Manhattan Public Library

Manhattan Public Library offers free downloadable e-books, audio books, music, and videos on our homepage at www.manhattan.lib.ks.us. Click on the Sunflower E-Library icon and log in with your Manhattan Public Library card. In the "Getting Started" box, you will find "Help/FAQs" which offer a tour, help with downloading, and information about lending periods. The many compatible devices are listed on the website with helpful explanations. You can download available items, keep a "wish" list for future use, or place items on hold for future downloads. Manhattan Public Library also offers one-hour computer use classes, one-on-one with a librarian, to learn Mouse Basics, Beginning Computers, Intro to E-mail, using the Internet, and navigating Manhattan Public Library's online catalog. We will also help you learn to use the library's online resources listed under the Research tab on the MPL website, covering subjects like basic auto repair, genealogy searches, learning another language, business and investment, career resources, test preparation, and more . World Book Encyclopedia is also free online, and phone numbers and addresses nationwide are available on Reference USA. You can make an appointment for a class at the Information Desk on 1st floor, or by calling 785-776-4741, ext. 173, or via e-mail: [email protected]. For local history research, Manhattan and some Riley County newspapers are available on microfilm at the library, beginning in the late 1850's. Many microfilms are now indexed, which makes name-searching easier. Manhattan Public Library has new computerized microfilm readers which allow much better viewing, adjustment of the image for darkness and size, and the ability to isolate specific articles for printing. Articles may be printed in the library, or may be e-mailed to your home computer or added to a flash drive. Library staff are available to help you get started. If MPL does not own an item you want, you have two options. For recently published materials, you may place a Request for Purchase at the Information or Reference Desk or from the Manhattan Public Library website. For other items, you may fill out an Interlibrary Loan request at the Information or Reference Desks or on the library's website. To place your own interlibrary loan requests online, you will first need to register in person at the Information Desk, at the Reference Desk or by calling 785-776-4742, ext . 141 or ext. 173. If the item is available from other libraries in Kansas, there is no charge for the service. If the item is requested from a library in another state, the lending library may charge for the service. An active MPL Library card is required. Homebound Book delivery services are available if you have physical limitations and are unable to come to the library. Once a month, an Adult Services librarian will bring a selection of books based on your reading preferences and pick them up the following month. There is a simple application form which can be mailed to you. Again, you will need an active MPL card. Please call 785-776-4741, ext. 141 or e-mail [email protected] for details. Your Manhattan Library Card Patron Account offers a number of services-by logging into your account with your library card number and your pin number (the last four digits of your phone number), you can review your account, renew books if no one else has a hold on the item, check due dates , check on your "hold requests" and any fines or fees. Did you know that you have the option to keep a list of the books you check out? You can also make your own lists of interesting items for the future. Adult Services staff will be happy to show you how to use any of these options.