Searching & Borrowing
While you don't need to log into VPL's catalogue to search for items, logging in will allow you to manage your borrowing, including placing holds, checking due dates, and renewing available titles.
Find Titles
Once logged in, you can search, borrow, and place holds for items directly in VPL's Catalogue.
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Use the search bar (located at the top of the page) to search for an item by title, author, or other keywords.
If you are unsure of the exact spelling, enter a few letters into the search bar and suggestions will appear.
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Note: The catalogue will automatically search by Keyword. Use the dropdown menu to select another option if you would like to limit your search to a specific type (for example Title, Author, or Subject).
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Once you have found your desired title and format, check if it is available to borrow.
If it is a physical item, click View location availability to learn which (if any) VPL locations currently have this item available. Select Place hold to have the item delivered to your preferred location when it becomes available.
If it is a digital item that is currently available, you can borrow the item by selecting Check Out, and if there are no available copies you will instead see an option to Place Hold.
Find more information in our VPL Catalogue Holds guide.
Filter Search Results
Filters limit search results, helping you find more relevant titles. Some of our favourite filters are:
- Available Now: Limit results to currently available at a VPL location or online.
- Format: Select the specific format (for example: ebook, large print, audiobook, DVD, video game, and more).
- Audience: Choose from children, teens, or adults.
- Languages: Limit the results to a specific language.
Here's how!
- Once you have searched for an item, click the down-arrow next to the filter(s) of your choosing (on the left side of the page).
- Then, click the checkbox of the specific filter(s) you would like to use. You may select more than one. Your search will automatically refresh with only titles matching your filter.
- To remove a filter, click the X next to the filter, or remove all filters by selecting Clear filters.
Manage Your Borrowing
Once logged in, you can manage your borrowing by checking due dates and renewing items.
Note: You may not be able to renew an item if it is on hold for other patrons, your renewal limit has been exceeded, or you have lost your borrowing privileges. Find out about VPL items that can be renewed and renewal limits.
- Once logged in, click your username (top right corner).
- Then select Checked Out. This displays all items you have checked out in order of their due date.
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To renew an individual title, click Renew next to the item.
To renew multiple titles, use the checkboxes to the left of each item. When you have made your selection, click Renew selected (located at the bottom of your screen).
- A notification will pop-up confirming your title(s) have been successfully renewed.