June 11, 2020

The BCCLS Executive Board Statement on Racial Justice

The members of the BCCLS Executive Board denounce racism. We were horrified as we witnessed the lives of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor taken because of the color of their skin, as too many others have been killed before due to prejudice and racism. It is abhorrent, inhuman, and unacceptable. Those who are susceptible to acts of prejudice, threats of violence, and even death based on their race or ethnicity deserve better from our society. Black Lives Matter.

Racism is deeply woven throughout our institutions and systems. We have seen atrocities and injustices wreak havoc on neighborhoods and communities of color because of fundamental inequity in our society. Undoing racist systems is complex work, yet the request is so simple, so fundamental to human decency: treat others as you wish to be treated.

We encourage and support our member libraries as they use their platforms to elevate the voices of the marginalized, review policies, and strive to eradicate barriers and systems of oppression wherever they may find them. We acknowledge the need to consistently work toward recognizing our own biases and welcome change. We can, and must, do more. As part of our ongoing organizational evaluation, we commit to evaluating all the ways in which we can change policies and practices to fight against racism in its many forms and affect positive change.

Adopted by the BCCLS Executive Board on June 11, 2020

March 13, 2020

Public Health Crisis announcement:

In response to the Public Health Crisis and the temporary closing of many of our member libraries, we are making the following announcement:

All materials borrowed by any patron from a BCCLS member library will have their due dates extended by 2 weeks immediately.

Please don’t worry about trying to get things that are due back to your library. You have time. Please know that local libraries are also willing to work with you on these and those closed for a longer length of time will have that reflected in their due dates. You can check you BCCLS account online for updated due dates.

We are restricting hold requests from being fulfilled between libraries – your requests from other libraries will be delayed during this time.

Holds will only be fulfilled on materials that are owned by your local library and can be picked up there if your local library is open.

Your place in the hold line is safe.

If you have placed an item on hold, you will remain in line. Essentially, we are freezing the process and will start filling holds between libraries once the crisis has passed.

Delivery will be suspended.

Delivery between libraries will be suspended with the last deliveries scheduled for Monday, March 16th. After that, materials will not be moved from member library to member library until normal business resumes.

We appreciate your patience as we work through this difficult time. Please know our commitment to our patrons and their safety remains foremost in our thoughts.

October 26, 2018

BCCLS announces new Executive Director

The Bergen County Cooperative Library System (BCCLS) has appointed David Hanson as its new Executive Director. A native of Nebraska, David has broad experience working in libraries of all sizes across the country.

"David impressed the BCCLS staff, Search Committee and me with his breadth and depth of experience. He understands libraries, large and small, and he understands the integral role library systems play in our success," noted Kurt Hadeler, Director of the Mahwah Public Library and President of BCCLS' Executive Board. "We are incredibly excited to have David leading this vibrant organization as we continue to redefine what libraries mean in the 21st century."

Before joining BCCLS, David was the Assistant Director of the Kansas City, Kansas Public Library where he led the creation of KCKPL's current strategic plan. His focus on understanding patron behavior and data-driven results were driving forces behind creating multichannel delivery services and increasing circulation by 6% in recent years. Previously, David was Director of the Linwood Community Library District and the Systemwide Services Manager for the Johnson County Library. He also worked with the Northeast Kansas Library System on shared services and delivery and sat on the Board of the Mid-American Library Association.

"I look forward to working with all of the BCCLS libraries to build on an amazing legacy and grow the organization toward a bright future."

Hanson will succeed Cindy Czesak, who has been Interim Executive Director since 2017. "Cindy and the entire team in the BCCLS office did an amazing job keeping BCCLS running smoothly under challenging circumstances," noted Hadeler. "We're all deeply grateful to Cindy and the marvelous work she's done over the past year."

July 31, 2018

Guttenberg Hits the History Books with New Library

The last day of July 2018 is a historic one for the Town of Guttenberg. That was the day the town opened its own library branch for the first time. Prior to that, residents could join the North Bergen Free Public Library and take out books or participate in their many programs and activities, but that meant trekking over to Bergenline Avenue and 85th Street.

Now, instead of residents traveling to the books, the books come to the residents. Not only that, the selection has broadened. Thanks to the efforts of Mayor Wayne Zitt and the Town Council, Guttenberg has joined the BCCLS system (pronounced “buckles”), giving residents access to any item within a network of more than 75 public libraries in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, and Passaic counties. Library members can simply order an item and it will be delivered for them to pick up at the desk, often within 24 hours. And that includes DVDs, audio books, games, periodicals, foreign language publications, and more.

