Starting this week, anyone with a Bismarck Public Library card who wants to check out e‑books via the Libby app will be asked to verify their account with a four‑digit personal identification number (PIN). The new security measure applies to all existing and new users of the digital platform.
How the PIN works
When a patron selects a title in Libby, the app will prompt them to enter the PIN that they set up when they first linked their library card. If a user cannot recall their PIN, the library advises contacting the Bismarck Public Library staff for assistance. The process is designed to be quick and straightforward, ensuring that patrons can continue to enjoy the library’s extensive collection of free digital books without interruption.
Why the change matters
Libby functions much like a traditional library shelf, borrowing multiple copies of popular titles so that they are available to many patrons at once. When all copies are checked out, a waiting list forms, just as it would for a physical book. By adding a PIN, the library aims to prevent unauthorized borrowing and protect users’ borrowing histories, which is especially important as more families rely on digital resources for education and leisure.
Library leadership comments
“Think of it as a virtual book on a shelf,” explained Traci Juhala, head of youth services at the Bismarck Public Library. “We purchase multiple copies of titles so they’re available for patrons, and when those copies have been checked out, there’s a waiting list, just like you would have for a physical book. The PIN simply adds a layer of security while keeping the experience familiar.”
Getting a library card
Residents of Burleigh County can obtain a free library card by presenting a photo ID and proof of residency. The card provides access not only to the physical collection at the downtown Bismarck branch but also to the library’s growing suite of digital services, including e‑books, audiobooks, and online databases.
What patrons should do
Patrons who have already linked their library card to Libby should look for a prompt to create or confirm their PIN the next time they open the app. Those who have not yet set up a PIN will be guided through the process during their first checkout. If any issues arise, library staff are available in person at the main branch or by phone during regular business hours.
Community impact
The addition of a PIN aligns with the library’s broader mission to provide safe, reliable access to information for families across Bismarck and the surrounding area. By safeguarding digital borrowing, the library helps ensure that its resources remain a trusted part of daily life for parents, students, and seniors alike.
For more information about the new PIN requirement or to get help with setting up your account, visit the Bismarck Public Library website or stop by the main branch on East Main Street.
Original reporting: KFYR-TV Bismarck (news) — read the source article.
