Collection FAQs

  • General Questions

    The easiest way to search the library catalog is to type one or more words in the search box at the top of the page, and then click the Search button (the magnifying glass).

    You can enter titles, authors, keywords, subjects, or a combination of all, in this search box.

    After you search, you can use the filters on the left side of the page to narrow down the results. There are filters for format, availability, audience, language, and publication date, among others.

    The catalog recognizes certain keywords and automatically applies filters accordingly. For example, if you search for “new kids dvds” the search gives you DVDs for children that were recently added to the collection. The search will recognize format, audience, language and "new to the library." This also works with “Spanish books” or “new music cds.”

    Note: On a smaller screen, the search box will collapse to a magnifying glass icon to save space. Just click or tap on the magnifying glass to open the search box.

    If you can't find what you are looking for in our catalog, try Prospector next. Prospector is a group of academic, public and special libraries in Colorado and Wyoming that allows you to search and borrow materials and have them delivered to your local library. If you can't find it in Prospector, you can suggest a purchase or request an interlibrary loan.

    Yes. From the main menu, select Books & More and then choose New & On Order under Read, Watch, Listen. Then click on On Order under New Titles.

    Yes. From the main menu, select Books & More and then choose New & On Order under Read, Watch, Listen. Filter by Format to view only books.

    Yes. From the main menu, select Books & More and then choose New & On Order under Read, Watch, Listen. Filter by Format to view only DVDs.

    Yes! Search the catalog for "DVDs" to see most movies in our system.

    Use the "Sort by:" drop-down to change how the results list is sorted.

    If you would like to see what movies are currently checked in at a location, use the "Available Now" filter to limit to your location. Use other filters as needed, for language, publication date, etc.

    Yes. Log into your account, do your search - as basic or advanced as you would like – then click the Save Search link above the search results. Give the search a name and save it. You can access your saved searches in My Settings in your Account.

    Not at the present, unfortunately.

    Prospector is a group of academic, public and special libraries in Colorado and Wyoming that allows you to search and borrow materials and have them delivered to your local library.

    After you do a search in our main catalog, look for a link that says "Search other resources." Click on that, and then click on "Try your search in Prospector."

     

    Click "Request It" next to the item you would like to request from Prospector.

    In the pop-up box, select Alliance - Jeffco Public Library from the dropdown under "With which institution are you affiliated?"

    Enter your name, library card number, and pickup location, then click Submit.

    Please note that it is not currently possible to pick up Prospector holds at Holds Lockers, and Prospector is not accessible via the MyJCPL mobile app.

    Interlibrary loan allows you to borrow hard-to-find materials from around the world. Use this form to submit your request, and you will be notified in about three weeks.

    We have book club bags that include up to 10 copies of a popular book and a guide to facilitate discussion. The kits check out for 6 weeks, and are holdable. To find what titles we have available, just search for “book club kits” in our catalog.

    Please let us know. We do not charge replacement fees on lost or damaged children's items, but do charge replacement fees for other materials. Please visit a library to pay the replacement fee. There is no need to purchase a copy on your own as a replacement. 

    If you find a lost book after paying the replacement fee, you may bring it into one of our locations and receive a refund.

    Lucky Day Books and Movies

    Lucky Day is a special collection of highly popular books and DVDs available at each library location. Lucky Day books check out for three weeks, and movies check out for seven days. Lucky Day items are non-holdable, non-renewable and available for checkout on a first-come, first-served basis. You may have three Lucky Day items checked out at one time. Search for a specific title to see if it is available in the Lucky Day collection, or search by "lucky day" to see a list of all Lucky Day items.

    Lending & Express Books and Movies

    The Lending & Express collection also consists of popular books and DVDs that are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are non-holdable. These items will renew one time, and this will happen automatically. Lending & Express books check out for three weeks and movies check out for seven days. The two locations that house this collection are the Express Library West Arvada and the Lending Machine at the Ridge Rec Center. Search for a specific title to see if it is available in either collection or search by "lending & express" to browse a list of all items.

    Playaways

    A Playaway is a small portable device with one audiobook loaded on it. It uses one AAA battery and headphones (not supplied). Playaways check out for three weeks and are holdable and renewable. In the catalog, search for them by title, author, keyword or just "playaway" to see a list of all Playaways. When you filter a catalog search by Format, they are included in the Audiobooks section and are called Preloaded Audiobook.

    Book Club Kits

    A Book Club Kit is a bag that includes 10 copies of a popular book and a guide to facilitate discussion. The kits check out for six weeks and are holdable but not renewable. Search for them by title, author, keyword or just "book club kit" to see a list of the kits we have available. When you filter a catalog search by Format, they are included in the Books section and are called Book Club Kit.

      

    LaunchPads

    LaunchPads are kid-friendly tablets preloaded with fun and educational apps, e-books and games, organized by age level and theme. They check out for three weeks and are holdable and renewable. Search for them by theme or just "launchpad" to see a list of all Launchpads. When you filter a catalog search by Format, they are included in the Other section and are called Device.

    Read Alongs

    A Read Along is a print book with a ready-to-play audiobook inside. Read Alongs check out for three weeks and are holdable and renewable. Search for them by title, author, keyword or just "read along" to see a list of all Read Alongs. When you filter a catalog search by Format, look in the Audiobooks section and select Preloaded Audiobook. Please note that Hoopla offers many titles in streaming video format, also called Read Along.

    Chromebooks

    JCPL Workforce Center Chromebooks are laptops with built-in Wi-Fi intended for Jefferson County residents seeking employment. Chromebooks check out for 60 days and are holdable but are not renewable. Find them in the catalog by searching for "chromebook." Available to Jefferson County residents and permanent cardholders only.

    Hotspots

    Mobile Hotspots are portable devices that allow you to connect up to 10 Wi-Fi-enabled devices (laptops, smartphones, tablets, etc.) to the internet almost anywhere in the U.S. Hotspots check out for seven days and are holdable and renewable. Find them in the catalog by searching for "mobile hotspot." Available to Jefferson County residents and permanent cardholders only.

    Binge Boxes

    Binge Boxes contain four to six pre-selected movies with the same theme. Binge Boxes check out for seven days and are holdable and renewable. Find them in the catalog by searching by keyword and "binge box, a movie title and "binge box" or just search "binge box" to see a list of all Binge Boxes.

    Stories to Go

    Stories to Go is a bag with six kids' picture books on a specific theme and a two-page insert with ideas for related fingerplays, rhymes, songs and a craft. Stories to Go bags check out for three weeks and are holdable and renewable. Search for a title, author, theme, or search for "stories to go" to see a list of all bags. When you filter a catalog search by Format, they are included in the Other section and are called Kits.

    Watt's Up Meter

    Watt's Up Meters are devices that can determine what electric devices (any 120 VAC appliance) cost to operate, therefore allowing you to monitor and project energy costs in your home. Meters check out for three weeks and are holdable and renewable. In the catalog, search for them with "watt's up."

    Thermal Leak Detectors

    These draft check meters are devices that use an infrared sensor to measure energy loss and identify leaks in your home, which can help you make your home more energy efficient. Detectors check out for three weeks and are holdable and renewable. In the catalog, search for them with "thermal leak detectors."

    WhaZoodles

    WhaZoodles are a stand-alone audio devices that empower young minds with three engaging modes of ad-free content including podcasts, stories, games, songs, guided meditation, nature sounds, and so much more. They check out for three weeks and are holdable and renewable. In the catalog, search for them with "whazoodles."

    Top picks are books from the most popular subject areas for Kids and Adults that we have pulled out of the stacks to highlight. They are holdable and renewable and check out for three weeks.