BCLS Closed: System Upgrade

All BCLS branches will be closed Thursday, February 26, 2026 for an important system upgrade. Online services will be very limited during this time. We will reopen for full service as normal on Friday, February 27. Thank you for your patience as we make these important changes.

Polaris Is Here! What BCLS Patrons Need to Know

Polaris Is Here! What BCLS Patrons Need to Know

Our new library system, Polaris, is officially live!
Thank you for your patience during the transition. We’re excited to bring you a more modern, reliable catalog experience with improved search tools, better account features, and stronger integration with future digital services.

Here’s everything you need to know as you start using Polaris.

How to Log In to Your Library Account

Your login will be a little different than before:

Username: Your library card number (barcode)
Password: Your 4-digit PIN

If you previously used a custom username in our old catalog, you’ll now use your card number instead.

Don’t know your card number or PIN?
No problem - stop by any BCLS branch or give us a call and we’ll help you look it up or reset it.

New Mobile App

We've upgrading to a new mobile app! Direct download links can be found at https://innovativemobile.net/VLC. You can also search your app store for "VLC Member Libraries," or scan the QR code below.

bcls new app qr code
bcls new app logo

What you need to do:

  • Download the new app from the App Store or Google Play
  • Your library card and PIN will work the same way
  • Log in with your existing library card number and four-digit PIN

What will change:

  • New app interface
  • Your checkouts, holds, and account information will all transfer automatically
  • Reading lists, reviews, and shelves you created in BiblioCommons will NOT transfer (Although these will be available in the new catalog)

What stays the same:

  • Your library card number and PIN
  • Your holds and checked-out items
  • How you search and place holds

Your Account & Materials

Good news - your library account information moved over with you.

✔ Your library card stays the same
✔ Your checked-out items carry over
✔ Your reading history and account data remain intact
✔ You can place holds, renew items, and search the catalog once logged in

Why We Made This Change

BCLS is part of the Valley Library Consortium (VLC), a regional partnership of public libraries that share technology systems to make it easier for you to find and request materials across multiple communities.

VLC migrated all partner libraries to Polaris together to create:

✔ A more stable and consistent catalog
✔ Better resource sharing between libraries
✔ A stronger, future-ready system

By moving as a group, we can provide more reliable service and better tools for our patrons.

Messages from VLC (Valley Library Consortium)

As part of this shared system, some library notices (like hold alerts or reminders) may come from VLC systems on behalf of BCLS.
These are legitimate library messages connected to your account.

Learn more about our regional partners at: https://www.valleylibrary.org/

What’s Back to Normal Now

All library services have returned to normal:

✔ Checkouts and returns
✔ Holds and requests
✔ Full online account access
✔ Catalog searching

Our staff are continuing to learn the new system, so thank you for your patience as we fine-tune everything.

Stay Informed

We’ll keep sharing Polaris tips and updates through:

  • Our website
  • Email newsletters
  • Social media

Thank you for sticking with us during this upgrade. Polaris is a big step forward for BCLS, and we’re excited for you to explore everything the new system can do!

If you need help logging in or using the new catalog, just ask - we’re happy to help.

Published by on February 26, 2026
Last Modified February 26, 2026
Type:
Adults Homepage Kids Teens