Top Questions

If you've stopped receiving email notifications about holds, overdue items, or other library updates, here are a few things to check:

  • Is your email address correct?
    Double-check that the email address we have on file for you is accurate. You can usually verify or update this information by logging into your library account online.
  • Have you checked your spam or junk folder?
    Sometimes, email providers mistakenly filter legitimate emails into spam or junk folders. Please look for any messages from sirsi@notices.sharelibraries.info in those folders. If you find any, mark them as "not spam" to help prevent future emails from being filtered.
  • Try searching your email inbox:
    Use your email's search function and type in sirsi@notices.sharelibraries.info. This will help you find any emails from our notification system that might be hidden in your inbox.
  • Whitelist the sirsi@notices.sharelibraries.info email address:
    Instructions on how to whitelist an email address on various services can be found at https://clean.email/blog/email-security/how-to-whitelist-an-email

What to do if you still don't see your notifications:
If you've checked all of the above and still can't find your notifications, please contact us. We can assist you in further troubleshooting the issue.

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Take the Kenosha Public Library everywhere you go!

Get the power of The Kenosha Public Library, anytime, anywhere. With the myKPL app, you can access everything the library offers from home or while you're on the go. Search the catalog, request books for pickup, renew your materials, and even pay fees. Plus, you can find your nearest library and find upcoming programs at your neighborhood library, no matter where you are.

Download for andoid

Download for Apple iOS

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The Kenosha Literacy Council offers a wide range of services that help adults acquire the literacy skills they need to become successful students, workers, family members and community citizens:

  • Teach basic reading and math skills to adults.
  • Conduct English language classes for immigrants and refugees.
  • Offer citizenship preparation classes.
  • Provide support and guidance for GED testing.
  • Recruit and train volunteer tutors.
  • Provides ongoing support and resources for volunteer tutors.
  • Help learners access additional education services at Gateway Technical College (GTC).
  • Collaborate with other literacy providers in the community.

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Kenosha Community Media is a nonprofit media resource and provider, engaged in the social good and built on relationships, education, awareness, and the generosity of our volunteers, donors, and sponsors. If you're in Kenosha County, Wisconsin, they would like help you to get started in media production and share your message and programming with a wide audience over cable television and the Internet. 

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Under the barcode, your library card number is on the back of your library card. The library card number is a 10 to 13 digit number (such as 2064500000000).

The first time you log in, you'll create a username. You can log in with your username from then on, or you can continue to use your barcode.

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Physical Materials
You may have unlimited holds on physical materials. 

Digital Materials
You may have up to 10 holds on titles in Wisconsin's Digital Library powered by OverDrive.

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  1. Get started online by filling out the online form, opens a new window or stop at any desk at your neighborhood library.
  2. Present identification with your picture and current address; or
  3. If your picture identification doesn't have your current address, you may present it along with one (1) of the following items:
    • checkbook
    • utility bill
    • rent receipt
    • current postmarked mail
    • magazine subscription
    • school report card

    The item presented must have your current address.

NOTE: New library cards are free; however, there is a $1 charge for a replacement card.

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  • All residents, adult, and juvenile, of the city and county of Kenosha; 
  • Non-residents who own property in the city or county of Kenosha;
  • Non-residents who do not own property in the city or county of Kenosha may pay a $50.00 annual fee for a library card; or
  • Teachers who teach in the city and county of Kenosha. 

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Some ILL items are renewable. Please contact the ILL department by phone at 262-564-6129 or email at illstaff@mykpl.info

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Library hours differ depending on the location. You can find the hours for each location at mykpl.bibliocommons.com/v2/locations. Additionally, lending machines are available at the Boys and Girls Club and YMCA locations. These machines are accessible in the lobby during the normal business hours of each location.

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Yes, but we'll need to transfer your information from your old card to your new card. 

Please send your old and new card numbers to ask@mykpl.info and we'll transfer your information (checkouts, holds, wish list items and history) to your new card number.

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The Libby app for ebooks works with Overdrive and has various options, opens a new window for visual and audio aid including screen reader compatibility, adjustable text size and more. Adobe Digital Editions 2.0, which is an app used to read eBooks from OverDrive, is compatible with several screen readers for people with low vision or visual impairments.

