Databases & Online Resources FAQs

  • General Questions

    Your default PIN is the 8-digit birthdate (MMDDYYYY) associated with your account. For example, if your birthday is May 15, 1991, your PIN is 05151991. 

    Once you log into your account, you can change your PIN to a number of your choice. Your PIN must be at least 7 digits and no longer than 13 digits, and can only be numbers.

    If you are logging in with your barcode number, please check to make sure that the number from the back of your library card is correctly entered with no spaces. 

    If you have recently received a new library card you will need to use the barcode number on that card.  Your old barcode number might be saved in your browser so try typing in the new number - don't rely on the number that your browser might have saved.

    If you think your PIN is at fault you can click the “Forgot your PIN?” link on the Log In page to see reset options.

    Please note: The "Forgot your PIN?" link only works if you have registered your account. If you have not registered, you will not get a reply.

    Still having trouble?  Stop by the Check Out Desk or call us at 734-397-0999 and we’re happy to help troubleshoot.

    For homework and study assistance for all ages, the library offers HelpNow through Brainfuse, a live, online tutoring service accessible with a CPL library card. For further homework or skill-building assistance, explore our Research and Learn page.

    For one-on-one tutoring in-person, you can frequently find tutors who advertise on our lobby bulletin board. Canton Public Library does not endorse or track these tutors. You are welcome to meet with your own tutor here in the library.

    National Honor Society Tutors are typically available in the library on a seasonal basis. Check our Program page for current information. If no sessions are listed, this is not currently being offered.

    Databases and online resources can be found through the catalog or on the Research & Learn page. There is blue button at the top the page that links to an A-Z listing of all databases and online resources available to you through CPL. Lower down there are also links to groups of resources for particular areas of interest.

    To learn more about CPL's online resources, please see this post.

    No. OverDrive and Hoopla both automatically delete items when the lending period ends. You can also delete them early if you choose. Kanopy content is streamed to your device over an internet connection - never downloaded.

    The most common reason for this is an expired or blocked library card. Call us at 734-397-0999 or log in to your My CPL account to see if there are any issues that need to be resolved.

    Yes. Visit Libby to check out Kindle format e-books and send them wirelessly to your device.

    Most online resources are accessible with your library card number and PIN.

    There are some exceptions: hoopla, Gale Courses, Kanopy, and HelpNow by Brainfuse. These require you to connect and register your card number to a user name and password for that resource. From that point, you will only need your user name and password for that resource.

    The username you choose for these resources does not need to be the same as the one you chose for your library card account on our website.

    Unfortunately, no. While we are able to loan physical materials to anyone we choose, sharing online resources with patrons of other libraries is a violation of the Terms of Use for many of these products. We recommend contacting your home library; many subscribe to these same resources.

    Some databases are available if you are in the library using a CPL desktop computer or connected to the Wi-Fi. Our Online Resources list also includes resources that are made available to the entire state through the Michigan Electronic Library (MeL).

    Not finding what you're looking for or need help? Stop by the Information Desk or call us at 734-397-0999 ext. 4 for help finding the right resource for you.

    Most online resources are available anywhere with your Canton Public Library card (sometimes called your "barcode") and PIN.

    There are two exceptions: ABCmouse.com and Ancestry Library Edition. These resources are only accessible from CPL desktop computers, or while connected to the library’s Wi-Fi network.