The new facility, named the Guttenberg Resource Center, is a branch of the North Bergen Library. It will hit the history books as the first time a New Jersey library opened a branch in another municipality. Many of the library directors from across the state who attended the opening ceremony noted that the site points the way toward the future of libraries: in smaller, pop-up satellite locations.

Bringing a library to Guttenberg took years of coordinated effort. North Bergen Library Director Sai Rao credits Zitt for his vision in making it happen, beginning even before he became mayor. Negotiations were required with BCCLS and the state, and funding had to be secured. Once the space was identified, it needed to be completely renovated – and then expanded, once an adjacent room was made available.

Rao and Mayor Zitt were joined by North Bergen Mayor and State Senator Nicholas Sacco to cut the ribbon officially launching the new facility. Also on hand was BCCLS Interim Executive Director Cindy Czesak to offer congratulations, along with numerous local and regional officials.

An onsite registration table was overrun with residents signing up for library cards and classes, including Conversational Spanish, Basic Computer Training, Beginner’s ESL, Citizenship Exam Preparation, Tech Help, Career Assistance, and more. Some classes were so popular they filled up immediately. Also upcoming are health seminars, kids’ activities, a variety of community events, and much more.

The library is open Monday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday 2 to 8 p.m.; Friday for special programs; Saturday noon to 4. Sundays the library is closed.

June 09, 2018

Welcome Back, Rochelle Park!

On Saturday, June 9, The Rochelle Park Free Public Library celebrated its return to BCCLS. Freeholder David Ganz presented the library with a commendation by the County of Bergen Board of Chosen Freeholders in honor of their "Grand Opening as a Municipal Library". Assemblywoman Lisa Swain and Assemblyman Chris Tully presented a Joint Legislative Resolution by Senator Lagana and themselves to commend the library "for its distinguished service to the community" and pay "tribute to the supporters and staff of this worthwhile organization". NJLA Executive Director, Patricia Tumulty, and BCCLS' own Cindy Czesak were on hand to warmly welcome the Rochelle Park Public Library back to the consortium. The citizens of Rochelle Park who so speedily voted for a municipal library and the library's board of trustees who worked so hard to make this happen were exhilarated to have the library take its place in the New Jersey library community. Kathy Cannarozzi, the Director of the Rochelle Park Library and her staff would like to thank all their BCCLS family for the warm welcome and look forward to being a proud member of this library family.

November 01, 2017

BCCLS welcomes Interim Executive Director, Cindy Czesak

From Cindy: “Previously, my experience of BCCLS was as an outside observer from the other side of the Passaic River. For those of you who don't know, I very recently retired as the Director of the Paterson Free Public Library, a position I held for 17 years. Now that I'm on this side, I can confirm many of my casual observations. The member libraries are strongly committed to collaborative work, keeping their patrons as the primary focus. The individual librarians are dedicated to committee work, which enhances their own skills and what they bring to their libraries, as well as strengthening the consortium. The Board dedicates an enormous amount of care and time to the development and growth of BCCLS. And, the staff work collectively and tirelessly to ensure that BCCLS has the internal support an organization of this size needs. I also realize that BCCLS, like any mature organization, is at a stage when some introspection is advisable. With a search for a new Executive Director, the implementation of a new Strategic Plan and the roll out of a new billing formula, changes are taking place. I am encouraged by the fact that member libraries, when faced with all of these changes, are further committing to reinforcing and even reinvigorating the role of BCCLS for the libraries they served. The fact that 74% of the voters in Rochelle Park voted to form a municipal library, primarily so that the residents of that town could again enjoy access to all of the riches of the BCCLS libraries, clearly demonstrates the importance of the library to that town and, I would say, all of the towns who are part of the consortium. Each library strengthens the other and is, in turn, strengthened. We should all acknowledge and appreciate that. I look forward to working with all of you - to greet those of you whom I already know and meeting the others. I think we all benefit from the exchange of ideas and experiences and I hope you will share your ideas and your experiences with me, so I can try to steer this organization in the direction that the member libraries desire.”

Cindy Czesak
Interim Executive Director.