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Some publishers do not offer eBooks to libraries, do not offer eBook versions of new titles to libraries or delay availability of eBook versions of new titles to libraries.

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To offer you the widest selection of eBooks and downloadable/streaming magazines, audiobooks, movies and music, we partner with a number of suppliers. While we've integrated these offerings into our website where possible, in some cases integration is not possible and separate accounts are required.

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Yes. You can request a Tech Appointment by using our Online Form, calling (262) 564-6310, or emailing ask@mykpl.info

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If you’re outside the library, please make sure you’re logged in to your account.

Still can’t connect? Please ask a librarian for help.

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KPL has installed "reboot to restore" software on all public computers. All personal information, logins, and any installed software is wiped from the computer when it's rebooted. Visit our Privacy Information page to learn more about KPL commitment to patron privacy.

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Email a librarian anytime

Or give us a call at (262) 564-6310. Phone hours are:

  • Monday through Thursday: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Friday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Sunday: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Librarians are here to help with:

  • Research
  • Locating materials
  • Book, movie and music recommendations
  • Questions about using resources and services

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We welcome your suggestions for purchase. Please know that while we cannot guarantee the title will be purchased, we use all suggestions to help form a well-balanced collection. To send us a suggestion, please complete the Suggest a Purchase form to let us know your request.

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Don't hesitate to contact us at (262)564-6102 or email ask@mykpl.info to change your preferred contact method. 

Log into your account and go to My Settings to update your phone number or email address.

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Email Notifications

We'll email you when you have physical items ready to pick up or overdue.

We'll also send a reminder two days before your physical items are due. Please add sirsi@notices.sharelibraries.info to your email address book to assist delivery of notifications. 

Phone Notifications

We'll call you when you have physical items ready to pick up or overdue. We'll also call two days before your physical items are due. These calls will be coming from (262) 514-4500. 

Text Message

If you use one of our supported carriers, we will send you a text message notification of when your items are ready to pick up, overdue, and 2 days before the due date.

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If an item is lost or damaged, the borrower will receive a bill for the current retail replacement cost of the item. Patrons may purchase a replacement copy for items initially owned by Kenosha Public Library. The replacement copy must have a matching ISBN or product code and be in new condition. Not all libraries in SHARE allow patrons to purchase a replacement copy - please check with staff before you buy a replacement copy. KPL adheres to a 50-day return policy. Items not returned within 50 days of the last due date will be assumed lost and not returnable.

We won't hold you responsible for items lost or damaged by fire, flood, or theft when documented by a police or insurance report.

The library is not responsible for damage to personal equipment while using library materials.

We are unable to issue refunds once the payment is accepted. 

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  • Adult books and magazines $0.25 per day, maximum accrual of $5.00 per item
  • All audiovisual materials $0.25 per day, maximum accrual of $5.00 per item
  • Interlibrary loan materials and Developmental Kits - $1.00 per day, maximum accrual of $5.00 per item
  • Equipment - $1.00 per day, maximum accrual of $5.00 per item

Materials not returned within 50 days after the due date will incur a replacement fee, and the cost of the material will be added to your account.

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If you're unable to renew your books, CDs, DVDs, or other materials, your account may be restricted, you may have reached the renewal limit, or someone else may have the title on hold. Your account is limited if you have an outstanding balance exceeding $10 on your account.

We would need to look at your account to be sure of the reason, so don't hesitate to contact us for assistance.

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A majority of items can be renewed 3 times. You cannot renew ILL and HOT materials. 

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Yes, you can pause a hold that is "not ready." While paused, you will continue to move ahead on the waiting list, but we will not send your hold to the pickup location. Use this option to manage your holds when you are away or don't have time to read.

Log in to your account and go to Holds to pause a hold.

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Wisconsin's Digital Library, powered by Overdrive, is available to all library users in the State of Wisconsin. The governing structure of this resource has agreed to 10 checkouts to help manage the hundreds of thousands of holds that are seen every year and balance the financial costs for additional licenses.

