Services

 The Central Plains Library System offers the following services:

  • Audiobook Collection
    CPLS owns over 1,200 circulating audiobook titles. System member libraries may borrow audiobooks (CD, MP3, and Playaway formats) for an extended loan period. View our catalog on Library Thing and then call or email the System office to borrow or reserve titles. You may also request that an assortment of 20 titles be sent to your library every other month.
  • Book Sets
    CPLS has many book sets to loan for student groups or Book Clubs.  See the list of CPLS Book Sets available. To search for Book Sets available from the Nebraska Library Commission, click here.
  • Breakout EDU Kits
    The System has two identical Breakout EDU kits to lend. Each kit can be used to design “Escape Room” programs. A Breakout EDU kit is a unique collection of resettable locks, boxes, and items that can be used to play 100s of immersive learning games. All Breakout EDU games require critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, and communication.
  • Bulk Loans of Large Print Materials
    The System contracts with Hastings Public Library and McCook Public Library to provide bulk loans of large print materials. For an annual fee of $50, members libraries can receive up to 200 books. Contact the System office for more information.
  • Consulting
    The System director is available by phone or for site visits to discuss library related problems or concerns.
  • Continuing Education
    The System provides workshops on topics of interest to public, school and academic librarians and public library boards. Click here for current continuing education events and System activities.
  • Cooperative Puppet Orders
    Several times a year, the System places a cooperative order for Folkmanis puppets. System member libraries are eligible for a discount. To view the Folkmanis online puppet catalog, go to www.folkmanis.com, then watch the email list and newsletter for cooperative order information.
  • Cutting Machines
    These handy machines cut out letters and shapes from paper, felt, cloth, thin cardboard, magnetic sheets, and foam. CPLS owns two Ellison machines–one Original and a Prestige Space Saver– as well as a new AccuCut Mark5, and dies (including a 2″ alphabet/numbers and two 4″ alphabet/numbers). System members may check the desired machine and dies out for a month at a time. See a complete listing of CPLS dies. You may also borrow a set of dies without the machine. The System office will also have a machine kept in the office for any members who want to stop by to use it. Call the CPLS office to reserve a machine and/or dies for your library.
  • Disc Repair
    The System Office has the ECO AUTO-SMART Fully Automatic Disc Repair System.  It is not just a buffer , but a full-service machine, to both clean and repair your valuable discs.  Save those discs that won’t play!  As long as they are not cracked, we can fix them!  From July 1st – June 30th of each year, each CPLS member library is entitled to 10 free disc cleanings. Additional cleanings are available at a minimal charge.
  • Equipment Loan
    The Central Plains Library System has available for loan to system member libraries the following equipment:
    ~ Laptop & LCD projector
    ~ Public Address system
    ~Die Cutting Equipment with nearly 500 dies and over 8 alphabets in a variety of fonts    and sizes.
    Contact the CPLS office today to request the equipment you need.
  • Interlibrary Loan
    Contact the Nebraska Library Commission at 800-307-2665 or go to http://www.nlc.nebraska.gov/ILL/ILLform.asp.
  • Makerspace
    The System owns several industry leading pieces in their Makerspace collection including:
    ~ Cricut Maker with an EasyPress Heat Press
    ~ Embroidery Machine
    ~ Button Makers
    ~ littleBits S.T.E.A.M. sets
    ~ Laminator
  • Newsletter
    The newsletter Plain Speaking is delivered to your email six times per year. Click here to see the available editions.
  • Online Mailing List
    Staff at all member libraries can join the CPLS Online Mailing List by pointing your browser to http://nlc.nebraska.gov/lists/. Click on “Subscribe to a List”, select “CPLS”, and enter your information.
  • Professional Collection
    CPLS offers an array of professional materials designed to help librarians in their work, including books and periodicals. Contact the System Office to borrow professional material by topic. See the topics by clicking on the “All Collections” button in the upper left-hand corner of the Library Thing webpage. System members are encouraged to recommend items for the professional collection. Please call 800-569-4961 with pertinent information (title, author, ISBN, publisher, date of publication, etc.).