October 01, 2017

BCCLS says Farewell to Executive Director, Marie Coughlin

From Marie: “Thank you for welcoming this New Yorker with open arms 2.5 years ago. I will never forget the incredible people in this organization who work so hard to make BCCLS a force to be reckoned with. I am so proud of my accomplishments here and am eternally grateful to everyone who helped this organization move forward in a positive way. In 2.5 years, we: Created unprecedented transparency within the budget so that all directors could see where BCCLS revenue was going; Increased the Bergen County Grant for the first time in years and established regular rapport with prominent stakeholders; Implemented the first Strategic Plan in BCCLS' long history; Successfully advocated for more competitive compensation for BCCLS staff as a much-needed tool for retention and recruitment; Successfully defended against a legal attack on our bylaws; Managed the sudden turnover of six office staff positions within 19 months with smart recruitment practices and restructuring of some positions while handling the immense change within the office; Approved the implementation of online credit card payment software; Added SkyRiver to our suite of products, easing the burden on member library staff to get materials cataloged in a timely manner; Saw historical peak turnout at the annual BCCLS Friends' Breakfast; Implemented a new billing formula for member libraries to sustain financial viability; and, Advocated for an all-elected Executive Board to increase accountability of board members and increase institutional knowledge thanks to longer term periods.”

“...Just to name a few.”

“I wish you all the best of luck in the future, and thank you for all that you do. Hope to see you at PLA in March!”

Marie Coughlin
Executive Director, BCCLS

May 17, 2017

Rochelle Park's Termination of BCCLS Membership

Dear BCCLS Community,

Effective 5:00 pm on Monday, June 26, 2017, the Rochelle Park Library will no longer be a member library of the Bergen County Cooperative Library System (BCCLS). On Friday, May 12, 2017, the BCCLS System Council, consisting of 77 library directors or their designated voting representatives, voted to terminate the Rochelle Park Library’s BCCLS membership as a result of ongoing non-compliance of Article I, Section 3(a) of the BCCLS By-laws, which reads:

“Full membership in the BCCLS is open to any municipal or association library having a primary location in a Bergen County municipality and meeting the following qualifications…”

The Rochelle Park Library has never been a municipal library and is no longer acting as the non-profit association library that BCCLS believed it to be for Rochelle Park’s 27 years of BCCLS membership. This was revealed to us by the Rochelle Park Library Association’s Board of Trustees in a letter received by BCCLS on November 7, 2016 requesting guidance. The Rochelle Park Library is now a department of the Township of Rochelle Park, which by state statute, deems it no longer an association library. After a thorough investigation and several opportunities offered since then to help bring the library back into compliance with BCCLS By-laws, the vote to terminate their membership in BCCLS was passed with 73 member libraries in favor, 2 opposed, and 1 abstaining.

As of 10:00 am on Monday, May 22, 2017, Rochelle Park Library patrons will no longer have the ability to:

1. Borrow physical materials from the 76 other member libraries of BCCLS,
2. Download digital materials from eBCCLS, the digital collection of BCCLS, and
3. Access the internet from BCCLS-purchased computers at their local library.

The June 26, 2017 membership termination date enables the hundreds of materials circulating between Rochelle Park and other libraries to be returned to their home libraries. The June 26th termination date also allows for a smooth transition for the BCCLS membership and for Rochelle Park Library staff and patrons.

Our goal since November 2016 was for the Rochelle Park Library to remain a thriving and compliant member library of BCCLS. BCCLS membership is incredibly cost-effective for the taxpayers of Rochelle Park. For only $3.13 per resident each year, Rochelle Park residents had seamless access to nearly 6 million physical items, 500,000 digital items, high-end networking and technology, extensive professional development opportunities for staff, and much more. BCCLS regrets that a vote on termination needed to take place, a vote that had only been taken once before in BCCLS history. However, the BCCLS By-laws were created and implemented by our member libraries, and we take these By-laws very seriously to preserve the integrity of our 37-year-old library cooperative.

If you have any questions or concerns, please e-mail bccls @ bccls.org or call 201-489-1904.

Sincerely

Marie Coughlin
Executive Director, BCCLS

December 16, 2016

Remembering Robert White

Our dear friend and colleague, Robert White, passed away on Friday, December 16th. Robert White was the Executive Director of BCCLS for over 30 years, and a staunch champion of libraries.

There is no better way to celebrate the life of Robert White and all that he did for BCCLS and for New Jersey libraries than for us to gather together at his favorite place - the library.

Please join us at the New Milford Public Library (200 Dahlia Avenue) on Wednesday, December 21st from 10:30 am until noon for a remembrance and service for Robert, our friend and colleague. There will be no wake or funeral, so we hope everyone will have an opportunity to attend this service. We encourage anyone with fond memories of Robert to attend and share a few words at this service; there are so many stories from people in the library field about how Robert got them their first library job, welcomed them into a new position with open arms, advocated on their behalf to library boards and elected officials, and so much more. These stories deserve to be shared while we honor his legacy.

Thank you all for the comforting words the office has been receiving. As Robert's successor here, I never had the opportunity to work directly with him, but he was so kind and supportive during my first few months here and it was wonderful to have him as my colleague while he was interim Executive Director at PALS Plus. I came into an office with an incredible team of staff that he built, and an organization whose strength is a testament to his tireless advocacy of collaboration among libraries. His imprint on this organization is indelible.

