Peninsula Library System app launched for Daly City patrons; staff to roll out training

Library staff demonstrated a new Peninsula Library System (PLS) mobile app at the Oct. 15 trustees meeting and outlined how the app will work for Daly City patrons.

The presenter described core features: storing a patron's library card barcode in the app for self‑check and front‑desk scanning; creating linked family accounts so guardians can manage children’s cards; searching the combined PLS catalog; placing holds; seeing branch hours and location‑based information; scanning printed ISBN barcodes to look up items; and links to e‑resources and social channels. The presenter said San Mateo County Library had launched a separate instance of the app earlier and that, after logging in, patrons would see Daly City branding tied to their Daly City library card.

"Once you log in to the app, then you will see Daly City's branding," the presenter said, adding that the app is available now after a soft launch and that staff will move to active promotion. In response to a trustee question about whether the app could free staff time, staff said the app should enable self‑service for routine tasks such as placing holds and checking due dates, and that training for staff to assist patrons is the next phase.

Staff noted mobile features that require permissions—camera access for scanning ISBNs and location access to show nearby PLS branches—and said the app will surface event calendar entries and online resources such as Kanopy and Libby.

There was no board vote on the app; staff said they will begin broader promotion and training in coming weeks.