By the Friends of the Colusa County Free Library
Through a lending partnership with Sacramento Public Library, Folsom Public Library, Sutter County Library, and Woodland Public Library, Colusa County Free Library turns one small set of bookshelves into a region-spanning book warehouse, giving our community access to a collection far bigger than our walls. This lending consortium is a cooperative alliance between libraries that link our catalogs, delivery systems, and borrowing rules so patrons at one library can request and receive materials from the shared mega-collection. Colusa patrons benefit from the strength of multiple libraries working as one.
What does that mean in everyday terms? New bestsellers, popular authors, and in demand nonfiction titles often arrive sooner and with shorter wait times than if we relied only on what Colusa County can purchase directly. Instead of a single copy serving our county, multiple copies are available across the region. It also increases access to specialized materials, large print, and niche interests that may be difficult for a small rural system to buy regularly.
Colusa County patrons can ask library staff to request materials or do it themselves online. Library staff at any branch are happy to place requests and help track down specific titles: We love talking about books and hearing about what you’re reading!
Patrons can also create and manage their own online library account using the barcode number on the back of their library card and PIN, which is the four digits of one’s birth year. Librarians can assist patrons in locating their barcode number in person as well. To set up an account, visit the Colusa County Free Library homepage at https://www.countyofcolusaca.gov/24/Library and clicking the My Account link.
Once logged in, patrons can; search the shared regional collection; place holds on books, audiobooks, DVDs, and more; choose any Colusa County branch as your pickup location; and check the status of requests, see what is ready for pickup (or wait to be notified by library staff).
Weekly deliveries bring requested items to the patron’s selected branch for checkout. Items may be returned to any of the seven Colusa County Free Library branches, regardless of the original pickup location.
Patrons may also enable Reading History within their account. his optional feature keeps a private list of previously borrowed items, helping patrons avoid accidentally checking out the same title twice. Because library staff are unable to track individual borrowing histories, this feature is especially helpful for avid readers.
With so many ways to access books and materials, the regional borrowing consortium makes it easier than ever for Colusa County patrons to find something new to read, explore, and enjoy. Whether one prefers to place holds online, ask a librarian for help, or just browse the shelves, this partnership ensures that no matter one’s interests, there’s always something waiting at the library.