Please let me know (marie @ bccls.org) if you are able to join us on Wednesday. I hope to see you there.

Marie Coughlin
Executive Director

Many thanks to all who took part in Robert's memorial service. Click here for the recording.

July 7, 2015

BCCLS Key Hunt

As a way of celebrating the Summer of 2015 and all that BCCLS offers, BCCLS libraries are participating in a summer scavenger hunt from July 1 through August 31.

Visit 10 different BCCLS libraries, find the “special key” in each library, receive a stamp on your entry form from each library, and be entered in our raffle.  There will be two winners picked from eligible entries - one adult (18 and over) and one for those 17 and under.  The prize in each category will be an American Express Gift Card. Collect stamps on the Scavenger Hunt from 25 different libraries and you will be entitled to 2 entries. If you make it to all 77 libraries, you will get a 3rd entry.

Come have fun, explore new libraries, and join us in celebrating all that BCCLS libraries and your hometown library have to offer!  Stop by and open our doors to a world of possibilities.

Click here for the entry form!

March 2, 2015

Welcome, Marie Coughlin

We are very excited to welcome Marie Coughlin as the new Executive Director of BCCLS. Marie comes from the New York Public Library where for the past eight years, she has worked in several distinct positions, including the Rose Librarian for Public Service at the world-renowned Stephen A. Schwarzman Building in Manhattan where she managed the largest research division and collection in the NYPL.

Marie currently lives in Staten Island. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics from New York University and a Master of Library and Information Science with a concentration in Digital Libraries from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. She says she is, “thrilled to become part of the BCCLS family”, and is “looking forward to working with the Executive Board, the staff and all member libraries to continue the tradition of great and innovative public service to BCCLS library communities.”

We wish Marie all the best as she embarks on this next chapter of her career.

February 23, 2015

Hail and Farewell, Robert White

Robert White, a legend among New Jersey librarians is retiring. White, the Executive Director of BCCLS, the Bergen County Cooperative Library System (bccls.org), is turning over the reins this Spring to his successor, Marie Coughlin.

White began his career as a Latin instructor but soon came to realize that his passion was in libraries, their importance in their communities, and their emerging technologies.

His first job out of library school was with Macmillan Publishing Company’s Stechert Hafner division providing research materials to university and large public libraries. After a stint at Brown University and the Morris County (NJ) Automated Information Network , White came to BCCLS and has served with distinction since 1986 as the only Executive Director that BCCLS has known.

Starting with a group of 21 libraries interested in computerized resource sharing, White worked tirelessly to grow the organization into its current 75 members with two more members (West Orange and Northvale) to be added in 2015.

“Robert knows libraries inside and out. He cares deeply about their role in society and knows what a difference they make in the lives of the people they serve. And it is those people that Robert has always considered when planning BCCLS’ future. He knows, too, how to build and maintain consensus among our 75 member libraries. His profound understanding of BCCLS libraries and their communities has made him the go-to guy for librarians, Boards, and elected officials to seek out when they have a question about public library law. Besides being a statistics maven, visionary, and leader in New Jersey libraries, Robert is a kind, good man who will be greatly missed by his staff at the BCCLS office”, Arlene Sahraie, BCCLS Library Services Director, said.

BCCLS new Executive Director, Marie Coughlin comes from the New York Public Library where for the past eight years, she has worked in several distinct positions including the Rose Librarian for Public Service at the world-renowned Stephen A. Schwarzman Building in Manhattan where she managed the largest research division and collection in the NYPL.

Marie currently lives in Staten Island. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics from New York University and a Master of Library and Information Science with a concentration in Digital Libraries from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. She says she is, “thrilled to become part of the BCCLS family”, and is “looking forward to working with the Executive Board, the staff and all member libraries to continue the tradition of great and innovative public service to BCCLS library communities.”

Current BCCLS President, Leonard LoPinto, Director of the Paramus Public Library says, “While we all welcome and support our new Executive Director, Marie Coughlin, we honor and give thanks to Robert White for his dedicated service to BCCLS and libraries for more than 30 years. It's Robert's ability, knowledge, vision and dedication that make BCCLS the great service organization that it is. A wonderful way to honor Robert is to give to the Robert White BCCLS scholarship.” The BCCLS Scholarship initiative annually honors library school students with financial assistance to pursue their Master of Library and Information Science degree. Anyone interested in making a donation to the Robert White Scholarship Fund can send their tax-deductible donations to BCCLS at 810 Main St. Hackensack, NJ 07601.

