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Searching

Type the keyword you want to find. For example:

  • design
  • bleachers grisham
Search Tips
Wildcards Words may be right-hand truncated using an asterisk ('*') in place of other characters. The '*' wildcard may also be embedded in a search string. You may use '?' to replace a single character anywhere within a word.
Examples : environment* polic*, wom?n
Boolean Operators Use "and" or "or" to specify multiple words in any field, any order. Use "and not" to exclude words.
    Example : stocks and bonds
    Example : (alaska or canada) and (adventure and not vacation)
Field limits A field limit causes the system to search only the specified field for the specified word(s).
Grouping Keyword search results are usually grouped by relevance to bring the most likely titles to the top of the list. Each group represents a similar level of relevance and results are sorted within the group by date or title. To get an ungrouped result set, use boolean operators to form a complex query.

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Advanced Keyword Search Tips

Multiple Words

When searching multiple words the system will automatically supply the Boolean "and" operator between each word; multiple words entered for the search will all occur somewhere in the retrieved records though not necessarily in the order entered. Both examples on the right will retrieve the same results.

Examples

Using multiple words:

Phrase Searches

Search for complete phrases by enclosing them in quotation marks. Words enclosed in double quotes will appear together in all results exactly as typed.

Examples

A phrase Search:

Wildcards

*   Matches any number of non-space characters, starting at the specified position in the word. For example, "comput*" will match all words that begin with "comput" (e.g., "computer", "computation", etc.).
The '*' wildcard may also be embedded in a search string.

?   You may use a question mark ('?') to replace a single character anywhere within a word.

Examples

* Wildcard:

? Wildcard:

Boolean Operators

Use AND or OR to specify multiple words in any field, any order. Use AND NOT to exclude words. Select the operator you wish to use from the selection list on the Advanced Search form.

Examples

Using Boolean operators:

Field Limits

Field limits may be specified by selecting a field limit from the selection list. These limits appear before the word or phrase to be searched. A field limit causes the system to search only the specified field for the specified word(s).

Field Limits and their meanings:

  • Author: Search only author fields
  • Title: Search only title fields
  • Subject: Search only subject fields
  • Note: Search only note fields
  • Subject: Search only subject fields

Grouping

Keyword search results are usually grouped by relevance to bring the most likely titles to the top of the list. Each group represents a similar level of relevance and results are sorted within the group by date or title. To get an ungrouped result set, use boolean operators to form a complex query.

Most relevant Most relevant titles 

Highly relevant Highly relevant titles 

Very relevant Very relevant titles 

Relevant Relevant titles 

Other relevant Other relevant titles 

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Using preferred searches and alerts

If you have a favorite author or subject for which you often search when using the catalog, you can set up a preferred search with the click of a button. This will allow you to recall search results and place reserves on new materials more quickly. Additionally, you can opt to receive email alerts when the library receives new material that meets your search criteria.

How to Set Up an Alert (and Save a Preferred Search):

  1. Log in to your account.
  2. Click on the "New Search" button in the top-right corner.
  3. Search for your favorite author, subject, title, etc. or create an enhanced keyword search including limits to material type, language, publication year, et cetera.
  4. When your results are displayed, click the button marked "Save as preferred search".
  5. The next time that you log in to your account, you can click the "Preferred Searches and Alerts" button to see a list of your preferred searches.
  6. From this screen you may check the "Receive Alerts" box next to the search term for which you want to be notified to receive emails when the library acquires new materials which meet your search criteria. Then click the “Update List” at the top or bottom of your search list. Be sure that your patron record information includes your current email address. You may deselect the box at any time to discontinue the email alerts.
  7. To remove a preferred search, check the “Remove” box next to the search term you want to remove, and then click the “Update List” at the top or bottom of your search list.
  8. From your list of preferred searches and alerts, you may click on the “Search” link associated with any of the preferred search terms in the list to quickly execute your search.

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Renewals

Library cardholders may renew their own materials online. All material may be renewed except for materials with holds on them.

How to:

  1. Log in to your account.
  2. If not the default view click the "Items currently checked out" link to view the materials you have checked out.
  3. Select the materials you want to renew by checking the boxes in the RENEW column and then click the Renew Selected button. If you want to renew everything, click the Renew ALL button.
  4. If you cannot renew items, a message will appear on the screen. If you are successful, a new due date will appear in the "STATUS" column. Always check the STATUS column for information on the success or failure of your renewal.

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Fee Payment

You can now pay your fine online using your Visa or MasterCard.

Here is how to get started:

  1. Log into your account.
  2. Select "PAY ONLINE".
  3. Select the fines that you wish to pay, complete all of the relevant information and click submit.
  4. A confirmation page will appear next. You can print a copy of your receipt at this time and/or click OK. If you have a valid email address, receipt of payment will be sent to the address you entered in step 4.

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SMS Alerts/Text notices

SMS (short messages service) text notices are another way of receiving notice of activity on your account. You can receive text notices on your mobile phone for holds, courtesy alerts and overdues.

