Help

We are happy to help you answer your questions any way you prefer. You can always reach out to us, or review our Frequently Asked Questions below.

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My Account

Can I cancel a request?

If you no longer need that item anymore, here's how you can cancel a request.

  • After you log in, go to Manage Requests.
  • Select the check box next to each item that you would like to cancel.
  • At the top, click on Cancel Requests.
  • The page will refresh and a message will appear saying your request was successfully canceled.

How do I check when my items are due?

To check the due dates on your borrowed items:

  • Click the green Log In button and enter your library card number (no spaces) and PIN

-or-

  • Call the Circulation Desk at 814.237.6236 with your library card number.

Lending periods vary according to the type of item you check out.

6-Week Items

  • Book Discussion Kits

3-Week Items

  • Audiobooks
  • Books
  • DVDs (Adult & Children's Departments)
  • Computer Software
  • Downloadable Audiobooks and eBooks
  • Magazines (except the most current issue)
  • Music CDs
  • Book Kits
  • Toys
  • Video Games
  • Videos
  • WiFi Hotspots

3-Day Items

  • 3-Day DVDs (Adult Department - no renewals)

7-Day Items

  • Discovery Space Passes (no renewals)
  • Lucky Day books (no renewals)

How do I log into My Account and get a PIN?

Accessing your Schlow account is easy!

  • Click the green Log In button to the right of the Search Bar and enter your library card number and four-digit library PIN.

Recover your Library PIN?

  • Click on the green Log In button to the right of the Search Bar and click on Lost PIN?
  • Enter your library card number, complete the Captcha, and click on Send PIN.
  • Check the email associated with your account -- you should receive an email with your PIN.

Need to change your Library PIN?

  • Click the green Log In button to the right of the Search Bar and enter your library card number and four-digit library PIN.
  • In the left box, click on Profile.
  • Click the blue Change PIN button.
  • Enter your old PIN.
  • Choose a new PIN and enter it twice.
  • Complete the Captcha.
  • Click the Submit button.

Need help with your PIN? Call the Main Service Desk at 814.237.6236 with your library card number.

How do I pay for lost books or printing fees?

Pay Online

  • Pay online with major debit or credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, Diners Club and JCB
    • Click the green Log In button to the right of the Search Bar and enter your library card number and four-digit library PIN.
    • Click on the green My Account button, and then in the drop-down click on Fines.
    • Click the blue Pay with Card button.
    • Enter your payment information.
    • Click the Pay button.

Pay in Person

  • Pay in person at the Main Service Desk with cash, check, Visa or MasterCard.

Pay at a Self Check-Out

  • Pay at any Schlow Centre Region Library Self Check-Out machine with Visa or MasterCard.

Pay by Check

  • Mail a check to:
    • Schlow Centre Region Library

      ATTN: Patron Services Department

      211 S. Allen St.

      State College, PA 16801

Note:  Please include the card holder's name and library card number.

Telephone credit card payments are not accepted at this time.

How do I renew items online?

All items attempt to automatically renew on their due date!

We then email you then next day, to let you know which items successfully renewed and which didn't. You can also manually renew your items using your account on our website with the directions below.

How to renew online

  • Click on the green Log In button next to the Search bar.
  • Enter your library card number (no spaces) and PIN. Need the PIN? Call the Circulation Desk during Library hours with your library card number.
  • Select the Checked Out option.
  • Select the item you want to renew and click the Renew Selected Items button.
  • Important:  Make sure the due date changes. If it does not, call the Circulation Desk at 814.237.6236.

Note:

  • Most items can be renewed twice for 3 weeks per renewal.
  • If someone else has requested an item, it cannot be renewed.
  • Some items, including Discovery Space passes, Lucky Day books, and 3-Day DVDs, cannot be renewed.

How can I report a lost or stolen Library card?

To prevent unauthorized use of your card if it is lost or stolen, please call 814.237.6236 immediately.

For a replacement card, bring your photo ID to the Patron Services Desk.

How do I suspend a request?

Going on vacation or just have too much to read and won't have time for that upcoming bestseller? Suspend that request!