December 5, 2014

BCCLS Leaves Open Borrowing on 12/31/14

Attention Open Borrowing Patrons:

By a vote of the BCCLS membership and after meeting with the Open Borrowing partners, as of January 1, 2015, BCCLS will no longer be participating in the Open Borrowing program. Open Borrowing is a program that allowed borrowing outside of BCCLS.

What does this mean for you?

If you are a library patron from a BCCLS library, you will no longer have borrowing privileges at Open Borrowing member libraries through the Open Borrowing program.

If you are a library patron from any of the Open Borrowing partners (Hackettstown, LMxAC, MAIN, PALS Plus, Sparta, Sussex County, or Warren County), you will no longer have borrowing privileges at BCCLS libraries through the Open Borrowing program.

There may be possible alternatives for borrowing, please ask your local librarian for information about Courtesy Cards, ReBL cards, Pay Cards.

Please note: BCCLS (bccls.org) is NOT going anywhere. Your valid library card from a BCCLS library is and will continue to be honored at all 75 BCCLS member libraries.

We thank all Open Borrowing partners and wish them much continued success.

Thank you and we hope you will continue to patronize public libraries, borrowing lots of great materials.

August 19, 2014

TXT Notifications Now Available

Receive TXT notifications when:

• Your requested items are ready to be picked up
• Your items are overdue
• One of your holds has been canceled

You can opt into receiving text notifications from within the library catalog by following these steps:

1. Sign into your library account from the BCCLS homepage.
2. You should automatically be directed to the "My Record" section of your account. (If you do not see your name and the last four digits of your library card number, hover over the "My Account" button and click on the "My Record" option.)
3. Click on the "Contact Information and Preferences" box.
4. Scroll down the page. If you have not already entered your cell phone number, enter it in the white box.
5. If you have not selected a carrier (i.e., AT&T, Verizon, etc.), select your carrier from the drop-down menu. If your carrier does not appear in the drop-down menu, you are not eligible to receive TXT notifications.
6. Select the "Send TXT to this number" radio button to the right of the phone number at which you wish to receive TXTs.
7. If you want to receive TXT notifications exclusively and you do NOT wish to receive email notifications, select "TXT Messaging" from the drop-down menu below the words "My preference for receiving library notices". If you want to receive TXT notifications in addition to email notifications, leave this preference set to "Email Address".
8. Click the "Submit Change Request" button.
9. You should receive a confirmation that your preferences have been changed. Going forward, you should begin receiving TXT notifications.

If you have any questions about how you can receive TXT notifications, please contact your library.

February 14, 2013

World Language Catalog Update

BCCLS continues our commitment to serve the diverse communities of our 74 member libraries.

For those of you who have been accustomed to searching for World Language materials within the World Language Catalog, BCCLS is thrilled to announce that with our migration, we have been able to unite the BCCLS World Language Catalog with the BCCLS standard catalog. You can now perform all of your searches directly from one place.

We hope you will be pleased to know that you can now search for Harry Potter or the latest Sookie Stackhouse novel in the catalog and compare our offerings in all available languages, including non-Roman. In some cases, especially for materials that have been translated from English, like Harry Potter, you may be able to search in either English or a variety of world languages. In other cases, particularly for world language materials written in the native language of the author, you may need to search in the vernacular (i.e., Korean, Chinese, Russian, Spanish, etc.).

The new catalog also offers you the ability to select from among four languages (English, Korean, Russian, and Spanish). By selecting one of these languages, you can view such features as your online library account, the overall catalog interface, and more in the language of your choice.

We hope that you will take the time to explore our unified catalog and help spread the word that there's something for everyone at bccls.org.

Warmest regards,

Arlene Sahraie

Library Services Director

January 8, 2013

Overdue Notice Alert

It has been brought to our attention that some patrons have received overdue notices for materials that have been returned. We apologize for any confusion.

During this period of transition, overdue notices have been sent out from both our old system and our new system. Today's overdue notices were the last batch generated within our old system. These notices were sent out because we ruled on the side of caution in an effort to guarantee that no unreturned materials would fall through the cracks. Again, we are very sorry for any inconvenience, and no further erroneous overdues should be sent out.

If you believe you have received an overdue notice in error, please double-check your online account. If the item does not appear on your "Items Out" list, please disregard the overdue notice. Alternatively, you can contact your home library for confirmation. Click here to find contact information for any of the BCCLS member libraries.

Thank you for your patience.

December 20, 2012

World Language Catalog

Friends,

You may have noticed that BCCLS now has a new online catalog.  Please take a look at it and explore all it has to offer.

