Westlake Porter Public Library invites you to explore our mobile app for Apple and Android devices. This mobile version of the library gives you instant access, wherever you use your smartphone or tablet. You can renew checkouts, search the catalog, place holds, and more. Some features include:

• Multiple accounts in one app: Track your whole family’s checkouts and manage holds and renewals in one place.
• Your phone can be your library card: Store your WPPL card number, and family members’ cards, for easy access when you check out, at self-checks and at the Circulation Desk.
• Easy access to eBooks and other digital titles: Check out downloadable and streaming titles from Freegal, Hoopla, and OverDrive right from the app.

Search for Westlake Porter Library in the Apple iOS and Google Play app stores. Once you have the app, scan your library card barcode to get started. Just open the app, tap My Account, click Sign In, scan your barcode, type your PIN, and you're in!

For step-by-step directions, check out this post on our blog site by our helpful staff.

Check out library materials with your cellphone!

Join the beta testing launch for a new feature that allows WPPL cardholders to use the WPPL mobile app to check out items as they browse! Just look for the Self Checkout shopping cart symbol in the app, click, and follow onscreen instructions.

This new feature helps promote social distancing by reducing lines at the Circulation Desk and self-checkout machines.

What do I need? 

• An Android phone at Version 5 or later that has an NFC reader, or an iPhone 7 or later (iOS 13+). If your phone can handle contactless payments such as Apple Pay and Google Pay, you should be ready to go.
• The WPPL mobile app. Download at the App Store or Google Play. If you already have the app, be sure to update it to the latest version. 

What do I do?

• Open the app and tap Self Checkout.  
• Enable Location if asked. 
• Tap the green check-out button. 
• Watch for onscreen prompts. 
• Scan one item at a time. Avoid stacking. 
• Move your phone over the front or back cover of the item until you see confirmation that it checked out.  
• If the item doesn’t scan, flip it over and try again. If it’s a book, look for the square white “tag” sticker inside the back cover and hold your phone over the tag. 
• Ask library staff for help if needed. 

Your list of checkouts will build on your screen until you click Finish or close the app. If anything doesn’t appear in the list, ask staff for help. The app keeps track of your self checkouts under My Account > Self Service Receipts.  

What else should I know? 

• The app will ask permission to use your phone’s location. It just wants to make sure you are in the library.  
• Some items will need to be checked out at the Circulation Desk. These include Launchpad tablets and Playaway View devices, video games, WiFi hotspots, Book Club bags, SearchOhio items, and various kits such as the STEAM kits.  
• Library staff throughout the library are eager to help. If you make a mistake or decide you don’t want an item after all, staff will check in the item for you.