Text alerts are sent throughout the day as soon as information about your account becomes available.

Text alerts are supplemental; you will still receive scheduled email, phone and/or mail notices.

Text alerts also provide another way to renew your items.

Here is how to get started:

  1. Log into your account.
  2. Select "Modify Personal Information".
  3. Under "Mobile Settings" enter your mobile phone number
  4. Check the "Opt In" box.
  5. Once you have opted in you will receive a confirmation text message. Reply to the message as directed. You will then receive a welcome text indicating that you have opted into the service.

Be sure to read the Terms and conditions.

Each cell phone number can only be used once (sorry, family members cannot use the same number for different library cards at this time).

To opt out of the service:

  1. In your account, uncheck the Opt In box under "Modify Personal Information"
    OR
  2. Send a text message with the word STOP, STOP ALL, END, QUIT, CANCEL, OR UNSUBSCRIBE to 82453 or 35143 from the mobile phone number specified during the opt-in process
    OR
  3. Contact the library and request to be removed from the service.

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Reading History

Reading History is an optional service that allows you to track what you have checked out from the library.

After enabling Reading History the system will start collecting a list of items you checkout from that time forward.

Items currently checked out will not appear on your reading history.

Items no longer owned by the library will not appear on your list.

Once items have been deleted from Reading History they cannot be restored.

Please be aware that this option could affect your confidentiality. Please see the Confidentiality of Customer Records document.

Here is how to get started:

  1. Log into your account.
  2. Select the link that says "Reading History".
  3. Click on the "Opt In" button

You may discontinue this service at anytime by deleted all the items in your list and clicking on the "Opt Out" button.

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My Lists

My Lists is an optional service that allows you to create and manage reading lists.

Here is how to get started:

  1. Log into your account.
  2. Select the link that says "My Lists".
  3. Click on the "Opt In" button

You may discontinue this service at anytime by deleted all the items in your list and clicking on the "Opt Out" button.

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How to Get a Library Card

To apply for a Denton Public Library Card, complete an application and present it in person at the circulation desk of any Denton Public Library with a current photo I.D. and proof of your current residence address. Residents of the City of Denton are eligible for a free library card.

Acceptable Photo ID

  • Driver's license, temporary Texas driver's license or learner's permit (with additional photo ID)
  • Texas Department of Public Safety ID
  • Passport
  • Resident Alien Registration Card
  • Military, school, or employee photo ID or non-U.S. passport and Social Security Card (if available)
  • International Driver's Permit
  • Mexican Consular

Acceptable Proof of Current Address in Your Name

  • Driver's license, temporary Texas Driver's license or learner's permit
  • Texas Department of Public Safety ID
  • Personalized check, savings passbook, bank or credit union statement
  • Utility deposit receipt or utility bill
  • Current credit card bill
  • Voter's registration or notarized temporary voter's registration permit
  • Vehicle registration or liability insurance
  • Official rent receipt; rental agreement, contract, or lease
  • Mail postmarked within the last 30 days (if none of the above is available)

Children

You are never too young to receive a card, but the child must be present at the time the card is issued. Children are youth 17 years of age and younger.


Residents of Other Cities

If you live outside of Denton city limits, you have options for library access:


TexShare

Denton Public Library cardholders, who are in good standing, are eligible to apply for a TexShare pass to borrow materials at other participating library systems.


For more information, call (940) 349-8752 or email library@cityofdenton.com

Checkout Limits

The total number of items that can be checked out on one card is 75. So, for example, if you have 20 DVDs checked out, you could only have a total of 55 items of other types checked out at the same time.

Item Check Out Limits Loan Period Late Fee
Books 75 per card 3 weeks $0.25 per day
Music CDs 20 per card 3 weeks $0.25 per day
DVDs 20 per card 3 weeks $0.25 per day
Books-on-CD 10 per card 3 weeks $0.25 per day
StoryTotes 2 per card 3 weeks $0.25 per day
Overdrive Downloads 10 per card 3 weeks no late fees

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Help with Downloadable Materials

To download eBooks, audiobooks and more from the Denton Public Library, go to our Download Center and sign in by entering your library card number.

If you have having problems signing into the Download Center:

After entering your library card number, you may receive the following message:
The specified library patron account information is not valid.
Details: (1) This patron record is currently not available. Please see a staff member for assistance.

This may mean that there is a problem with the library card that is being used; please call the library at 940-349-8752 or e-mail us at library@cityofdenton.com for assistance.

Common problems with library cards can be expired library accounts, fines and fees on the account over $5.00, or not using a full service library card. A staff member will be able to identify the problem and help you resolve it. If you think you may have fines on your account, you may pay them online.


Frequently Asked Questions about downloadables and devices (Kindle, Nook, etc.)

Answers to “Frequently Asked Questions” about the different downloadable materials and the devices to view them on can be found here.


FrontLine Technical Support

You can contact the Overdrive Front Line Tech Support Team for assistance at any time. Please complete the form detailing your question or problem, and the FrontLine team will respond directly to your e-mail.

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