Beloit Public Library introduces Aspen Discovery—a new online catalog designed to make it easier to search, browse, and discover everything the library has to offer. This new catalog will take effect August 3, but patrons are encouraged to test drive it at https://beloit.sharelibraries.info or by clicking on the link at the top of our current catalog page.
Aspen Discovery gives patrons a more modern, user-friendly way to find books, movies, audiobooks, eBooks, digital resources, and more. It brings more of the library together in one search and offers helpful tools for managing your account, placing holds, saving titles, and discovering something new.
Why is BPL making this change?
We want the online catalog to be easier to use, easier to search, and better suited to the way people look for information today.
Aspen Discovery offers a more visual browsing experience, improved search tools, and features that help patrons find the format they want — whether that is a print book, large print, audiobook, eBook, DVD, or another library resource.
It also gives patrons more control over their library experience, including options for lists, saved searches, reading history, recommendations, and account preferences.
What is Aspen Discovery?
Aspen Discovery is BPL’s new online catalog. It is the tool patrons use to:
• Search the library collection
• Find books, movies, audiobooks, eBooks, and more
• Place holds
• Renew eligible items
• Manage account information and notification settings
• Create and manage lists
• Save searches
• Browse featured collections
• Discover recommendations and read-alikes
• See different formats or editions of the same title together
What will be better?
Aspen Discovery is designed to make searching and browsing easier,
Easier searching
Aspen includes helpful search tools, including predictive search text and filters that help narrow results by format, audience, language, availability, and other options.
Grouped search results
Different formats or editions of the same title will appear together, making it easier to find the version you want. For example, you will be able to see print, large print, audiobook, and eBook options together instead of searching for each one separately.
Better browsing
Aspen makes the catalog more visual, with book covers, featured lists, new titles, popular materials, staff picks, and curated collections.
Personalized options
Patrons can use optional features such as lists, saved searches, ratings, recommendations, and reading history.
Easier account management
Once signed in, patrons can view checkouts, holds, due dates, renewal options, fines or fees if applicable, notification settings, linked accounts, and other account tools.
Linked family accounts
Aspen Discovery allows you to link library accounts so you can manage multiple cards from one login. This can be helpful for families or caregivers. For privacy, only link accounts when you have permission from the cardholder or are responsible for managing that account.
What will stay the same?
• Your library card will still work.
• Your account will still belong to you.
• You will still be able to place holds, renew eligible items, and view your checkouts.
• BPL staff will still be available to help you use the catalog.
What should I do first?
When Aspen Discovery launches, the first thing to do is sign in to your account. Make sure you have your library card number and PIN number. Once signed in, take a few minutes to review your account information, notification preferences, holds, checkouts, and any optional features you would like to use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Aspen Discovery?
Aspen Discovery is BPL’s new online catalog. It helps patrons search for library materials, place holds, manage accounts, and discover books, movies, audiobooks, eBooks, and more.
Why is BPL changing the catalog?
BPL is moving to Aspen Discovery to provide a more modern, user-friendly catalog experience. Aspen makes it easier to search, browse, manage your account, and discover library materials in multiple formats.
Will my library card number change?
No. Your current BPL library card will still work.
Will I need a new library account?
No. You do not need to register for a new library account. Your existing library account will continue to be used in Aspen Discovery.
How do I log in?
Go to the new catalog and select Sign In. Enter your library card number and your PIN.
What if I forgot my PIN or password?
You will be able to reset your PIN/password online if your library account has a current email address on file. If you cannot reset it online, BPL staff can help. Visit or call the library for assistance.
Will my holds transfer to Aspen Discovery?
Yes, current holds will continue to appear in your account.
Will my checked-out items transfer?
Yes, items currently checked out to your account will continue to appear in your account.
Will I still be able to renew items?
Yes. You will still be able to renew eligible items from your account.
Will my reading history transfer?
If BPL currently offers reading history and you previously enabled it, your history will be available in Aspen Discovery. Reading history is optional. You may start or stop recording your reading history, and you may delete titles from your history.
What are lists?
Lists let you save titles in the catalog. You might create a “Want to Read” list, a list for a book club, a list for your child, or a list of titles to remember for later.
Can I save searches?
Yes. Aspen Discovery allows patrons to save searches, which can be helpful if you want to keep track of favorite authors, subjects, series, or new items.
What are linked accounts?
Linked accounts allow patrons to view and manage multiple library accounts from one login. This can be especially useful for families or caregivers managing more than one library card. Sign in to your library account, go to Account Settings, then choose Linked Accounts. You will need the other account’s library card number and PIN/password. Once linked, you can view and manage items such as checkouts and holds for that account.
Will Libby, Hoopla, or other digital services be affected?
Your checkouts, holds, and saved items in digital apps will not be affected by the catalog transition. You may be asked to log in again using your library card number and PIN.
Can I use Aspen Discovery on my phone?
Yes. Aspen Discovery is designed to work on computers, tablets, and mobile devices.
Can staff help me?
Yes. BPL staff will be happy to help patrons learn the new catalog, sign in, place holds, manage accounts, and explore new features.
