What is Link+?

LINK+ is a free service you can use to borrow materials that the Solano Partner Libraries & St. Helena (SPLASH) consortium does not own. Link+ is a cooperative effort among many California and Nevada libraries. You can use your Benicia Library Card to place a hold on a title available from any member library, and you can then pick it up at your local library.

How do I use Link+?

To access the LINK+ catalog, click on the Link+ catalog link on the Benicia Public Library website or click on the “Search Link+” tab in the upper right corner of the Library’s catalog.

1. Locate your item in the LINK+ Catalog and click on Request It. The item must be listed as "available" in the LINK+ Catalog and not owned by SPLASH.
2. At the “With which library are you affiliated?” message, select Benicia Public Library from the dropdown menu.
3. At the Request Verification screen, type in your Name and Library card number and select your hold Pickup Location from the pull-down menu.
4. Click Submit to place your hold.

If there is a copy available to fill your hold, the title will be sent from the owning library for pickup at your local library. If you attempt to place a hold on a title that is not available, you will receive a “Sorry, no copies available for requests” message. If you receive this message, you will need to wait until a copy is available to place your hold.

Can anyone use Link+?

All SPLASH Consortium customers with current library cards in good standing can use the Link+ service. If you have account issues, you will need to address them before you can use the Link+ service. Only your library card in good standing can be used to check out a Link+ item. 

How much does LINK+ cost?

LINK+ is a free service, as long as you return your materials undamaged and on time. LINK+ materials can have a lost or damaged fee of up to $115, determined by the owning library.

Why are the overdue fines and lost charges for LINK+ items so high?

Fee policies are established by the Link+ consortium. All member libraries must follow the same policies.

What can I request from Link+?

Each partnering library determines what items they will lend.

Customers can only place holds on titles that are not owned by the SPLASH consortium. If you try to place a Link+ hold on a title that is available in the local catalog, you will receive the following message, “You cannot use LINK+ to request items that are available at your institution.”

The item must be listed as "available" in the LINK+ Catalog to be requested. If you attempt to place a hold on a title that is not available, you will receive a “Sorry, no copies available for requests” message. If you receive this message, will need to wait until a copy is available to place your hold.

How many Link+ items can I have at one time?

You may have a total of a combination of 10 holds, check outs, and in transit items at any given time.

How long will it take to get Link+ items?

Items usually arrive within 2-4 weeks. 

How do I know my Link+ item has arrived and how long will the library keep it?

The Link+ hold notification process works just like it does with other library materials you have on hold. If you currently receive an email or text notice when your hold is available for pick up, you will receive the same type of notice for your Link+ hold. As with all other holds, the library will hold the LINK+ item(s) for 7 days. If not picked up by then, the item will be returned to the lending library.

How do I pick up my Link+ item and where can I return it?

LINK+ items are held at the Customer Service Desk. Come and ask for it.

When you are done with the LINK+ item, it must be returned to the Customer Service Desk. Do NOT put items in any book drop.

How can I cancel or check the status of my Link+ hold?

You may cancel or check the status of your LINK+ hold by calling (707)746-4343 or visiting any SPLASH library.

Note: If the hold is n Shipped or Received status, the hold may not be cancelled.

How long can I borrow a Link+ item and how many times can I renew it?

The loan period for books and most audiovisual material is 21 days with one possible renewal (for an additional 21 days).

If the item is available for renewal, it will automatically renew once, 3 days before the due date. If the item is on hold at the lending library, the renewal will be denied and it must be returned immediately. Check your account for due dates.