Text a Librarian

What is Text a Librarian?

Text a Librarian is a service which enables you to use the text message feature of your mobile phone to send questions to and receive answers from Spokane County Library District information services staff.

Text 66746, then start your message with the keyword SCLD, insert a space, then type your question and press send.


When can I use the service?

Text a Librarian service hours are: Monday—Thursday 10 am—8:30 pm, Friday—Saturday 10 am—5:30 pm, and Sunday 1 pm—4:30 pm. We will respond as soon as possible during service hours. If we are closed or if we are unable to reply during service hours, you will receive an automated response, and we will answer your question the next day we are open.

If you do not receive a response to your question within 48 hours, it may be due to a telecommunications problem. You may want to resubmit your question or contacts us by email, Live 24/7 chat, or phone. The library is not responsible for text messages that are not received by the library or delays due to telecommunications carrier or Internet connectivity delays or failures.


What kinds of questions can I ask via texting?

Use Text a Librarian to ask simple, quick questions (up to 160 characters) that can be answered in brief responses (up to 320 characters). If our responses exceed 160 characters, they appear as 2 messages.

Sample Questions:

  • What is the highest mountain in the world?
  • What time does the Cheney library close tonight?

To ask questions requiring lengthy or detailed responses, use email, Live 24/7 chat, or phone. For immediate responses, please contact us by phone.


What do I need to use the service?

You need a mobile phone which is enabled to send and receive text messages.


What does the service cost?

The library does not charge for this service, but charges from your cell phone provider may apply. These charges vary among plans and among telephone providers.

The library does not take any responsibility for any charges your mobile phone provider may assess you for sending or receiving messages while using this service.


Do I always include SCLD at the beginning of my questions, and when I reply to a message you’ve sent me, do I need to include SCLD?

You must only include SCLD on the first question you text us, but we recommend you include it at the beginning of each new question you send to help us in responding to your most recent question.


Why did I receive the message “Your msg has been posted! Powered by Mosio. Std messaging charges apply. T&Cs mosio.com/terms.php Reply HELP for info. To stop receiving answers, reply STOP.” ?

You receive this message the first time a text is sent to a new short code phone number (i.e. 66746). This is required by all mobile carriers, and it will only be sent once on the very first message.


Why did I receive the message “[Error] Start the text w/ ur organization's keyword + ur msg. Ex: When do you close tonight? Txt STOP to stop, txt HELP 4 help Std msg charges apply.”?

You either did not include the library keyword SCLD or there was not a space between the keyword and the question. Enter the keyword and/or the space before the question and resend.


Are my questions private?

Your privacy is important to us, and Spokane County Library District is committed to protecting the privacy of our customers. To ensure your privacy and security:

  • A random User ID is assigned to each mobile phone
  • Your phone number is never visible to us at any time
  • Your phone number is not accessible by us