The World Language Catalog will be undergoing some changes in the coming weeks.  Currently, you still have access to the World Language Catalog as you have known it, and the link on the BCCLS web site for the World Language Catalog still directs you there.  Please be advised that the status of items within the World Language catalog may not be accurate – i.e., items may appear to be available when they are checked out and vice versa.  Also, item requests are no longer available through this version of the World Language Catalog.

All of the titles from the World Language Catalog have been transferred to our new integrated catalog, but we have not yet transferred individual library holdings to this new catalog.  We hope to have all necessary data migrated in the coming weeks.  When this information has been migrated, you will be able to view and request World Language materials within our new online catalog as you would any other item.

In the meantime, if you are in a library, World Language materials are available for borrowing as usual.  When this migration process has been completed, the link to the existing World Language Catalog will be removed and all World Language materials will be fully integrated into our new online catalog.

Robert White
Executive Director

December 18, 2012

Migration Hiccups

Thank you for your patience during our transition to new software!   We apologize for any temporary inconvenience you may experience as a result of this upgrade.  The BCCLS Office is aware of some temporary issues that are occurring as a result of our recent migration.  Here is a list of issues we are currently aware of.  We are working to correct any issues as quickly as we can.

• Email Notices
  Some of you have received pre-overdue notices for items that have already been returned.  This issue has been resolved and you should not receive any additional erroneous emails of this nature.  We apologize for the interruption and any confusion these emails may have caused.
  
  
• Item Requests
  It has been brought to our attention that some holds may have been mistakenly canceled.  If you have had a request erroneously canceled, please contact your library and ask them to reactivate it. Reactivating your hold will restore your previous place in the holds list. Click here to find contact information for any of the BCCLS member libraries.
  
  
• Patron Accounts
  Within our new system, you will need to enter either your library card number or your username AND your password in order to access your online account or place requests.
  
  If you previously had a PIN to access your account online, that PIN is now your password.
  
  If you did not previously have a PIN, but you have an email address attached to your online account, you can have your password emailed to you by clicking on the "forgot your password" link in the "My Account" box on the left side of the BCCLS home page.
  
  If you did not previously have a PIN and you do not have an email address attached to your library account, you can obtain a password by visiting any BCCLS library with your library card.  Click here to find contact information for any of the BCCLS member libraries.
  
  Thank you for your patience during this period of transition, and we apologize for any confusion or inconvenience.
  
  
• Temporary Outage
  On 12/12/12, we experienced an unexpected temporary outage.  We apologize if you were unable to access our online catalog during this time.
  
  

If there are any other specific issues that you would like to share with us, please let us know by filling out an “Ask Us” form.

Click here to fill out an "Ask Us" form.

December 5, 2012

Features Update

As part of our migration to new software, many new features will be available within our new catalog on 12/12/12 and some of our existing features will need to be transitioned to function with our new software. As of 8AM on Monday, December 10, some features of the BCCLS web site will be temporarily unavailable.

CHANGES WILL IMPACT:

• BCCLSVisor Archives
  The BCCLSVisor Archives will be temporarily unavailable. New BCCLSVisor lists will continue to be posted. Stay tuned for updates.
  
  
• BCCLS Most Wanted
  This list will be temporarily unavailable. Stay tuned for updates.
  
  
• Book Club Books
  This feature will continue to be available, but listed titles will temporarily not include links to the library catalog. Links to the new catalog will be restored at a later date.
  
  
• Book of the Day Archive
  This feature will continue to be available, but listed titles will temporarily not include links to the library catalog. Links to the new catalog will be restored at a later date.
  
  
• NY Times Bestsellers
  This page will continue to provide information on titles listed as NY Times Bestsellers. Temporarily, this page will include two links. One link will direct you to a page that includes a "carousel" of the current NY Times Bestsellers. You will be able to click on a title within this carousel to immediately search for it within the new catalog. The second link will direct you to the NY Times web site, where you will be able to view a full list of the current and archived bestsellers.
  
  
• What's New
  The "What's New @ Your Library" feature will be temporarily unavailable. We are exploring how to offer this feature within our new catalog. We love receiving your title suggestions, and as of December 12th you will be able to suggest new items by going to the "Help" button on the main navigation bar and clicking on the "Suggest a New Item" link. Keep the suggestions coming!

November 21, 2012

Reminder: Upcoming Changes

On December 12, 2012, the Bergen County Cooperative Library System will migrate to its new automation system, Polaris. This new system will bring many improvements in service.

