Alamance County
Public Libraries

Email Notification 

Alamance County Public Libraries is pleased to offer the option of notification of arrived holds and overdue materials.  Email notification of overdue materials will reduce the library’s expense of sending notices by U.S. Mail.   Email notification of arrived holds will allow staff members to concentrate on helping library users in the library.

Alamance County Public Libraries now offers two ways to be notified of arrived holds and overdue materials.  Sign-up for the Alamance County Public Libraries Email Notification or sign-up to use Library Elf.  Library users are welcome to use both methods of notification.

Alamance County Public Libraries Email Notification System 
Sign up:
If you are getting an Alamance County Public Libraries library card for the first time, you will be asked if you would like to have this option for receiving notifications. 

If you already have an Alamance County Public Libraries library card, simply inform the staff at your local library that you would like to begin using this option. 

 Please be sure to provide an email address that is checked regularly.  Missing email notifications messages can result in unnecessary fines from overdue materials, or having materials you have placed on hold returned to the shelves. 

How it works:
Notifications for arrived holds materials are sent as soon as the materials are checked in at the local library.

Overdue notifications are generated when materials are 10 days past due and 20 days past due. In addition, a courtesy notice is generated the day before materials are due.  Please remember that failure to receive a notice does not eliminate fines.

Changes of email address:
Please let us know of changes to your email to avoid missing notifications.  You may change your address by letting a staff member know of the change or by changing your email address on the online catalog. Go to http://catalog.alamancelibraries.org and click on “Access Your Library Account”. (Use your library card number and PIN to access your account).   Click on the Change Email button and enter your new address.  You will receive a confirmation email at your new address.  Please note:  this will not turn on email notification if you have never had it, but will allow you to change your address if you are already set up for email notification. 

Bounced emails and spam blockers:
If your email notification is returned to the library (“bounces”), email notification will be turned off for your library account.  At that time the library will resume notifications by mail or phone.  In addition, a note will be placed on your account and a library staff member will inform you the next time you use your card that your email address should be updated. 

Spam filtering software may block notifications from the library or send them to your “junk mail” folder.  To ensure that Library notices arrive in your email, please configure any spam filtering software to receive messages from library.notifications@alamancelibraries.org 

Shared email accounts:
Some families share a single email address.  While this is permissible for library email notifications, privacy may be a concern.  If family members share one email address, then all persons with access to that mailbox will be able to view the notices sent to that email address.

Questions?:
Questions about the email notification service or about the content of an email notification message should be referred to the staff at your local library.  Please do not reply to any email notification messages from the library. 

Library Elf

     Would you like to receive email notices before your items are due?

     Are you tired of logging on multiple times to check everyone’s card in the family?

     Would you like to receive your hold and overdue notices by text message on your cell phone?

     Sign up for an account with Library Elf!

What does Library Elf do?
Elf is an Internet-based tool for keeping track of what’s due, overdue and ready for pickup.  Users can keep track of one or more library accounts in one place and receive reminders (sometimes called pre-overdue or early notification).  Reminders are sent when the user wants it – before items are due (up to seven days advance notice, weekly notice or everyday reminders).

Would I be able to check my cards as well as my kids?

Multiple card checking is one of the main features of Elf.  Just enter all the library cards under a single Elf account.  This feature is handy in a busy household where everyone in the family takes out many and all types of library material, then relies on mom or dad to return them on time.

Log on to www.libraryelf.com to create an account. You will need your library card number from the back of your card as well as your PIN/password if you have one set up.

*Library Elf is an independent service, not affiliated with Alamance County Public Libraries.  Please read their FAQ and Privacy Policy before getting started.  Users participate with Library Elf at their own option and risk.  Library Elf does not take the place of Alamance County Public Libraries Email Notification, and patrons are still responsible for overdue fines and materials.

Return to Alamance County Public Libraries Homepage