MAIN Library Alliance

Now until January 15: No materials can be placed on hold. In order to minimize the amount of holds we need to manually transfer to the new system, we are not allowing any items to be placed on hold.

Wednesday, January 14: We go live! We will now be full members of the Main Library Alliance.

Thursday, January 15: You can start placing items on hold again!

Tuesday, January 20: Last day to access Cloud Library.

Wednesday, January 21: You now have access to Libby!

About the consortium

• What is a library consortium?
  • A library consortium is a group of public libraries that work together to share books, movies, digital resources, and services. This means you get access to a much larger collection with one library card!
• Why is our library joining a consortium?
  • Joining allows us to offer more materials, shorten wait times for popular items, improve services, and to provide more options for our patrons.
• When does the consortium officially begin?
  • Sparta Library will be joining the MAIN Library Alliance on Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Your library card

• Do I need a new library card?
  • Your current library card will continue to work.
• Can I use my card at other libraries in the MAIN Library Alliance?
  • • You can use your card to borrow items and access services at any member library. Here is a link with a list of the libraries within the MAIN Library Alliance: https://www.mainlib.org/libraries-hours-and-contact/
  • Please note that some services may be limited to home-library patrons
• How will I log into my account in the new catalog?
  • You will use your library card number and PIN/password – just like before.

Borrowing Items

• What can I borrow from other libraries?
  • Books, audiobooks, DVDs, CDs, and other materials from all consortium libraries.
• Are there borrowing limits?
  • There will be a limit of 100 items per library card.
• Am I still able to renew my items?
  • Yes! We now have automatic renewals – as long as there is no hold/request on an item, it will automatically renew the day that your item is due.
• What will happen to my reading history?
  • Unfortunately, your reading/loan history will not transfer to our new system. You are able to turn your reading history on in the new system once we are all set up.

Holds & Wait Times

• How do I request items from other libraries?
  • You can place holds through our online catalog. When searching for an item, click the Place Hold button and log in to your account!
• How long does it take to get items from another library?
  • Most items arrive within a week or two, depending on where the item is coming from and delivery schedules.
  • If you need an item faster, you can visit the lending library in person to check out the item!
• Will wait times be shorter?
  • Possibly—because there are more copies available across the consortium.
  • You may see longer wait times for popular items—but remember – there are more copies available!
• Where can I pick up my holds?
  • You can choose your preferred or ”home” pickup location from any library that is part of MAIN.

Returning Items

• Where can I return items borrowed from another library?
  • Items can be returned to any library that is part of MAIN, unless otherwise noted.

Fines & Fees

• Will fines or fees change?
  • Sparta Library will still continue to charge fines for overdue items.
• Who do I contact if I have a problem with fees or lost items?
  • Contact us at Sparta Library and we can help.
• What happens if I return an item late or damaged?
  • Policies are generally consistent, but the owning library sets replacement costs.

Digital Library

• Will I get access to new eBooks or databases?
  • Yes—you will have access to a new ebook/eaudiobook app called Libby! You will also still have access to Hoopla. Cloud Library will no longer be accessible after January 20, as we will be switching to Libby.
• Will I still have access to Cloud Library and Hoopla?
  • Yes – you can still access Hoopla, and you can access Cloud Library until January 20. Beginning on January 21, we will be switching to Libby. 
  • Current Hoopla accounts will need to be updated, and you will need to add your pin to your account. The pin is the last 4 digits of the phone number that we have on your library account.
• Will I need to download a new app?
  • No, not for the time being you can still access the Sparta Library app.
  • Once we make the transition from Cloud Library to Libby, you will need to download the Libby app to access eBooks and eAudiobooks.

Privacy

• Is my personal information safe?
  • Your information is protected by library privacy laws and policies, and is only shared as needed to provide services.

During the changeover

• Will there be service interruptions?
  • There may be short periods when some services are unavailable during the transition. If there is going to be any interruptions, we will share that news ahead of time so our patrons are aware.
• Who can help me if I have questions?
  • Any staff member at Sparta Library will be happy to help!

Good to know:

• Policies can vary slightly by location – the Sparta Library is still its own library and we have our own policies and procedures. Our policies may differ slightly from other libraries that are part of MAIN.
• Some specialty items may not be loanable if you are not a resident
  • For example – we lend out various specialty items (i.e. popcorn machine, cotton candy machine, projectors, screens, etc.) and these items are only available to Sparta residents.
  • If other libraries lend specialty items, please note that you may not be able to borrow them. Each library has their own policy about lending specialty items.