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  • Book Discussions

Books in a Bag

    Books in a Bag are ready-made kits for your book discussion group. We do everything for you except read the book! Each kit contains twelve copies of the book unless otherwise noted, discussion questions, and an author biography. Books in a Bag are checked out for six weeks, allowing time to distribute and read the book. 

    Instructions for making new reservations are provided below. You will receive an email when your kit is ready to pick up at the Main Library's second-floor Ask Here desk (located near the New Books). 

    If you have questions about Books in a Bag, call our Adult Services Department at 317.814.3988.

    book group enjoying Books in a Bag

    Go to Books in a Bag

    How do I reserve a Books in a Bag kit?

    Note that these kits must be reserved at least 3 days in advance and have a 7-day buffer between reservations.  

    Log into our Books in a Bag system using your library card number and PIN (typically the last four digits of your phone number).

    Once you're logged into the Books in a Bag system, click on the Books in a Bag Kit List link to begin your search.

    If you are looking for all titles without a specific date in mind:

    1. Search for a title or author or browse using the filters on the left side.
    2. Click "Reserve" on your selected item.
    3. Select the start date for your reservation from the calendar on the left. Reservation length defaults to 6 weeks. Click "Cart" in the top right of the screen to check out.
    4. From the cart, click "Submit Reservation."
    5. Repeat for additional reservations.

    To search for available items during a specific time period:

    1. Click on the cart at the top of the page, then "Start Reservation."
    2. Select the start date for your reservation, then click "Add items."
    3. Choose an item from the available items displayed.
    4. Open your cart from the cart icon at the top right of the screen, and then click "Submit Reservation."
    5. Repeat for additional reservations.

      How do I pick up a reserved kit?

      You will receive an email notification when your reservation is ready for pickup. Please pick up your Books in a Bag kit at the Main Library's second-floor Ask Here desk (located near the New Books).

      How do I return a kit?

      Please return your Books in a Bag kit, including all the copies of the book it contained at checkout, at the Main Library's second-floor Ask Here desk (located near the New Books).

      How do I make changes to my reservation?

      You can cancel your reservation, add notes and requests, or change the dates (depending on availability). Log into the Books in a Bag system, click your name in the upper right corner, and select "Reservations." Make your changes, then click "Submit Changes." For more assistance, please contact the Adult Services Department at adultservices@carmelclaylibrary.org or 317.814.3988.

      What if I want someone else in my book group to pick up my reservation?

      Please update your reservation with a note, or contact the Adult Services Department at adultservices@carmelclaylibrary.org or 317.814.3988.

      I had an old reservation that I made under the library's previous Books in a Bag system (KitKeeper).

      We transferred existing reservations from the old system into our new Books in a Bag system. You should see your reservations when you log into the new system with your library card number and PIN, click your name in the upper right corner, and then select "Reservations." If you don't see the reservations you expect to, please contact us at adultservices@carmelclaylibrary.org.

      I am a staff member at another library or school. How can I create a reservation?

      We ship kits via InfoExpress to other Indiana libraries. Please contact adultservices@carmelclaylibrary.org to create an account for your library.