There are a few changes coming that you need to know about:

1. After December 12, 2012, you must present the library card used to place the request when picking up requested items.
2. PINs will become passwords - click here to learn more.
3. Between now and December, this software transition will temporarily impact the availability of certain services. Our goal is to ensure a smooth transition with minimal interruption to you.

Upcoming Changes     Important Dates to Remember     FAQ

Important Dates to Remember

While the GO-LIVE date is fixed, some of the dates below may vary. Stay tuned for regular updates!

Monday, October 15

• This was the last day to place reserves (or holds) on items. This function will resume after the system is live on 12/12/12.

Tuesday, November 20

• This was the last day to place loan requests for materials from any BCCLS library, including your own. You can still visit any library in person that owns materials you wish to borrow. Requests will resume after we are on the new system.

Monday, December 3

• No new library cards will be issued until December 12, 2012.
• You will no longer have access to your book bag. Unfortunately, the content of existing book bags cannot be brought over into the new system.

Monday, December 10

• Checkouts will be limited to two (2) items per patron for two days. Stock up on books, movies and DVDs beforehand!
• Any materials that would be due between Monday, December 10 and Sunday, December 16 will now be due on Monday, December 17.
• Item renewals and online access to patron accounts will temporarily be unavailable from Monday, December 10 @ 8AM to Wednesday, December 12 @ 10AM.

Wednesday, December 12, 10 a.m. EST

• Polaris is a GO! Yay Polaris!

Upcoming Changes     Important Dates to Remember     FAQ

November 15, 2012

Remembering Isaiah Sheffer

I can't imagine life without Isaiah Sheffer.  As a devoted NPR listener for many decades, I always looked forward to Selected Shorts on Sunday afternoon.  When we started planning for BCCLS' 25th celebration, we were looking for 25 events, some large, some small.  We started to explore the possibility of  the Selected Shorts cast making  it to a BCCLS library .  It was a very hot June night, and for Selected Shorts' first appearance in New Jersey, Isaiah brought the husband and wife couple, of Keir Dullea and Mia Dillon to the Teaneck Public Library.  We had close to a full house.  

No matter who the other talent was, Isaiah was the star, whether leading a sing-along or doing his own inimitable short story reading.  After each performance, the first question from audience members was "When is Selected Shorts coming back to a BCCLS’ library?"  We skipped 2005 and 2007, but Millburn, our second library in 2006 was so pleased that they wanted them again, so we started booking Selected Shorts annually beginning in 2008.  To date, BCCLS has jointly sponsored with six BCCLS libraries:  Teaneck, Millburn, Franklin Lakes, Montclair, Livingston, and most recently, Cliffside Park this past June.  Isaiah couldn’t be with us at Cliffside Park because of his recent illness.  We're hopeful that New Milford will be hosting Selected Shorts in the summer of 2013 but without Isaiah; his inspiration will be there, but we will miss him terribly.  Thanks for all the many wonderful times he brought us, whether backstage or in front of the microphone.

Robert White
Executive Director

October 31, 2012

Hurricane Sandy Update

More than 50 of our 74 libraries are still closed due to electrical outages which many of you are experiencing as well. We have extended the due date for all items which had an original due date of October 29-Nov.8 to come due on November 9th.

Return of materials:

Please do not attempt to return materials in the book drop if your library is not yet open for operation. And do everyone a favor and don't bring them to a neighboring library. Delivery services are not likely to return before sometime next week.

For regular updates on particular libraries refer to Weather Related Closings.

Robert White
Executive Director

September 27, 2012

Upcoming Changes

On December 12, 2012, the Bergen County Cooperative Library System will migrate to its new automation system, Polaris. This new system will bring many improvements in service.

There are a few changes coming that you need to know about:

1. After December 12, 2012, you must present the library card used to place the request when picking up requested items.
2. PINs will become passwords - click here to learn more.
3. Between now and December, this software transition will temporarily impact the availability of certain services. Our goal is to ensure a smooth transition with minimal interruption to you.

Upcoming Changes     Important Dates to Remember     FAQ

Important Dates to Remember

While the GO-LIVE date is fixed, some of the dates below may vary. Stay tuned for regular updates!

Monday, October 15

• You will not be able to place reserves (or holds) on items. This function will resume after the system is live on 12/12/12. After October 15, no new patrons can be added to a holds list for any title. Requests will continue to be honored only for those materials that are currently available within a BCCLS library. Check the online catalog to make sure the item you want is available. You can still request (but not reserve) available items in BCCLS libraries until November 20.

Tuesday, November 20

• This will be the last day to place loan requests for materials from any BCCLS library, including your own. You will still be able to visit any library in person that owns materials you wish to borrow. Requests will resume after we are on the new system.

