Frequently asked questions about County of Prince Edward Public Library Services

1 - Can I return my books at any branch of the library?
Yes, we are one library with 6 branches, so you may take out books from any branch and return these to whatever branch of The County of Prince Edward Public Library and Archives is most convenient. 

2 - How long can I have the book out for?
Loan period for books is 3 weeks, though special arrangements can be made if needed to extend the period, for example if you are going away on vacation and need a bit more time on the loan period.

3 - What is the loan period for a video?
Videos and DVDs can be borrowed for one week.

4 - Can I renew over the phone or online?
Yes, you may renew over the phone at 613-476-5962 or online. You must have a valid library card, which will provide you with your 14-digit login number and a PIN, which you must obtain at the library first, in order to renew online. 

5 - Can I check where I am on a "holds list" for a particular title I am waiting for?
Yes, you can ask any staff member to check that for you.

8 - What times are you open/closed?
Hours vary by branch. Click here for a complete list of locations and hours.

9 - I have or had a book that is past the due date. How much am I going to owe?
Currently, we have a "No Fines" policy as of September 2009. We do, however, encourage and count on donations from patrons. The maximum collected for an overdue book previous to this new No Fines policy was $10 regardless of how late the materials were returned..

10 - Can I use my laptop here?
Yes, anyone can use the wireless access with his or her laptops at any branch of the library.
 
11 - How much does it cost to join the library?
Membership is free to anyone who lives, works or attends school in Prince Edward County. 

12 - Can you get a specific book for me even if it's not in the library?
Yes, we can get most books whether they are from another branch of our library (an interbranch loan) or from another public library in Ontario through our interlibrary loan service.
 
13 - What is the difference between interbranch and interlibrary loans?
Interbranch loans are when a book is available within our collection simply at another branch. These can be ordered and may arrive within as soon as one day, depending on when the order is placed and the courier schedule.
An interlibrary loan is when a book is brought in from a library outside of our collection from another library in Ontario. These can be received quite quickly or may take longer depending on availability, where the book is coming from and so forth.

14 - How do I get a P.I.N. for ordering books online?
You may get a PIN by simply coming in to any branch and asking a staff member to issue you your PIN. 

15 - Can I buy my dog tag / burn permit here?
Yes, you may purchase a dog tag or a burn permit at any branch of the County Library.
 
16 - Can you tell me iF I have read this book before or can you look at what I have read to date, etc.?
We cannot tell patrons what they have checked out in the past or read by date, as we do not keep history of what patrons have read or collect or store this type of personal data.  We are, however, happy to print out lists of books by specific authors or series if that helpful to a patron to keep track of what is read.

17 - How Can I Find out about events at the Library?
Our events are regularly listed in the Whattam's Calendar in the local newspaper as well as by clicking here. You may also be added to our newsletter mailing list.
 
18 - How do I log on to my Library account online?
Simply have your library card's 14-digit number and your PIN number handy, and follow the instructions once you are on the "ibistro" site, which you can access by clicking here.

19 - What are your fees...How much is this going to cost me?
All library services are free with the exception of nominal costs for printing, copying, scanning and faxing. 
 
20 - What is the password for wireless access.
There is no password to access the library's WiFi. Instructions for login on are available by clicking here.