Beginning January 2025, member libraries of the Berks County Public Libraries (BCPL) System will begin a partnership with the Wyomissing Public Library to broaden material access and decrease wait times. Though not a member of the county library system, materials are frequently shared between Wyomissing and other System libraries through participation in the Statewide Library Card Program which encourages reciprocal lending for all state-aided public libraries.
This new partnership will allow BCPL cardholders to request traditional materials from Wyomissing directly through the online catalog system and have items delivered to any BCPL location.
What changes can I expect to see?
The most immediate enhancement patrons will notice is the inclusion of a new search group within their library's online catalog. In addition to browsing materials from the 23 library locations in the System, patrons can expand search parameters to view and request materials from Wyomissing Public Library online by using their BCPL card.
Note: patrons can only request Wyomissing items through the online catalog.
BCPL patrons cannot walk into Wyomissing Public Library and checkout materials from within the library. Cards can only be validated to request materials through the online catalog to be picked up at a BCPL library.
What materials can I borrow?
The partnership expands borrowing access to most traditional library materials: books, DVDs, music CDs, and audiobooks on CD. The online catalog system will automatically fulfill hold requests of these items, some of which may come from Wyomissing Public Library. Library patrons can also specifically search the catalog for materials available from both organizations. This can be helpful if an item is not listed in the default library search.
In most cases, the resource sharing partnership will not include Library of Things, museum passes, hotspots, or other technology/equipment.
Digital resources such as eBooks, eAudiobooks, and database access are not part of the partnership. Current access to Libby materials will not be affected.
How do I return a Wyomissing item?
Patrons should continue returning materials in the normal process by depositing them in a library's drop box or at the circulation desk, whether the item belongs to Wyomissing or another Berks County library.
Will I get fines/fees from borrowing Wyomissing items?
Patrons should always be mindful of returning items by the due date noted in their account including those for Wyomissing Public Library materials, which will follow the library's fine and fee procedure.