Text Message Alerts for Ocean State Libraries’ Cardholders, powered by Shoutbomb

With the library’s Shoutbomb text messaging service, you can use your mobile phone to:

  • Receive text notices about holds that are available, items that are due soon and overdue items.
  • Send a text to renew an item (if item is eligible for renewal)
  • Add family members’ cards to your Shoutbomb account with keyword ADDCARD.

The library does not charge a fee for this service.  Your mobile plan’s regular text messaging rates apply.

Signing Up

To get started, text the keyword SIGNUP from your cellphone texting app to 401-298-2013.

Reply to the prompts from Shoutbomb, asking for your library card number, then PIN.  Once your Shoutbomb registration has been completed, you will automatically get text notices about holds to pick up, items that are due soon and overdue items.  A text will be sent only when activity on your account triggers a message, or information is requested.

Why is my library PIN required?
To protect your privacy and library account, your PIN is required when signing up for Shoutbomb text alerts.  This is the same PIN used for logging into your online library account and prevents others from accessing your library information.

Alert Types

Hold Pickup
A text alert is sent when an item you requested is ready for pickup.  The message will display a portion of the title and indicate the pickup location.  Hold Pickup alerts are sent at the top of the hour.

Renewal/Courtesy Alerts
An alert will be sent two (2) days before an item is due.  Items eligible for renewal may be renewed by following the directions in the alert.  Renewal/Courtesy alerts are sent at 9:00am.

Overdue Alerts
Overdue alerts are sent seven (7) days after an item’s due date.  Items eligible for renewal may be renewed by following the directions in the alert.  Overdue alerts are sent at 9:00am.

Library Card Expiration
Library card expiration alerts are sent six (6) weeks prior to your library registration expiring.  Your record must be renewed to avoid interruption in service and keep your information current.

Commands

MYBOOKS
Request the current status of all your library items including holds, fines and current checked out items.

ADDCARD
Text ADDCARD and follow the prompts to add another library account to your notifications.  This is useful for family members to get notifications on multiple cards with one mobile number.

IOWEU
Request the current fines linked to your card(s).

MYCARDS
Display all cards and their expiration dates, linked to your phone number.

SWITCHPHONE
To update your phone number or carrier.

DROPCARD
Cancel text notices for a card.

HELP
Get information about all Shoutbomb commands.

RESEND
Get the last message from Shoutbomb.

QUIT
Ends all text notifications and cancels your registration to Shoutbomb.  Reply to the instructions.

Message Settings

To view and change your Shoutbomb message settings, text:

NOTICES
See your current on/off settings.

HOLDS
Toggles your hold alerts on/off.

RENEW
Toggles your courtesy alerts on/off.

OVERDUE
Toggles your overdue alerts on/off.

Replying to Notices

Your account notices will prompt you to respond with commands, including:

HL
Get a list of holds that are ready for pickup.

RL
Get a list of items that are eligible to renew.

RA
Renew all of your eligible items.

OL
Get a list of overdue items.