Monday, December 3

• No new library cards will be issued until December 12, 2012.
• You will no longer have access to your book bag. Unfortunately, the content of existing book bags cannot be brought over into the new system.

Monday, December 10

• Checkouts will be limited to two (2) items per patron for two days. Stock up on books, movies and DVDs beforehand!

Wednesday, December 12, 10 a.m. EST

• Polaris is a GO! Yay Polaris!

Upcoming Changes     Important Dates to Remember     FAQ

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is BCCLS making this change to a new automation system?

A: Polaris offers many of the same - and some new - features that previously had to be custom-designed, programmed and maintained by BCCLS staff. These will now be maintained by the vendor. There is also some cost savings in licensing fees. In the long run, we believe your library will be offering you better and more efficient service.

Q: But I just figured out the old system. Is Polaris going to be very different?

A: There will be no changes in the important things you value and enjoy most about your library’s membership in BCCLS. Your card will still be good at all member libraries. You will still be able to borrow materials from all 74 member libraries, either by request or in-person. You will still be able to request items to be sent to the library of your choice. You will still be able to return materials at any library. You will still be able to check your card and renew online.

Q: Will my Book Bag be brought over into Polaris?

A: Polaris will include a new and improved feature similar to the book bag that will allow you to create multiple book lists, save past searches, and view your reading history (this is an opt-in feature). Unfortunately, the content of existing book bags cannot be brought over into the new system. Please print a copy of your book bag by November 30, 2012 if you would like to keep a record of your existing book bag. You will need to recreate any book lists or saved searches in the new system.

Q: What are the changes I will see in service?

A: The biggest difference you will see has to do with picking up loan requests – books, films or music sent to you from other libraries. Items will no longer be checked out to you beforehand. You must present the card on which the request was placed and check out the item at the time of pickup. Staff will not be able to charge the item out to a different card. You probably have noticed that we are now using receipt printers which are required by Polaris.

Q: Can I expect any enhancements?

A: There should be a significant decrease in the wait time for requested items from other libraries. Loan fulfillment, i.e. which library responds to your request, will be randomly assigned by the computer system, unless it is an item owned by your library. If your library’s item is available and you have placed a request, you will receive your library’s copy. If your library’s item is already checked out, the system will look for the first available copy in another library.

In the past notices came from each of the owning libraries for overdue materials. In Polaris, you will receive a single notice for all items that you have overdue. Once the system is fully operational, you can opt to receive e-mail receipts when items are checked out to your card and copies of receipts for any payments for fines. If you haven’t already, please provide your e-mail address so that staff may add it to your patron registration information.

Q: What about bestsellers? I know BCCLS has a policy about each library filling its own patron requests for bestsellers.

A: If your library’s copy (or copies) are already checked out, Polaris (our new software) will check the system for the first available copy on a first come/first served basis. Bear in mind that libraries may refuse requests, however.

Q: Will I be able to renew online during the migration period?

A: Yes, you will still be able to renew items online until December 10th. Online renewal will resume Wednesday 12/12/12. In fact, no materials will fall due during the week (12/10 - 12/16) to minimize the possibility of incurring fines during that period.

Upcoming Changes     Important Dates to Remember     FAQ

July 2, 2012

New BCCLS Web Site

Welcome to the new BCCLS website. We hope you like the new design by our new Internet Services Librarian and Webmaster, Laurie Meeske. As with any good website, information changes daily, and we welcome your comments to make it better for the more than 3 million annual visitors. This BCCLS' news section will be be updated at least once a month to help keep you informed.

On December 12, 2012 -- yes, 12-12-12 -- BCCLS will be moving to its new Polaris Library system. This will include a completely new catalog with what we hope you will think are major improvements in catalog searching. The challenge is that BCCLS is a big system with more than 1 million unique titles and more than 6 million copy locations. New searching mechanisms will make searching faster and we think better. The method of requesting materials will require you to log into the catalog, and the assignment of copies to fill your requests should be faster and more equalized so that no single library is unduly burdened. Requests will be checked out to you when you go to your pickup location. The major notification method will still be via email. We are testing text notification with our school partners this autumn. Telephone notification is very labor intensive for our member libraries, so if you are one of our "voracious requesters", please consider switching over to email notification. For details on email notification contact your home library.

One of the first enhancements with our new software will be implementing mobile apps for the many of our users with smartphones. In the first quarter of 2013 we will be unveiling our first application specifically for enhancing catalog search, but also placing of reserves.

When you have any question about library services, your hometown library is the place to start. If your question is about BCCLS activities and services, feel free to write me directly -- robert@bccls.org.

Have a wonderful summer.

Robert White
Executive Director