Q: How can I enlarge the page?
A: Any time you feel the text on a page is too small to comfortably read, try the zooming functionality built into Internet Explorer by pressing the keyboard shortcuts listed under the Enlarge Page link in the lower navigation bar.

Q: How can I search the library catalog from home?
A: Go to the library’s home page and follow these directions (view sample video):
1. From the library’s home page, click on the Search Catalog link under The Find Materials and Do Research  Heading.
2. Choose a search method from the drop-down menu, such as title, author, subject, or keyword.
3. Type your search term(s) in the box. (Capitalization and punctuation do not matter.)
4. Click on the arrow on the right of the search box to start the search. A list of results will appear.
5. Click on any item in the results list for more information.

Q: How can I access lists of bestselling titles owned by the library?
A: Go to the library’s home page and follow these directions (view sample video):
1. From the library’s home page, click on the Search Catalog link under the Find Materials and Do Research Heading.
2. Click on the Bestsellers and Other Lists tab.
3. Choose a list and browse through the titles.
4. Click on any item in the list for more information.

Q: How can I browse lists of downloadable audio books, DVDs, videos, books on CD, books on tape, Language Learning tapes and CDs, music, or multimedia?
A: You may browse our media collections by going to the library’s home page and following these directions (view sample video):
1. From the library’s home page, click on the Search Catalog link under the Find Materials and Do Research Heading.
2. Click on the Browse Media tab.
3. Click on a media category to browse titles in that category.

Q: How do I place a hold?
A: Follow the directions for searching the library catalog, then follow the directions below (view sample video). (NOTE: You will need your library card number and PIN. If you need assistance, including verification of your library card number or PIN, please call the library during business hours at 770-781-9840.)
1. When you have located an item you would like held for you, click on Place on Hold.
2. Type your library card number, press the Tab key, then type your PIN.
3. Click on Login.
4. Choose a pickup location from the drop-down menu.
5. Click on Request.
6. Click on Return to Searching or on Logout and Return.

Q: What is my PIN?
A: The PIN is a four-digit Personal Identification Number that you selected when you registered for a library card. You may change your PIN as frequently as you like. A PIN allows access to your confidential information. Do not share your number with others, and do not store it with other personal information. If you need assistance, including verification of your library card number or PIN, please call the library during business hours at 770-781-9840.

Q: How long can I check out library materials?
A: All physical items check out for 21 days and may be renewed once if no one else is waiting. Downloadable audio books check out for 14 days and cannot be renewed.

Q: How can I view a list of items I have checked out?
A: To view a list of items checked out via the Internet, go to the library’s home page at http://www.forsythpl.org and follow these directions. (view sample video) (NOTE: You will need your library card number and PIN. If you need assistance, including verification of your library card number or PIN, please call the library during business hours at 770-781-9840.)
1. From the library’s home page, click on the Search Catalog link under the Find Materials and Do Research Heading.
2. Click on the Access My Account tab.
3. Type your library card number, press the Tab key, then type your PIN.
4. Click on Login.
5. Click on Items Out. You will see a list of the items you have checked out with the dates they are due.
OR
To hear a list of items checked out via the telephone, call 770-781-9865 from a touchtone phone and follow the spoken prompts. (NOTE: You will need your library card number and PIN. If you need assistance, including verification of your library card number or PIN, please call the library during business hours at 770-781-9840.)

Q: How can I find out when my books are due?
A: To verify due dates via the Internet, follow the directions for viewing the items checked out to you. The due date for each item is displayed in the column labeled Due Date. (view sample video)  (NOTE: You will need your library card number and PIN. If you need assistance, including verification of your library card number or PIN, please call the library during business hours at 770-781-9840.)
OR
To verify due dates via the telephone, call 770-781-9865 from a touchtone phone and follow the spoken prompts. (NOTE: You will need your library card number and PIN. If you need assistance, including verification of your library card number or PIN, please call the library during business hours at 770-781-9840.)

Q: How can I renew my books?
A: To renew books via the Internet, follow the directions for viewing the items checked out to you, then follow the directions below. (view sample video)  (NOTE: You will need your library card number and PIN. If you need assistance, including verification of your library card number or PIN, please call the library during business hours at 770-781-9840.)
1. From your list of items checked out, click to place a check in the box(es) to the left of the item(s) you wish to renew.
2. Click on Renew.
3. New due date(s) will appear, or you will be given the reason for the failure to renew.
4. If you wish to renew all items out, click in the box in the teal bar at the top of the list. Checks will appear in all boxes at once.
5. Click on Renew.
6. New due dates will appear, or you will be given the reason for the failure to renew.
7. Click on Logout when you have finished.
OR
To renew books via the telephone, call 770-781-9865 from a touchtone phone and follow the spoken prompts. (NOTE: You will need your library card number and PIN. If you need assistance, including verification of your library card number or PIN, please call the library during business hours at 770-781-9840.)