Suspending a request will keep your place in the queue until the request is activated again. To suspend a request:

  • After you log in, go to Manage Requests.
  • Select the check box next to each item that you would like to cancel.
  • At the top, click on Other Action and choose Suspend Requests.
  • Select the date you would like the suspension to end.
  • The page will refresh and a message will appear saying your request was successfully suspended.

How do I use the "My Library Card" app?

My Library Card is a free app you can download from the Apple App Store. My Library Card allows you to store multiple scannable Schlow library cards in one simple place and it includes easy access to our mobile friendly and full featured website.

Read More

How do I request an item?

To request an item in our online catalog

  • Click the blue Request It button to the right of the title.
  • Sign in with your library card number (no spaces) and your PIN.
  • Choose your Pickup Location and add comments, if needed.
  • Click Submit Request.

To insure that a checked-in item will be held for you, call 814.237.6236 to have our staff pull it for you.

If you would like to request an item that is not in our catalog, use the Not in the Catalog form.

Can I record what Items I've checked out?

Try "Add to List" from your account at Schlow

So many books, so little time!

We all have long lists of books we plan to read or books that we have read. We keep them in journals, on GoodReads, and on other social media. Now, you can easily track the books you have read from Schlow by adding them to your list. Follow these simple steps to add a title.

From your account:

  • Go to your "Checked Out" list (login required).
  • Below the cover of each book is a link: "+ Add to List"
  • Click it and your book is saved for future reference.

Want to access or customize your lists?

  • From your account, go to "Lists"
  • On the lower left side of the screen find "My Lists"
  • Click "Create a List"

Need help? Call 814.237.6236

General

How do I pronounce "Schlow"?

Schlow is pronounced with a hard 'sk' and rhymes with glow!

How do I park at the Library?

Parking is free for Schlow's visitors while they are in the Library.

To make our lot available to as many visitors as possible, we offer free parking with in-library ticket validation:

  • Enter parking lot from Allen St. and stop before the gate
  • Touch screen for a ticket
  • Bring ticket into the Library
  • Scan ticket once at the validation station in the main lobby immediately before leaving
  • Scan validated ticket at the exit gate to depart from lot

Parking guidelines:

  • Parking is limited and not guaranteed, especially during busy times.
  • Personal vehicles must be removed from the lot when you leave the library to avoid a fee being charged.
  • Parking in the Library lot without validation (during open hours) will incur a charge of $20.
  • Parking is available for a fee of $2/hour during hours when the Library is closed.

Lot full or inaccessible?

Here is the latest Borough Downtown parking page and Google map.

Where do I return Library materials?

Book Returns Slots at Schlow:

  • In the brick wall along the ramp coming from the parking lot
  • In the wall to the far right end of the entrance vesitbule
  • In the Circulation Desk

Drive-up Return at Schlow:

  • Drop Library materials off from your car at the large, stainless steel book return box behind the Library. It is accessible via Highland Alley from Pugh St. or via A Alley from Foster Avenue.

Remote Book Returns:

Note: Return all Discovery Space Passes and items that do not fit in the return slots such as puzzles and book group kits to staff at the Circulation Desk.

How do I access WiFi?

Schlow’s Expanded WiFi can be accessed throughout the building as well as in the Library parking lot and around the perimeter of the building during open hours.

  • Connect to the wireless network (SSID) called "schlowlibrary" which should be accessible anywhere around the perimeter of the library.
  • Encryption is WPA2 Personal. WPA Personal is also supported.
  • The password is also "schlowlibrary", without the quotation marks.
  • Wait 10-15 seconds to allow your computer to properly set its new network settings.
  • Open your web browser. If you have set it to a blank page, or a site beginning with https://, you must try to visit an internet web page.
  • Review our internet policy, then click on "I accept."

Connection assistance may be available via email to refdesk@schlowlibrary.org, or calling 814.237.6236, pending staff availability.

How do I arrange for proctoring?

Need a proctor for an exam?

Schlow Library Adult & Teen Services staff offer proctoring services. 

Please contact us at least 7 days in advance. Allow at least 2 business days for a response.  

