Why does the library put the barcode on the back of paperback books and audiovisual materials such as Books on CD, CDs, DVDs, etc.? 

• This is a problem as it covers up the content information on the back.
  When the library first moved to a barcode circulation system in the early 1990s a decision had to be made where to put the barcode.
• There were pros and cons regarding barcode placement on the books and the decision was to put the barcode on the back so as not to cover information on the front (title/author). For efficient circulation all items have barcodes placed in the same location.
• We apologize for the inconvenience to our patrons and appreciate their understanding and hope in future to migrate to a newer circulation technology that no longer requires a library barcode on materials.

• Visit or contact a library branch 
• Edit existing information such as an address, phone number or email address in the My Account section in the catalog.
  • Under My Account, view the My Information section to make edits. Click/tap the Submit Change Request button.

NOTE: This option is currently unavailable within the mobile app.

• Online registrants may immediately use their library card.
• Online users may access the catalog, checkout 3 physical items, place holds in the catalog, use the mobile app, and use various online resources.
• The Interlibrary Loan service is not an available service.
• Users are not able to checkout devices.
• The card is valid for 3 months.
• Before the expiration date, visit your library to upgrade to a permanent CPPL library card.
• Online application.

Need more information about library cards? Details.

Regular library accounts expire every two years so that we may have the most current information (ex: phone number, address and email address) on file.

Exceptions:

• Expiration dates for temporary cardholders, and users who have registered online but haven't upgraded to a regular library card is 3 months.
• Libraries Southwest cardholders must contact home library for details.
• Mobile users (OverDrive) expire in 1 year with no renewals.

Outstanding balances must be paid before accounts can be renewed or items can be checked out. This includes both physical and electronic material.

• All linked, associated accounts must be clear of fines as well. 
• Outstanding fine balances may be paid using the online pay service.
• Blocked and Barred users must visit a local branch to clear up the account. 

Renew Your Account

• Visit your library with proof of address.
  • NOTE: Our Live Chat is limited in assisting patrons with renewing library accounts.

This service is offered at the library. For more details, please contact the following library locations. 

Central Library (301 W. Claude Street, Lake Charles, LA (337) 721-7116
Moss Bluff Library (261 Parish Road, Lake Charles, LA (337) 721-7128
Sulphur Regional Library (1160 Cypress St., Sulphur, LA (337) 721-7141
You may also check availability at other locations.

Did you find the item that you paid for?

• If you've already paid for it, bring the item to the library with your receipt, within 6 months.
• The Calcasieu Parish Police Jury will mail the refund.
• Find more details about fines and fees.

• View this list of resources.

Annually the library removes library materials that are damaged, are no longer checked out, or contain out-of-date information. This process is necessary to make space on the shelves for adding new materials that library users want. Removed materials are recycled through Better World Books, through local friends of the library book sales, donated to other non-profit agencies or disposed of through Team Green of Southwest Louisiana.

If you've searched the library's catalog and Loanshark, but didn't find what you were looking for, request that we purchase the item to add to our collection. We will do our best to add it.

• Use Loanshark to submit requests.
  • Use the Blank ILL Request option located near the top left-hand corner of the screen.
• If you have a library card, login with your library card and PIN to establish an account.