5. If your file has multiple pages and you don’t want to print all of them, use the plus and minus buttons to adjust the range of pages you want to print.
6. If you want multiple copies, click the plus and minus buttons to adjust the number of copies you want to print.
7. Select Color or Grayscale if you want it in black & white.
8. If you want to print on both sides of the paper, click Two Sided under Duplex.
9. Click Submit. Go to the Circulation Desk to pay for and pick up your print.

Printing in the app

1. Download the ePRINTit SaaS app on the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android).
2. Open the app and tap Accept to agree to the terms and conditions of use.
3. Find Moon Library’s print queue one of the following ways:
   • Tap QRCode Print on the bottom right corner of your screen. Scan the QR code at the Circulation Desk. Follow the QR Code instructions below.
   • Allow the app to access your location. Tap Moon Township Public Library.
   • Tap Location on the bottom right of the screen. Type “moon” in the search bar. Tap Moon Township Public Library.
4. Tap open the location of the file you want to print and open it. The name of the file will appear in a dark blue bar in the app.
5. Tap the blue bar with the file’s name to change the print’s settings.
6. If you want multiple copies, click the plus and minus buttons to adjust the number of copies you want to print.
7. If your file has multiple pages and you don’t want to print all of them, tap Range and enter the page numbers to adjust the range of pages you want to print.
8. Tap Color or Grayscale if you want to print in black & white.
9. Under Layout, pick As Saved, Portrait, or Landscape to set the orientation of your print. As Saved prints the file as you see it. Portrait prints in a vertical orientation. Landscape prints in a horizontal orientation.
10. If you want to print on both sides of the paper, click Two Sided under Duplex.
11. Under USER INFORMATION, enter your name, initials, or library card number — 5 characters are required — so staff can identify your print job. Enter your email or phone number if you want a receipt. Click Continue.
12. Tap Submit. Go to the Circulation Desk to pay for and pick up your print.

Printing an email (with or without attachments)

1. Open the email you want to print. Tap the “Forward” button above the body of the email.
2. If you want to print in black and white, type bw-moon@eprintitsaas.com in the To section.
3. If you want to print in color, type color-moon@eprintitsaas.com in the To section.
4. Tap “Send”.
5. Go to the Circulation Desk. Tell staff if you want to print the body of the email or the file(s) attached to it. Pay for and pick up your print.

Printing via QR code

1. Open your camera app. Hold it up to the QR code.
2. Tap the URL when it pops up on the screen.
3. Tap Accept to agree to the terms and conditions of use.
4. Follow the Printing in the app instructions starting at step 4.