For Immediate Release: 12/4/2009

Oakland Public Library to Update all Patron Records

Gathering Current Information Will Help Improve Library Services

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( Oakland, CA)—Beginning December 11, the Oakland Public Library will ask all of its patrons to update or confirm their library record. All patrons checking out material will be asked for current address and contact information, which may cause a somewhat slower check-out process but ultimately will result in expanded library services. While re-registering their accounts, patrons can opt for receiving phone or email notifications three days prior to due dates for materials they have checked out. Patrons who have placed holds on materials can also opt to receive phone or email notification when those items become available.

Here’s what patrons need to know, and what they need to do:

• Re-registration begins December 11, 2009;
• all patrons with Library Cards must visit a Library in person to re-register their card;
• photo ID with current address is required;
• if address on photo ID is not current, a recent bill or postmarked letter with current address is required;
• a parent’s ID is acceptable for children, but child must be present;
• without address verification, patrons will be limited to checking out two (2) items at a time until verification can be completed;
• after March 1, 2010, access to online services and access to the Internet will not be available to any patron who has not verified their card;
• details, including a listing of all libraries, are available at www.oaklandlibrary.org.

As part of the program to update its patron database, beginning March 1, the Library will purge records of patrons who have not visited the library since November 1, 2006. So anyone who hasn’t used their library card in the past three years will need to get a new one the next time they want to check out materials or take advantage of Library programs and services.

All patron information will be protected under the California Privacy Act and will remain confidential and will not be shared.

For further information about this update call 510-238-3271 or visit the Library’s Web site: www.oaklandlibrary.org. Please refrain from wearing scented products to library events. The Oakland Public Library is a department of the City of Oakland.

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