How do I...?

How Do I Get Help?

Ask Us! Click the link to learn how to talk to, email, IM or chat online with a Librarian or get Homework Help.

How Do I Find Books, Music, Movies and More?

Catalog Search Tips:

• Books
• Movies
• Music
• eBooks & Media

You can search the Library's catalog for books, magazines, DVDs, downloadable audiobooks and much more. You can place holds, renew items and check your account, too. Sign-up for email notification and we’ll email you a reminder when your items are due or if we’re holding something for you to pick up.

 How Do I Learn to Use the Catalog and Premium Search (Databases)?

The Library staff is here to help! Request a one-on-one demo from one of the Information Services Librarians. They can show you how to find the best information from a variety of Research and Reference resources, including the library’s catalog, magazine databases, the Internet, and much more. Questions? Check out our Database FAQs or Ask Us!

How Do I Use Computers and Internet at the Library?

Check out our Computers page to learn how you can use our computers. The library is also a free WiFi hotspot.

How Do I Find Articles?

In addition to print, we have a variety of online magazine and newspaper databases available, that include full text from popular and scholarly magazines and journals. For access, see our Magazines & Newspapers guide. Try out SuperSearch to search several popular databases, plus our catalog all at once.

How Do I Get Journal Articles From Other Libraries?

If the full-text article isn't available in one of the online journal databases or here in print, we can order articles for you from other libraries. Fill out the Magazine/Journal Article Request Form or simply ask at the Information Services Desk to fill out the paper form. We'll notify you when it arrives.

How Do I Get Books, DVDs, CDs and more From Other Libraries?

If you see something that you want in the catalog, but it’s checked out or at another library, you can place a hold on it, or fill out the Book Request Form  online. You may always ask us in-person, by IM, chat or on the phone, too. We will notify you when the item is available to be picked up.

How Do I Get Help After the Library is Closed?

It's almost midnight and your project is due tomorrow ... what can you do?

Download an eBook, or CliffsNotes® to read on your computer via Gale Virtual Reference Library. You can get articles, maps, encyclopedia entries and more from our Online Research pages.

NetLibrary: The St. Charles Public Library offers nearly 20,000 technical and nonfiction titles via NetLibrary.

Even when we're not open, you can still send us a text message or an email . We'll answer you as soon as we're back in the building! Don't forget that Live Homework Help is a click away everyday until 9:00 p.m., even on weekends.

How Do I Find Something Interesting to Read?

Check out the Good Reads for teens page.

Or look at the Library's lists of recommended reading, which are sure to entertain when you want to (temporarily!) escape school work. Lists include popular horror books, resources for job hunting, the hottest fiction, diet and exercise how-to's, and sizzling series.