Notify us of any special requirements for your test on the online form (online or paper, special software or browser, etc.). 

$25.00 fee per 2-hour exam time, plus any mailing/postage costs.  Each additional hour will be $15.  Cash, check, Visa and MasterCard are accepted. 

Preferred Proctoring times:

  • Monday-Friday -- 9am to 3pm. (Please note: Wednesday & Friday evenings are unavailable.)
  • Some Saturdays -- 9am to 1pm.
  • By appointment.  

Read more

How do I volunteer?

Thanks for your interest in helping Schlow!

Volunteers are the wonder workers of the Library, and provide many thousands of hours of essential assistance every year.

Who can apply to be a Schlow volunteer?

All applicants must be at least 16 years old, and those under 18 must submit a parent/guardian consent form.

Summer Reading Volunteers: There are special volunteer opportunities for children ages 13-16 during our Summer Reading Program. These positions are limited and are offered on a first come, first serve basis.  

May I apply if I need to do some community service hours?

If you need to do 20 or more hours of community service and your hours are not court-mandated, please contact Schlow's Volunteer Coordinator first using our Contact form to find out whether we will be able to assist you.

Please visit our Volunteer page for more detailed sign up information including background checks and an online Volunteer sign up form.

Read more

How do I reserve an event space?

Schlow has both indoor and outdoor event spaces. Looking for virtual meeting rooms? We have those too.

Submit an inquiry or read more about event space use.

Read more

How do I submit my artwork to be shown in the Allen Gallery?

Centre County is full of wonderful artists and we are proud to exhibit their work in the Betsy Rodgers Allen Gallery. A gallery committee solicits submissions, reviews applications, and oversees operations. Art is interpreted broadly to include paintings, sculpture, crafts, etc. The committee meets periodically throughout the year to select and schedule exhibitions. Find the application on the Art Gallery page.

Please allow up to 30 days for a response.

Read more

How do I register for Library by Mail?

Unable to visit the library? The library can come to you!

Any resident of Centre, Clearfield, Juniata, or Mifflin Counties who is permanently or temporarily unable to leave his/her/their home is welcome to use this free and convenient service.  

  • Submit the online application.
  • To make your next selections, complete the request form included in each shipment
  • Return the materials and your request form in the original canvas bag.
  • Use the mailing label on the bag as a postage-paid return label - just flip it over! 
  • Call the Schlow Library Adult Department desk (814.237.6236) for further information. 

Learn more

Downloads

Get started with eBooks or eAudiobooks on Libby by Overdrive

Read (or Listen) anywhere, anytime.

Download from our ever-growing collection of eBooks and eAudiobooks. Getting started is easy!

  • Find Libby by Overdrive in either the App Store or on Google Play to download current and popular eBooks and eAudiobooks.
  • View/Download/Print the Libby PDF attachment for step-by-step instructions.

Need more help?

Troubleshooting? We recommend these helpful Libby tutorials from Overdive.

Get started with online magazines on Flipster

Flip through full-color magazines!

Download or access magazines issues from our collection on Flipster. Getting started is easy!

  • Find the Flipster App in either the App Store or on Google Play.
  • View/Download/Print the Flipster PDF attachment for step-by-step instructions.

Need more help?

 

Troubleshooting? Check out the help page on Flipster.

Get started streaming free videos with Kanopy

Enjoy critically-acclaimed films, documentaries, and foreign films.

Stream free videos with your library card. Getting started is easy!

  • Find the Kanopy App in either the App Store or on Google Play
  • View/Download/Print the Kanopy PDF attachment for step-by-step instructions.

Need more help?

Troubleshooting? We recommend Kanopy's Troubleshooting page.

Get started using Hoopla

Stream movies, TV shows, eBooks, eAudiobooks, comics, and more with your library card.

  • Find the Hoopla App in either the App Store or on Google Play
  • View Hoopla's how-to guide here for step-by-step instructions.

Need more help?

Troubleshooting? We recommend Hoopla's Troubleshooting page.

Get Download Help

If you need any assistance, feel free to reach out to us for some download help by filling out this form.