August 5-23: What to expect from the temporary catalog
Answer
During the summer 2026 system upgrade, the usual public catalog is being reindexed and is expected to become available again around August 24. In the meantime, there is a temporary public catalog online in place: https://sonoma.polarislibrary.com/polaris/
Patrons may search the library's catalog, review their checked out items (with due dates), and view/place holds. There are a few important differences from the regular catalog:
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You must use your library card number (barcode number, without spaces) and 4-digit PIN to log in to place holds or view your account.
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There is not a way to reset your PIN if you have forgotten it. Please check with library staff for assistance. Note that for security reasons, it may take us up to one business day to update your PIN, and thank you for your patience.
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You will not be able to see your saved lists. The lists will be available again as soon as the normal catalog is back online.
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The temporary catalog does NOT show eBooks or other eMedia. You can search for these items directly from Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy and other sites/apps. For details and links to each resource, please visit: https://www.sonomalibrary.org/elibrary/eBooks-eAudiobooks
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The temporary catalog is labeled as "Libraries of Sonoma, Lake and Mendocino" - patrons always have access to materials from all three county library systems.
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The Library app is not available right now. It will also become available again on or about August 24.
Some of the terms used to describe the status of your hold requests have also changed slightly:
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Active means there is not yet an available item that can fill your request.
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Held means the item is waiting for you at the library to check out!
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Inactive means you have suspended/paused the hold so that it will not be filled prior to the indicated date.
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Pending means staff have identified an available copy and are searching for it.
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Shipped means the item is in transit from one library to another to fill your request.
In addition, it may take longer than usual for staff to check in returned items from late July and early August because of the systems upgrade. Your account may not be up to date and may still show some items that you have already brought back. Staff will be checking in materials as quickly as possible.
Thank you for your patience as we complete this important update to the library's system!