Q: How do I use My List?
A: My List is a feature that lets you create lists of library items in the library catalog. You can create temporary lists of items or save the list for future reference. You may have up to 20 lists, and they remain in your account for 90 days. Lists may be printed or emailed. You can add or remove library items from a list, sort the items in a list, or email a list. You can also save a list of items, move items from one list to another, and rename or delete a saved list. To create a list, follow the directions for searching the library catalog, then follow the directions below. (view sample video) (NOTE: You will need your library card number and PIN. If you need assistance, including verification of your library card number or PIN, please call the library during business hours at 770-781-9840.)
1. When you have located an item you would like to place on your list, click on Add to My List.
2. To save a list or view a previously saved list, log in by clicking on Login in the upper right-hand corner of the screen.
3. Type your library card number, press the Tab key, then type your PIN.
4. Click on Login.
5. For more complete information on using lists, click on Help in the upper right-hand corner of the library catalog screen.
6. Click on Log Out when finished.

Q: How can I access the library’s databases from home?
A: In addition to traditional print resources, the library offers access to many online resources. These are available at most of the public computer terminals in the library, and many of these databases may be accessed from home via our website. From the library’s home page, click on the Online Resources link under the Find Materials and Do Research heading and select a database by category or from the A-Z list. (view sample video) (NOTE: You will need your library card number and PIN and, in the case of GALILEO databases, the GALILEO password. If you need assistance, including verification of your library card number or PIN, please call the library during business hours at 770-781-9840.) Click here (PDF format) for more information on the library’s Premium Databases and GALILEO databases.

Q: How can I get the GALILEO password?
A: The best source for full text articles, GALILEO consists of hundreds of databases indexing thousands of magazines, scholarly journals, and other resources on a variety of subjects. Click here (PDF format) for more information on the library’s Premium Databases and GALILEO databases. A password is necessary to access GALILEO databases from home. (view sample video) (NOTE: You will need your library card number and PIN. If you need assistance, including verification of your library card number or PIN, please call the library during business hours at 770-781-9840. However, the GALILEO password may not be given out over the phone.)
1. From the library’s home page, click on the Online Resources link under the Find Materials and do Research heading and then on For GALILEO password, click here. 2. Enter your library card number and PIN when prompted.
3. Note the current GALILEO password and click on OK.
4. Scroll down and click on GALILEO.
5. Enter the GALILEO password at the Log in with GALILEO password prompt.

Q: How can I get a quick answer to a question?
A: Email us your brief questions via our Ask a Librarian Form, and a librarian will respond via email within 48 hours. (view sample video)

Q: What are the library’s hours?
A: The library is open Monday-Thursday 10:00 AM-8:30 PM, Friday-Saturday 10:00 AM-5:30 PM, and Sunday 1:30-5:30 PM.  To see the list of holidays observed by the library click here.

Q: What do I need in order to use the computers in the library?
A: A library card number and PIN are required to use the computers in the library. Library cards are free to Forsyth County residents of any age and are also available to non-residents for a $30 annual fee. Click here if you would like to apply for a library card online. The charge for the use of the black and white printers, copiers, and microfilm printer is 15 cents per page. The cost of color printing is 50 cents per page. Bring a floppy disk, CD, or USB device in order to save your work, or you can buy a disk at the Information Desk for $1.00.

Q: Does the library have wireless Internet access?
A: Yes, see the supporting website at http://laptops.forsythpl.org for more information regarding FCPL Unplugged!

Q: How can I find out when the next children’s program is taking place?
A: Click here to see the current children’s programming schedule.

Q: Will library staff help me with my homework?
A: The library has many electronic and traditional resources designed to help with homework in various subject areas. We have access to specialized databases, GALILEO, and many encyclopedias, almanacs, and other reference books. Information Specialists are skilled at helping you locate resources to fit your information needs. When you have the right resources, homework assignments can be interesting, and even fun! The best way to get homework advice is to come to the library in person. While we can point you in the right direction, we can’t do your homework for you!

Q: Where is the Accelerated Reader List for my child’s school?
A: Forsyth County Public Library is no longer able to connect to the Forsyth County Public Schools’ Accelerated Reader lists. This is a regrettable loss of service. Although the library does carry print copies of the AR lists for local elementary and middle school, we cannot guarantee they are the most up-to-date lists available. Please refer to your school Media Center for your particular Accelerated Reader list. To access the Forsyth County Public Schools website, please go to http://www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/forsyth/site/default.asp.  You may be able to speed your search for Accelerated Reader titles held by FCPL through the use of our Cool Search Tools that you can install to your browser.

Q: Will library staff teach me how to use the computer?
A: The Forsyth County Public Library invites you to make an appointment with a librarian for 20-30 minutes of individualized instruction on basic computer topics such as searching the library catalog, using the databases, or using the Internet.  For more information on this service contact the Information Desk at 770-781-9840.

Q: When is the next library book sale?
A: Book sales are generally scheduled twice a year; once in the fall and once in the spring. They are sponsored by the Friends of the Library. To find the date, time, and location of the next sale click here.

Q: How can I request the use of a Library meeting room?
A: Please refer to the Public Meeting Rooms information page at http://www.forsythpl.org/selfService/meetingRooms.aspx