Libraries of the Northern Waters Library Service system are members of a library consortium and our catalog is called the Northern Waters Library Network Catalog.
Using the The Northern Waters Library Network Catalog you can narrow your search to items available at the Forest Lodge Library (choose CABLE in the limit search box) or widen it to include every library in the system.
Log-In with your name and library card number and you’ll be able to renew existing check-outs (providing no other patron has placed a HOLD on it) and place your items of interest ON HOLD.
If what you’re looking for cannot be found in The Northern Waters Library Network Catalog take a look at the WISCAT catalog, which includes all Wisconsin libraries as well as libraries elsewhere in the country. If you DO find the item you’re looking for in the WISCAT catalog, please contact your library to place a HOLD on that item as it works best as a library to library loan system. www.wiscat.net
Visit WISCAT CatalogWho can have a library card?
Do you live or work in the Cable/Namakagon area full time or part of the year? Do you own property here? Do you visit annually for specific events or regular stays at the cabin? If the answer to any of these is “yes” that’s our answer to you. YES, you can get a library card.
Patron cards are issued by library staff. The new patron will be required to provide information for all data fields required for patron card issuance. (name, birthdate, mailing address, etc.) Required information may be provided verbally or a driver’s license or student ID may be presented to facilitate collection of necessary information, but these documents are not a requirement.
Patron should sign card once issued and by doing so consents to abide by all library regulations and policies. The statement consented to by signature reads as follows: I accept responsibility for all materials borrowed on this card, and agree to abide by library policies.
Applicants under 13 years of age must have a parent or guardian give their consent when applying. This parental signature is not required for children who are renewing cards.
Once issued, your card entitles you to check-out materials from any Northern Waters Library Service system library! Further, items checked out at another library can be returned to the Forest Lodge Library and vice versa…We do like to point out that all Bayfield County libraries are non-fining libraries but that is not true of every library in the Northern Waters system. If you check an item out of a fining library and return it here, you will still owe the fine.
It is possible to register online via the Northern Waters Library Service website for a card allowing the temporary privilege of placing up to two (2) item holds. (does not include the digital collection.) To check out materials, patron must visit a local library within thirty (30) days with identification to complete temporary registration and receive full privileges. Here’s the link: https://merlin.nwls.lib.wi.us/selfreg
Materials cannot be checked out until a library card is issued.
All library records are strictly confidential and shared with no one outside the library system. Your privacy is as important to us as it is to you!
Check-out policy
Loan periods for items checked out of the Forest Lodge Library:
- Books, audio books, TV series on DVD and CDs – 3 weeks (may be renewed if there is no waiting list for title.)
- Current periodicals – 1 week
- DVDs – 2 weeks (may be renewed if no waiting list for title.)
- Interlibrary loans (outside NWLS) are due on the date indicated by the lending library and any renewal would need to be requested from and accepted by that lending library.
- Reference books do not generally circulate.
There is no limit on the number of items a patron can borrow at one time from the Forest Lodge Library collection, although we would ask that you limit yourself to what you feel you can consume during the check-out time-frame.
There are no fines for overdue materials. Should the material not be returned within a designated period, notification and, eventually, a bill will be sent to patron.
Items checked out from another system library will be subject to the fine policy of that library although items may be returned to them through the Forest Lodge Library.
Patrons may place reserves or holds on materials via the Merlin system themselves, via the internet or library catalog computer, or by requesting library staff to do so for them either in person or over the phone. If you need assistance, we are happy to provide direction. If there’s a new book or film coming out that you’re anxious to consume, we encourage you to place it on hold as soon as possible! We also wish for you to know that our patrons get our items first. So, even if your #49 in line to get the new William Kent Krueger title, if you’re the first Forest Lodge Library to place a patron hold on it, you’ll be the first to get our copy of the title, once cataloged and processed.
Should materials be damaged by patron use to such a degree as to be judged no longer suitable for the Forest Lodge Library collection, the patron will be expected to pay for material replacement.
Digital Media
Library collections contain a lot more than physical books these days. For those of you who love to read on your “device” we offer a link to the Wisconsin Public Library Consortium where you’ll find dozens of book, audio book and film titles. All Northern Waters libraries contribute to purchases for this collection, and also contribute to a private collection, so be sure to LOG IN to be able to see everything that is available to you!
Wisconsin Public Library Consortium
You’ll need an app to download digital items to your device. The available app is called Libby, available for free through Google Play or the Apple App Store. You’ll also find a link to the Libby app on the wplc page…or right here!
The Libby app has a how-to section and HELP page, but, if they aren’t making sense to you, bring your device on into the library and we’ll see if we can help!
Borrowers must be registered and have a valid system patron card to check out library materials.