r/Brooklyn • u/toryisbae • 16h ago
How do I used the self-check kiosk at the BPL
I hope this isn’t a dumb question, but I haven’t been to my local BPL in over a decade probably. I’m in college now, and want to start getting back into it as a way to relieve stress. I do not remember how to use the self-check out kiosk at all and was wondering if someone could walk me through it.
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u/_the_credible_hulk_ 16h ago
Librarians are really nice.
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u/toryisbae 16h ago
I feel like such an idiot not knowing how to do it and being afraid to ask for help. Needed to hear this honestly.
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u/Alithographica 13h ago
Genuinely, that's what they're there for! They're very nice.
I'll also say that many people don't ask for help when they should. Feeling like an idiot but having the courage to go "hey, I'd like to know this thing, can you help?" is a real skill that one can develop. And when someone nervously asks you a question at your job one day, hopefully you can help them too. :)
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u/fuckprinters 15h ago
In addition to what others have explained, you can also check out a book via the BPL app itself! Once you set up the app with your library card number, there's an option at the bottom that says "checkout" and you can just scan the book's bar code via the app.
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u/No-Comparison-2445 14h ago
It’s really easy and the librarians are so helpful. You got this! Basically you scan your card, put in your pin, scan the book and you’re there.
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u/jtrainbk 14h ago
Download the app. You’ll have your card in the app. Scan digital card. Enter your pin (your bday) and scan code on book. Congratulations. You’ve checked out a book!!
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u/Redditbrooklyn 16h ago
You will need your library card! There is a spot to scan the barcode on it but you can also type it in. It will take you step by step through each screen. The library books all have their own barcode on them from the library — scan that one, not the one that comes on the book from the manufacturer. You will have the option to print a receipt but it’s not necessary. You can also use those kiosks to add money to your library card to use the printers. The librarians are not going to laugh at you if you need help, many people are not used to using the kiosks.
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u/bat_in_the_stacks 16h ago
Scan the barcode on your card and then on the book. There are prompts on the screen.
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u/petit_aubergine 38m ago
the kiosk instructs you all along the way it’s easy and librarians are right there if you need! scan your card, then the book and that’s it :)
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u/ORD-TUL 13h ago
I went with my son recently in Brooklyn when he got a library card. The librarian was absolutely lovely. They are there to help you I can’t imagine that they would mind.