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Cook Memorial Public Library District
FAQ
Preferred Searches
Renewals
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I have to create a new password?
What if I forget my password?
How can I avoid typing my entire barcode number and password every time I access my account from my home computer?
What information can I find on the My Account page?
How do I renew online?
What is My Reading History?
What is My Research Pro?
What are Preferred Searches?
What are the new features regarding Holds (Requests)?
More Questions about My Account or searching in the new catalog?

Why do I have to create a new password?

Each user must create his or her own password the first time he/she uses My Account. Just type in your entire barcode number and click submit. You will be prompted to create a new password.
Passwords can be 2 to 30 characters long and cannot contain punctuation marks or consist of repeated letters or numbers, such as ggg or 333.

What if I forget my password?

If you forget your password, contact the Circulation Desk at 847-362-2330 and our staff will clear your existing password. The next time you log on, you will be prompted to create a new password.

How can I avoid typing my entire barcode number and password every time I access my account from my home computer?

You can set your browser to remember logins and passwords in all the sites you use, including Cook’s catalog. You will only have to do this once.

In Internet Explorer:

  • 1. Choose Tools from the browser toolbar at the top of the page.

  • 2. From the dropdown menu choose Internet Options.

  • 3. Click the Content tab in the box that appears.

  • 4. Click the Settings button to the right of the AutoComplete description.

  • 5. Click the box for “User names and passwords on forms.”

  • 6. Click OK .

Instructions for Firefox users and Safari users. Information for Netscape users.

What information can I find on the My Account page?

Items you have checked out will be listed. You will see links to other lists: holds you have in place, any fines you owe and any Interlibrary Loan requests you have in process.

How do I renew online?

Click here for information

What is My Reading History?

With My Reading History activated, the catalog will begin keeping a record of the items you check out, with the exception of items ordered through Interlibrary Loan. You may delete titles from your My Reading History list and/or discontinue the service at any time. Please be aware that anyone to whom you give access to your library card number and password can view your My Reading History and other information attached to your account. Library staff does not have access to your My Reading History and will not access or release your My Reading History unless required to do so by law.

My Reading History is useful in the following situations:

  • Keeping track of which books by a favorite author or in a series you have read.

  • You find a book with useful information, return it to the library, and then later want to see it again, but you can’t remember the author or title.

What is My Research Pro?

The library subscribes to a wide variety of databases that provide premium online content not available free on the Internet. The databases include full-text newspaper and magazine articles and encyclopedias as well as specialized sources for school assignments and genealogical research. Now you can search multiple databases simultaneously by using the My Research Pro feature in the catalog. If you use the Save Groups button to create groups of favorite databases, you will be able to execute a search in one of your saved groups right from your My Account page.

There are three ways to use our databases:

  • The Research Pro search page.

  • Search our catalog and look for the Research Pro results on the right side of the page.

  • See a complete list of databases here

What are Preferred Searches?

Click here for information

What are the new features regarding Holds (Requests)?

  • See where you are in line for a request. In My Account, check the Status column to see your current position in the hold queue.

  • Change the Pickup Location for your request. . You can change the Pickup Location of your request. Select the desired Pickup Location and click the Save Changes button. Call the Library at 847-362-2330 to change the Pickup Location of items that are Ready or In Transit.

  • Freeze your requests until you’re ready for them.If you are going out of town or want to receive a series in order, you may freeze requests. You will maintain your place in line, but your request won’t be filled until you remove the freeze. A request that is Ready or the sole request cannot be frozen.

To Freeze a Request:

  • View your list of requests.
  • Click the Freeze checkbox next to the request you would like to freeze.
  • Click the Save Changes button.

To re-activate a frozen request: :

  • Click in the Freeze checkbox to remove the check marks for the holds you wish to re-activate.
  • Click the Save Changes button.

More questions about My Account or searching in the new catalog?

Use the Comments link on the My Account page to send us an email!