Search the Online Catalog
Use these helpful tips when searching the Mid-Hudson Library System Public Library Catalog for all materials available from the Poughkeepsie Public Library District and the collections of the entire Mid-Hudson Library System, including books, large print, magazines, video cassettes, DVDs, music CDs, CD-ROMs and more!
Types of Searches
Keyword: Use a Keyword search when you want materials about a topic, but don't have an author or title in mind. Search for gardening, starting a business, or cooking, for example.
Keyword is the search selected for you, or the "default" search. Results are sorted by date, with the newest books first. Click on a title to see information about the book, such as owning libraries, call number, and whether the book is checked in. Click the New Search or Home/Logout button to return to the main page, or, select a different type of search from the drop down menu at the top left.
Title: At the main page, click the radio button next to Title. Enter the title of the book, or, as much of the title as you know. Entering Echo Park will bring you to results for that title. Make the selection that best matches your search.
Sort your results differently by using the drop-down box next to the Sort button. Click on a title to see information about the book, such as owning libraries, call number, and whether the book is checked in.
Author: Click the radio button next to Author. Enter the author's last name first, then the first name. Entering Grisham, John will bring you to a list of titles by the author, sorted alphabetically.
To sort your results differently, make a selection from the drop-down menu next to the Sort button. Reverse Year, for example, will sort items by publication date, with the newest titles appearing first. Click on a title to see information about the book, such as owning libraries, call number, and whether the book is checked in.
Select Location: When you conduct a search, you should search the catalogs of all the libraries in the Mid-Hudson Library System. This assures you of the most comprehensive search available. If, however, you'd like to limit your search to a particular library, you can do so by using the Select Location menu on the main search screen, or by selecting the library from the drop-down box at the results page, and then restarting your search.
Or, search by:
Material Type: If you would like to search for a specific format, enter your keyword or title, and then limit your search by material type, e.g., videocassette, DVD, audio book, etc.
Advanced: Create a more specific search by connecting search terms with the words "and" and "or." Or, limit your results by publication date or language, for example.
TIP: To find all of a particular material type at any library, use the asterisk (*) instead of typing a search term in the title, select a location and material type and click "Submit".
Example: To find all DVDs at the Adriance Memorial Library, use * as you Word/Phrase, DVD as Material Type, and select Adriance as your Location from the drop down menu.
Title/Author: Go directly to the record for the book you want. See owning libraries, the book's call number, and whether the book is checked in. Click the green Request-A-Title button to have the book delivered to the library of your choice.
Magazines / Newspapers: Select this search to see which libraries own a particular newspaper or magazine.
Request-a-Title
At the list of results, click on the word Request or use the green Request-A-Title button in order to request materials you would like to be delivered to your library. If you have not logged in yet, you will be prompted for your Library Card Barcode and your individual PIN. (Follow the on-screen instructions, if you don't have a PIN, yet.)
To request two or more items at once, click on the Book Cart to the right of each title. After you have made your selections, click on View Saves to see your list. To request items on your list, click on the Request List button. Now you can Request All, or Request Selected. Enter your barcode and PIN. Be sure to choose your pick-up location from the drop down menu at the top.
Check Your Record
At the main screen, click on Check My Record. Then, enter your barcode and PIN. If you don't have a PIN, you now have the opportunity to create one. PINs must contain at least four letters or numbers-make it something you will remember in connection with your card! You will need your PIN every time you want to check your record, renew items or place a hold. (You can visit your library's home page to check your record from any computer.)
You can Modify Your PIN, and some of your personal information. Or, scroll down to see what items you have checked out, and renew items that may be renewed.
To renew items coming due, check desired boxes in the Renew column to Renew Selected Items. Or, Renew All. Please note: you can sort items in order of date checked out, or date due.
Once you have logged in, you can easily search the catalog and request books using the Request-A-Title button.
If you find more than one title you'd like to request, create a list by clicking on the Book Cart next to each title. Then, click on View Saves at the top of the page. To request items on your list, click Request List. Because you are logged in, you need only choose your pick-up location from the drop down menu at the top. Now you can Request All or Request Selected.
To view a list of items you've requested, and if they're In Transit or Ready for Pick-up, click on Requests (Holds).
My Favorite Searches: To be notified by e-mail when a new book by your favorite author, or about your favorite topic, enters the system, you can Search the Catalog from this page, and then click on the Save as a favorite search button.
Contact Us
If you need assistance searching or using the online catalog, please feel free to contact us (845) 485-3445 x 3303 with any questions.