This month, Roanoke Valley Libraries are transitioning to Polaris, a new online catalog designed for easy and efficient use. RVL member libraries in Botetourt County, City of Roanoke, City of Salem, and Roanoke County are excited to offer this improved experience for all RVL patrons.
As of Monday, 02/09/2026, library staff and patrons will not be able to place holds on materials in the library catalog until the go-live date Tuesday, 02/24/2026. If you call a library and the book is on the shelf, library staff will check it out to you and hold it for you. We will be unable to transfer books between the libraries during this period.
The library catalog will be offline between February 15-23. The good news is that throughout the transition, patrons will still be able to access digital materials through Libby and Hoopla.
Roanoke Valley Libraries will remain open and active during the catalog transition period. Patrons can continue attending programs, browsing and checking out items in person, using public computers and printers, and studying or working at library locations
The upgrade will improve how users search, manage, and access library materials. After the launch, library patrons will be able to:
• Navigate the catalog on their phone, tablet, or computer.
• Use Smart Searches, which have spell-check and automated search suggestions.
• Check out and hold eBooks, audiobooks, and more in the catalog.
• Select a preferred pickup location from any participating library location.
• Choose to renew material automatically three days before it’s due.
• Change communication preferences to be contacted via email, text, or automated calls.
• See library locations integrated with Google Maps.
• Continue using features they already use, such as keeping track of what they’ve checked out, maintain existing holds, and create reading lists.
We appreciate your patience during this transition and look forward to serving you with our improved online library experience.
