BORROWING & HOLDS

In response to COVID-19 we have enabled borrowing of materials using our touchless Library Takeout service.

See below for details about how to place a hold and schedule a pick-up at the library.

If you do not have a library card, apply for one online. See Getting an eCard for details.

Your eCard will allow you immediate access to our online resources and databases. However, you can also use it to request physical materials, which we can provide for you once we have proof of ID.

If you already have a library card, you do not need to apply for an eCard.

BORROWING MATERIALS

As our facilities continue to be closed due to Covid-19, all borrowing must be done by placing holds on materials through our regular catalogue page.

See Library Takeout for more information about borrowing during the Covid-19 library closure.

PLACING HOLDS

Log into the library catalogue, search for and place a hold on any desired items. If you need assistance placing holds, call us at 604-527-4666 Tuesday to Saturday between 9 am- 5pm  or view this video

Once you have placed your holds, the following will occur:

  1. NWPL staff will locate the items, and notify you by phone when they are ready to schedule a pick-up appointment. During our COVID-19 closure we will not be sending holds notifications by email so we can ensure touchless take-out services.
  2. On arrival, a staff member will greet you and retrieve your order.
  3. We will leave your takeout package on a table in our front entrance and indicate when it is safe to step forward to retrieve your order.
  4. Your materials will already be checked out. Simply retrieve the package and enjoy your materials!

NOTE: while we are making our way through the pandemic, all overdue fines and fees for holds have been suspended!

OTHER INFORMATION

For the first month, new borrowers are limited to 5 items checked out at any time.

Standard account holders may borrow a maximum of 75 items at one time with the limits listed below:    

  • Bestseller Express Books and Video Games: 5

  • CDs, CD Books, DVDs, and Magazines: 25

  • Express View & TV DVDs: 2

  • Kobo eReaders, Chromebooks, and Storytime Kits: 1

You may place a maximum of 75 holds per card.

Due to the continuing Covid-19 closure, all materials, including CDs, and DVDs, are being checked out for 6 weeks.

Effective June 9, 2020 all materials can be returned through the wall-slot beside the fronts doors at the Main Branch (716 6th Avenue).

Renewals

Most items may be renewed five times, unless:

  • The item is on reserve or in heavy demand

  • The item is an express item

  • You owe more than $10 (adults) or $5 (children)

  • You have more than 5 items overdue

  • You have reached the maximum number of renewals

You can renew items three ways:

  1. By phone: call our telephone renewals system at 604-527-4686 and follow the prompts
  2. Online via your account in the library catalogue

Due to the Covid-19 closures we have suspended all fines until further notice.

You are responsible for all material borrowed on your card and for any charges on items that are overdue, lost or damaged.

If your library card is lost or stolen, report it immediately. You are still responsible for any items checked out on your card until you report it missing.

Reception: 604-527-4660
Email: askus@nwpl.ca

PUBLIC LIBRARY INTERLINK

Public Library InterLINK is a group of libraries from the Lower Mainland, Fraser Canyon, and Whistler areas. Residents of these communities can go to any member library and register to borrow material. Please bring your home library card and identification with you.

VISIT INTERLINK

BC ONECARD

If you are visiting a region of BC outside the InterLINK area, you can register at any InterLINK library. When you get to your destination, take your home library card and current ID to the local library and ask for the OneCard decal.

VISIT BC ONECARD