Technology works best when it makes life simpler. That is the idea behind the HCPL on the Go app. If you’ve used it in the past, you may have noticed that it feels smoother, easier, and more intuitive these days. That is no accident. HCPL's Web Services team has been steadily fine-tuning the app behind the scenes—not with big splashy rollouts, but with thoughtful improvements that add up to a better, more responsive user experience.
So what makes the app worth downloading—or revisiting if it has been a while? Let’s take a closer look at some of its most useful features.
Self-Checkout with Your Phone
Have you ever found yourself waiting at the Circulation Desk with an armful of books and a restless kid tugging on your sleeve? The app lets you skip the line entirely with its Self-Checkout feature. Just open the app, tap the Self-Checkout button, and scan the item’s library barcode. That’s it—your book is checked out. And, what is better, the app keeps track of all your checkouts for you. It’s fast, it’s simple.
It's also worth saying that when you self-check, you’re helping library staff focus on the programs and services that make your library a hub of community and connection.
WATCH: Learn how easy it is to self-check out with the HCPL on the Go App
Linked Accounts Make Managing Your Whole Family's Reading Easier
Parents and caregivers know the juggling act of keeping track of all the kids’ library cards. Who has which books? When was that book you just found underneath the sofa due? Which hold is ready for pickup? HCPL on the Go lets you link all your family’s accounts.
With linked accounts, the app brings it all together. You can view checkouts, holds, and due dates for your kids—or anyone else you’ve linked—in one place. It takes the guesswork out of managing family reading and makes sure nothing slips through the cracks.
ISBN Scanner Feature Can Save You Money
One of the app’s most underrated features is the ISBN scanner. Say you’re browsing in a bookstore, or a friend recommends a novel they're reading. You can just scan the ISBN barcode with the app, and in seconds, you’ll know whether HCPL has it in our collection. If we do, you can place a hold on the spot. It’s like having the entire library catalog in your pocket, ready whenever inspiration strikes.
Keep Your Reading Life Organized
Beyond the big features, the app also helps with the little things that keep library use simple. You can check your borrowing history, so you don’t forget what you’ve already read. You can see overdue items or holds waiting for pickup at a glance. Searching the catalog is easy, whether you’re looking by title, author, or series. And placing a hold is just a tap away.
Always Improving
What makes the HCPL on the Go app special isn’t just its feature list—it’s the fact that it’s always getting better. You may not see the tweaks and updates as they happen, but our Web Services team is continually making it more accessible and user-friendly. It’s not about reinventing the app every year. It’s about steady, thoughtful improvements that keep pace with the way our community uses the library.
If you haven’t opened HCPL on the Go in a while, now’s the perfect time to give it another look. It’s your library card, checkout station, catalog, and account manager—all in one app, always improving, and always with you.
Download the HCPL on the Go App NOW
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