Tips for Browsing and Searching

Accessing the collection via website or mobile app

The library’s collection can be searched through the librarypoint.org website and CRRL Mobile app. This includes books, audiobooks, DVDs, magazines, eBooks, eAudio, streaming videos, as well as Library of Things, Tech on the Go, and Grow a Reader packs. 

Setting up your online account

If you don’t have a library card, you can get your library barcode and pin number by filling out the form at librarypoint.org/card. Your barcode and pin will be emailed to you, and your physical card will be sent by mail. You can also get a library card by coming into a branch. Note that giving your birthdate is required due to the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act to protect the privacy of customers under 13 years of age-–young customers are not able to create online accounts that use their actual names or enter comments on items. Other than that, birthdate is not used by the catalog, website, or app to control access. Because it is designed to be used by all of the library’s customers, the entire library catalog is available to view online, and you are able to narrow your search results using filters. 

The Power of Filters

When searching the catalog, all items that match your search terms are shown by default. That includes all formats and ages. There are a number of powerful filters available to help you find just what you are looking for. On the website, filter choices appear in the left column. On the app, filters are available from a button in the upper right.

  • With the Format filter, you can search for physical items or for eMaterials that you can download to your device.
  • The New at the library filter shows matching items that have been added to the collection within the last 180 days.
  • The Audience filters lets you choose to only include items in our children’s, teens’, or adults’ collections. This filter can be particularly useful for parents and guardians looking for items for their children.

eMaterials may be automatically checked out and downloaded. Parental controls are not available in the app. Click here to learn more.

Browsing Tips for the Website

You can also narrow your searches by using Browse pages on the website. Pages are set up under Popular for highly sought-after categories, such as New, Staff Picks, and Award-Winning Books. The By Format pages collect key formats together, including books, eBooks & more, streaming video, and items in the new Library of Things. The By Audience pages gather age-appropriate events and resources together, as well as items in the collection chosen for those specific ages.

Browsing Tips for the Mobile App

The home screen of the mobile app displays an automated stream of new titles for all ages in three popular categories: Books, Audiobooks, and Movies & TV. To filter these feeds, select View all below the covers, and you can apply the same filters available on our website by using the Filter button in the upper right of your screen.

Getting Assistance

The library has many tools available to help you find your next great read, and to help parents make decisions about which books are most appropriate for their children. For every item in our library, there is a listing of subjects in each book, which may include recommended audience age or grade level, as well as professional reviews that often list a suggested age range. CRRL staff are also knowledgeable about helping customers find just the right materials and are always willing to help. If you have any questions about using the app or website to access the collection, please contact us by email, phone, or chat at librarypoint.org/ask, or visit us at a branch.