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

launching soon

Polaris Is Coming to BCLS!

What to know about upcoming service changes

The Bay County Library System is excited to announce that we are upgrading our library catalog system to Polaris! This new system will improve how you search for materials, manage your account, and use library services both in-person and online.

Because this is a major behind-the-scenes change, there will be a few temporary service disruptions in February while we complete the migration. Below is everything you need to know to prepare.

polaris timeline

Important Dates & What They Mean

Now - February 18

Make sure you know your library card number.
This will be useful to have when checking out materials during the migration period.

If you don’t know your number, stop by your library or call us and staff will be happy to help.

February 19-25: Checkout Only

During this week:

  • You may check out items only
  • Items cannot be checked in
  • Holds and requests will be temporarily unavailable
  • Online account features will be limited

To reduce inconvenience, due dates will be extended to March 3, and patrons are encouraged to keep their items if possible.

February 26: All Libraries Closed

All BCLS locations will be closed for the official Polaris launch.

February 27 and After

Libraries reopen with Polaris!
Services return to normal as staff continue learning the new system.

Mobile App & Login Changes

As part of our move to the new Polaris catalog, there will be a new mobile app and a new way to sign in to your library account.

New Mobile App

Our current app will not work with the new catalog.
To continue accessing your library account on your phone or tablet, you will need to download the new BCLS app after Polaris goes live.

Once the new app is available, we will share:

  • Download links
  • A step-by-step guide to signing in

Watch this page and our social media for updates.

Logging In to Your Library Account

When Polaris is live, the login process will be slightly different:

  • Username: Your library card number (barcode)
  • Password: Your 4-digit PIN (the same one you set when you signed up for your card)

If you previously used a custom username in Bibliocommons (old catalog), you will no longer be able to use that to sign in.

Don’t Know Your PIN or Card Number?

No problem!
Library staff can help you:

  • Look up your card number
  • Reset your four-digit PIN

Please contact your local branch or stop by the service desk for assistance.

Good to Know

  • Your library card will not change
  • Your checked-out items and account history will carry over
  • You will still be able to search the catalog, place holds, and manage your account once you log in with your card number and PIN

Why Are We Making This Change?

You may be wondering why the Bay County Library System is moving to a new catalog system so soon after our transition to Bibliocommons. This change is happening because we are part of the Valley Library Consortium (VLC), a regional partnership of public libraries that share technology systems to make it easier for patrons to find, request, and manage library materials across multiple communities. VLC is migrating all partner libraries to Polaris at the same time to create a more stable, consistent, and modern system for everyone. By moving together, libraries can better share resources, maintain your online account and mobile app, and ensure reliable service across the entire network.

Polaris will allow us to offer:

  • A more modern, user-friendly catalog
  • Better search and account tools
  • Improved integration with future digital services

While the transition requires a bit of patience, it will result in a stronger and more reliable system for our community.

Meet the Valley Library Consortium (VLC)

Your library is a proud member of the Valley Library Consortium (VLC)—an organization based in Saginaw, Michigan, that partners with many public libraries throughout our region to provide shared technology services that make it easier for you to find and use library materials.

Through this partnership, VLC helps power your library’s online catalog and provides our mobile app, so you can search for items, place holds, renew checkouts, and manage your account from anywhere.

Over the coming months, as we migrate to a new library management system, you may begin to see more communication connected to this VLC-library partnership. Some notices may come from VLC systems on behalf of your library, including SMS/text messages (for example: hold notices, reminders, or account-related updates). It’s important that you recognize these messages as part of your library service.

Learn more about VLC and our partner libraries at: https://www.valleylibrary.org/

Stay Informed

We’ll continue sharing updates through:

  • Our website
  • Email newsletters
  • Social media

Thank you for your understanding as we work behind the scenes to bring you a better library experience!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Polaris is the new library catalog and account system that the Bay County Library System will be using. It controls how you search for materials, place holds, check out items, and manage your library account online and in the library.

We are part of the Valley Library Consortium (VLC), which provides shared technology services for many public libraries in our region. VLC is moving all partner libraries to Polaris at the same time to create a more reliable and consistent system for everyone.

No. Your library card number and account will still exist. You will continue to use the same library card number, and your account will move into the new system.

Yes. Items you have checked out and your account history will transfer to the new system.

Some account features, such as holds and saved lists may not transfer. We recommend picking up any active holds before February 19 if possible.

Items can be dropped off, but they will not be able to be checked in until the new system is live. Your due date will be extended to March 3, so you won’t be penalized for holding onto items.

All BCLS locations will be closed on February 26 for the system launch. We will reopen on February 27 with the new system.

Yes. The library’s mobile app will continue to be available, but a new version will need to be downloaded. More details will be shared closer to launch.

We will post updates on:

  • The Bay County Library System website
  • Our social media pages
  • Email newsletters
  • In-library signage