Library FAQ

Find answers to common questions here, including information on how to get a library card, request materials, or renew items. Library staff at all of our branches are also ready to help answer your questions.

 Get a Library Card

Your library card allows you to borrow items from Wellington County Library for free. It also allows you to stream movies, read eBooks, and listen to audiobooks. It's the most powerful card you'll ever carry!OM

 How do I get a library card?

Go to any of the 14 branches of Wellington County Library. Please bring photo identification and proof of address.

 

You can also get a temporary teen or adult card by filling out this online form

How do I renew my library card?

We renew your library card every two years to ensure that we have the correct address and contact information on file for you. To renew your card, please visit any of our 14 branches with proof of address (driver's license or other government issued ID, a bill in your name, etc.) and staff will be happy to assist.

 If we have your email address on file, you will receive a notice that your card is going to expire 30 days ahead of the expiration date.

 Can a child obtain a library card?
Yes! We encourage children to have their own library cards. A parent or guardian will have to sign each child's card, and will be responsible for items taken out on the card until the child turns 16 years old.
 What do I do if I've lost my library card?
Let the library know right away! You are responsible for all materials borrowed on your card. There is a $2.00 fee to replace a lost or damaged card.
 What is my PIN?
Your PIN is your Personal Identification Number. You need your library card number and a PIN to access many of our online services, such as eBooks or online research tools. Speak to library staff if you have lost your PIN or are not sure what it is.
 Can I use the Wellington County Library system if I do not live in Wellington County?

Wellington County Library has a number of agreements with neighbouring library systems that allow non-residents to use our services. A non-resident is someone who does not live in Wellington County or pay taxes to the County. Students who do not live in the County but who attend school within Wellington County do not have to pay a non-resident fee.

We have agreements with the library systems listed below. You may be entitled to a Wellington County Library card if you live in the area of, and pay taxes that fund, one of these library systems:

  • Cambridge Libraries and Galleries
  • Guelph Public Library
  • Halton Hills Public Library
  • Hamilton Public Library
  • Huron County Library
  • Milton Public Library
  • Perth County Information Network (North Perth, Perth East, St. Mary's, Stratford, West Perth)
  • Region of Waterloo Public Library (this does not include residents living in the City of Kitchener or the City of Waterloo)

Bring photo identification with proof of address to any Wellington County Library branch to sign up for an account with us. 

If you do not live or pay taxes in one of those areas, non-residents of Wellington County pay a $120 fee to borrow library materials.

 Loans and Renewals
Wellington County Library offers a wide variety of material for your use and enjoyment. Loan periods and overdue fines vary. Ask staff for details.
How many items can I borrow at once?
You can borrow up to 50 items on a library card. There are no limits by type of item (book, magazine, CD, DVD etc.).
How long can I borrow materials?
  • 3 Days: Lightning Loan DVDs
  • 1 Week: Lightning Loan books, DVDs, Video Games, Magazines, Hotspots, Chromebooks, Board Games and iPads 
  • 3 weeks: All other materials
  • eBooks and eAudiobooks available through OverDrive are automatically checked out for 14 days.
How can I find out when my library materials are due?
Your due dates are printed on your check out slip and can be found under My Account on the Library's online catalogue. You can also ask staff at any of the library branches, in person or by phone.
How do I see what materials I have on my card using the online catalogue?

To Review Your Account:

  1. Select My Account from the home page of the library catalogue.
  2. Enter your library card number and PIN.
  3. You can review your personal information, current checkouts, holds, fines and requests from the My Account home page.
Do I have to return materials I borrowed to the branch where I got them?
Library materials can be borrowed, renewed, or returned at any Wellington County Library branch. After hours book drops are available at each branch for library materials.
 Can I renew my library materials?

Yes. To renew your materials, call or visit any Wellington County Library branch. You can also renew items by using the library's online catalogue

If there is a hold for another patron on an item, or if you have already renewed the item, you will not be able to renew it.

 How do I renew library materials using the online catalogue?
 To renew materials:
  1. Select My Account from the home page of the online catalogue.
  2. Log in with your library card and PIN.
  3. Click on the Checkouts tab.
  4. Select the boxes beside the items that you would like to renew.
  5. Click the Renew button at the top or bottom of the list of checkouts.
  6. Confirm that you want to renew the selected items.
  7. Confirm that the items did renew. If there was a problem, there will be a note in red below the item in your Checkouts list.
  8. For more assistance, please contact your local branch.
Do I have to pay my fines before I can take out library materials?

When a borrower has over $5.00 in fines and/or replacement charges, borrowing privileges will be suspended until the fines are paid.

 What do I do if I have accidentally damaged or lost library material?

For material lost or damaged, as determined by library staff, you will be charged the cost of replacing the item (plus GST) and a $3.00 processing fee. If at a later time, a lost item is found and returned, at the Branch Supervisor's discretion, you will be refunded the cost of the item upon presentation of payment receipt and item.

 What are Lightning Loans?
Lightning Loans are current adult fiction and DVD bestsellers. They have a shortened loan period - 7 days for books and 3 days for DVDs. They cannot be renewed. Lightning Loans are not available for holds, but there are other copies available that you can place holds on.

Lightning Loans are lucky finds - so come in to your local branch to see what titles are available!

 Holds and Requests

Looking for something that isn't on the shelf? Reserve items that are unavailable by placing a hold. Items that are available at another WCL branch can be sent to the library location of your choice to pick up.

Some items cannot be placed on hold. These include Lightning Loan books, Lightning Loan DVDs and items that are for in-branch use only.

 How do I place a hold on library materials?

You must have a valid library card to place a hold. You can place a hold by calling or visiting any library branch, or through the library's online catalogue.

You will be contacted by phone or email when the item is available to pick up. You then have 5 days to visit the library and check out your hold.

 

 How do I place a hold using the online catalogue?
 To place a hold:
  1. Find the item you want to place a hold on in the online catalogue.
  2. Click on Place Hold.
  3. Type in your library card number and PIN.
  4. Choose the branch you want to pick the item up at.
  5. Click Place Hold.
 How do I cancel a hold on the online catalogue?
 To cancel a hold:
  1. Select My Account from the homepage of the online catalogue.
  2. Enter your user ID and your PIN.
  3. Under the Holds tab, select the hold(s) you want to cancel.
  4. Click Cancel Holds.
  5. You may also suspend your hold (to pick up at a later date without losing your place in line) or change the pick up location from this screen.

Wellington County Library doesn't have the book or other material I want. Can you still get it for me?

Interlibrary Loans

Check the library catalogue first. If we don't have the item you'd like, select Interlibrary Loan from the top menu of the online catalogue or ask staff for assistance.

Please note:

  • You can request up to three Interlibrary Loan items at a time.
  • Items must have been published more than six months ago.
  • Only books or audiobooks can be requested at this time due to provincial budget cuts.
  • Interlibrary loans can take up to six weeks to arrive.
  • Requests to renew an Interlibrary Loan item must be made at least three days before the item is due. Renewals are given at the discretion of the lending library.
  • Items from academic institutions are generally unavailable.

Purchase Requests

Looking for something that's new and not available at Wellington County Library? Let us know! Log in to our new online catalogue, and go to your Library Dashboard. From there, you can Submit a Suggestion and we will consider it for purchase! For help with this new process, please speak to library branch staff.

 

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