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We can extend the loan periods for most items. Please visit a location, call (262) 564-6102, or email ask@mykpl.info to talk with a staff member about extending your checkout while on vacation.

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You may check out an unlimited number of physical materials at once. 

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Self-check stations are available at all KPL locations. To use the self-check, you'll need to scan or key in your library card number. You'll also need to enter your PIN; this is the same number you use to log into your account on our website.

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Yes, please follow the instructions found on the Printing from Home page.

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Yes, but we assume no responsibility for personal equipment plugged into our electrical outlets.

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All KPL locations offer free WiFi.

Look for the network "Kenosha Public Library (Public)" on your device. No special settings, usernames or passwords are required.

You’ll need to accept our terms of use to connect to the WiFi network.

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We know receiving your items is a priority, and with 24 libraries in the SHARE Consortium, we are working to ensure everyone can access physical materials promptly. All SHARE Libraries have agreed to prioritize their items for their customers first before filling holds for the entire group. This process ensures that customers at smaller libraries can enjoy new titles and not wait. As a result, the position you see in the hold queue doesn't accurately reflect how soon you will receive the title. 

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  • Brailler – a typewriter that prints in Braille – for checkout or in-house use at the Southwest Library.
  • Video Magnifier – in-house use at the Southwest Library – magnifies print and 3-dimensional objects – color and magnification are adjustable.
  • Audiobooks – CD, Pre-loaded Audiobook, and downloadable – are available at all locations.
  • Scan Stations - The scan stations located at the Southwest and Northside libraries can convert scanned documents to MP3 files. These files can be saved to a USB drive. 
  • C-Pen - A portable, pocket-sized device that reads text out aloud with an English, Spanish or French human-like digital voice.
  • Text-to-Speech and Magnification software is available on all library computers. 
  • The following are available at all library locations.

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Items returned after the due date will incur the following extended use fees:

  • Adult books and magazines $0.25 per day, maximum accrual of $5.00 per item
  • All audiovisual materials $0.25 per day, maximum accrual of $5.00 per item
  • Interlibrary loan materials and Developmental Kits - $1.00 per day, maximum accrual of $5.00 per item
  • Equipment - $1.00 per day, maximum accrual of $5.00 per item

Cardholders with fines and fees over $10.00 will be unable to check out materials until the balance is less than $10.00.

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Please return items within the times listed

  • Hot DVD Collection - 1 week, no holds or renewals
  • Hot Book Collection - 2 weeks, no holds or renewals
  • Experience Passes - 1 week, no renewals
  • Interlibrary loan materials – 3 weeks (or time set by lender), no renewals
  • Magazines – 1 week, 3 renewals
  • TV Series - 2 weeks, 1 renewal
  • Feature Films, Documentaries, and non-fiction DVD/BluRays - 1 week, 1 renewal
  • Book Club Kits - 6 weeks, 1 renewal
  • Computer/Hotspot Kits and Hotspot Kits - 4 weeks, 3 renewals
  • Library equipment used in-house – 4 hours
  • Books, Audiobooks, Music, Games, and other materials not listed – 3 weeks, 3 renewals

Items not returned within 50 days will be invoiced. You can still return the item after this period. Please return to any Library within Kenosha, Walworth, Racine, and Rock County. Items should have little to no damage, if an item is heavily damaged, you may be charged for a replacement. 

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When you fill out your library card application, you choose your four-digit pin. 

If you ever forget your pin, you can call 262-564-6101 and provide a team member with your name or library barcode number, and they will gladly reset your pin. If you have an email address listed in your account, you can also use the "forgot my pin" link on the My Account page.

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Has your library card been misplaced? Stop by any neighborhood library to replace your card! Bring your photo ID to any service desk, and a team member will be happy to assist you. Replacement library cards cost $1. 

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We like to make sure we have your current contact information on file every two years. Updating your card is as simple as showing us your photo ID and confirming your current address. You may also update your card over the phone by calling 262-564-6101.

If you move, change your phone number or email address, or have a name change, you can stop at any service desk or call any location to quickly update your library account information.

Finally, you can use the update my library card form to inform us of the update. Please note that we may ask you to provide ID proof on your next visit to confirm your information. 

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