How do I get a new or replacement library card?

Visit the Main Library or any of our branches and bring along the following:

  • A photo ID showing your current street address (we do not accept PO Boxes)
  • If your photo ID does not show your current street address, a letter or bill (paper or electronic) showing your name and current address

For more information, please see our Borrowing Policy.

How do I register for a Library card Online?

Register for an e-card online.

With your e-card you can:

  • Place holds on library materials (print books & magazines, CDs and DVDs).
  • Search our online databases for articles and information.
  • Read ebooks and listen to eaudiobooks.
  • Read emagazines.
  • Watch streaming movies, documentaries and educational series.
  • Listen to streaming music.
  • Read The New York Times Online.
  • Discover your next great read in Novelist Plus.
  • Research products in Consumer Reports.

E-cards that are not in use and do not have any holds will be purged from the system after 180 days. If you visit the library to convert your e-card to a physical card, please bring your photo ID and proof of current address with you.

May I renew items?

Most Quincy-owned items will be automatically renewed three times with the exception of items that are on hold for other library users.

Most items from other Old Colony Library Network libraries will be automatically renewed twice.

You will receive an email notice or text message when an item is automatically renewed.

What if I don’t want automatic renewals?

If you would like to opt out of automatic renewals, please ask a librarian to change your account settings. If you opt out of automatic renewals, you can manually renew items online, by phone, or in person.

How do I renew items online?

  • You may renew items up to three days before the due date; the renewal period will begin as of the due date
  • Go to the catalog, click on My Account, and sign in with your library barcode number and PIN
  • Click on Checkouts tab
  • Select the items you would like to renew by clicking on the small square next to the item(s) and click Renew
  • If you successfully renewed your item(s), you will see a message with the new due date
  • If you are using a Library computer, remember to Log Out when you are finished

If you have any questions, please email qucirc@ocln.org or call (617) 376-1300 x2.

How much are library overdue fines?

ItemDaily FineMaximum Fine
All adult & ILL materialsnonenone
All children’s & young adult materialsnonenone
Museum passes$20$20

Although the Thomas Crane Library no longer charges overdue fines on most of its items, you may still accrue overdue fines on items owned by other Old Colony Library Network libraries, according to their policies.

How do I pay an overdue fine?

You can pay overdue fines at any of our four locations or at any other Old Colony Library Network member library. Staff can only accept cash and checks made out to Thomas Crane Public Library. For amounts of $5 or more, you can also pay online using a credit card.

How do I pay for a lost or damaged item?

If you have lost or damaged a Thomas Crane Public Library item, you can pay the replacement cost by cash or check at any of our four locations or online by credit card. The replacement cost of lost or damaged Quincy items is determined by the retail price of the item. Patrons paying for a lost or damaged item may be required to pay this full amount.

If you have lost or damaged an item owned by another library, please speak with a librarian. The owning library’s payment policies apply and payment is made to that library.

If you have any questions, please email qucirc@ocln.org or call (617) 376-1300 x2.

Pay Online with a Credit Card

For amounts of $5 or more, you may pay online using a credit card.

To pay with a credit card (American Express, Discover, MasterCard and Visa):

  1. Log into your library account
  2. Select Fines/Current Fines and follow the on-screen prompts

Online payment is immediate. If you have been blocked from placing holds or renewing items because of outstanding charges, paying them online will immediately resolve your account charges and restore full library privileges.

How do I place a hold?

You can place a hold on library items in person, on the phone, or online with your library card.

To place a hold online:

  1. Go to the catalog, click My Account and enter your library barcode number and PIN.
  2. You will see the OCLN My Account screen once you are logged in.
  3. Search for items by Title, Author, Subject, etc.
  4. Once you have identified the item you wish to place on hold, click the Place Hold button to the right of the item.
  5. Select a location to pick up the item and then click Place Hold(s).
  6. You will see a confirmation screen and then be returned to your catalog search results.

If you are unable to place a hold…

You may have:

  • Charges on your account
  • Selected an item set to Local Holds, which means it is available only to the owning library’s patrons

How do I see my holds?

You can see a list of your holds — and what items are available — by logging into your library account.

  1. Go to the catalog, click My Account and enter your library barcode number and PIN.
  2. You will see the OCLN My Account screen once you are logged in.
  3. Click the Holds tab (near the top center of the screen).
  4. You will see a list of Items on Hold, which will include items not yet available for pickup (pending) or those that are ready for pickup (available). Click on Digital Holds just above to see those types of holds.
  5. From this screen, you may also modify or cancel your holds.

If you have any questions, please email qucirc@ocln.org or call (617) 376-1300 x2.

First, check the Old Colony Library Network Catalog for items owned by the 28 member libraries of OCLN, including Quincy. Place a hold and have it delivered to the OCLN location of your choice. If the item is not in this catalog, try the options below in the order they appear on the page for the fastest service.

In a single search, see what’s owned by public and academic libraries across the state. Submit an online request and have it delivered to the OCLN location of your choice. Learn more about the Commonwealth Catalog.

Still Can’t Find It? Request it from libraries across the country. Submit up to five requests at a time and we will search for the desired items, including books, movies, music, and periodical articles. 

To begin, complete the Interlibrary Loan Request form. Your library card number is required.

To find out more about this service, see Frequently Asked Questions about Interlibrary Loan.

Is there a book, movie, or CD that the library doesn’t own, but you think we should? Submit the Suggest a Title form to request a purchase.

Touchless Self-Checkout

meeScan

Self-service touchless Express Check stations are located at all library locations.

How it works:

  • Scan your library card barcode under the tablet
  • Scan the barcodes on your items
  • Your receipt will be emailed to you

You can also check your account or pay charges at these kiosks.

Skip the Service Desk

Download the free meeScan self-checkout app for Android or Apple iOS and check out items in the building with your own device.

If you need help, please ask a staff member. We’ll be happy to show you how to use the kiosks or app and make your library experience more enjoyable.