Order your library books online from home 24 / 7
Anyone with a valid County of Prince Edward Public Library & Archives library card can order books, DVDs, magazines and more from the public library’s entire collection right from their own computer, day or night, seven days a week. This can be done from home or from any computer with Internet access, including those at the library’s six branches.
There are two separate online loan services: one method allows you to order or reserve a book that is in PEC library’s collection (interbranch) and to have it delivered from any branch to whichever branch location is convenient for you, and the other method allows you to request materials from libraries outside of Prince Edward County (interlibrary) and also have these delivered to whichever PEC branch is convenient. Each method is accessed from a different area of the website, however, both methods require the same two identification numbers.
The first number you will need is simply the14 digit number on your library card number to be used as your login, and the other is a 4 digit PIN that can be obtained from any library staff member. When you have these two numbers, simply visit the library’s website at: www.peclibrary.org
From here, to order a book online from the PEC public library, you may go directly to the “Online Library Catalogue” at the top right hand side of the home page or go to “My Account”, the second heading in red on the left. Either of these options will lead you to “ibistro” which is your electronic library on the web.
From this screen, “Search/home” is active and requires that you key in your library card number at the top of the page on the right, along with your PIN. Under the “library” box, ensure that “Search Prince Edward County” is chosen. Key in the title, author, word or phrase for the material you are looking for and press enter. The next screen will show you the catalogue record for the item and copies available, if any, as well as open a box on the left of the screen that will allow you to place a hold. If the book you are looking for does not exist in our catalogue, and it is not a brand new release, you may want to request it through interlibrary loan. This is the second method of online ordering.
To make an online interlibrary loan request from libraries across the province, return to the home page of the library’s website at www.peclibrary.org
From here, click on the image box that depicts a family using a laptop and that reads, “Order your own interlibrary loans online”. This will take you to a page with 2 options: “1. Simple steps to requesting your own Interlibrary Loan”, or “2. I know how. Take me directly to the VDX page to make a request”. Note that interlibrary loan requests should be limited to five items.
An important additional note about interlibrary loans is that, prior to requesting one, there is a one-time notification required to our Interlibrary Loan department to activate your account. This is necessary for you to make your own interlibrary loan orders online. Contact the Interlibrary Loan department at: illodept@peclibrary.org or call 613-399-2023. There is generally a 24-hour wait time for the activation to take place.
A hands-on demonstration of online ordering is being held at the Picton branch on Tuesday, October 6th at 6pm. Please call Christine or Liz to reserve a space at 613-476-5962 or e-mail: crenaud@peclibrary.org. Should you wish to go through the process at any branch of the library with the assistance of a staff member any other time, please drop by or call if you would like to make an appointment. You may also call and have someone go over the process with you over the phone at any branch.
Call Picton branch: 613-476-5962, Wellington branch 613-399-2023, Bloomfield branch 613-393-3400, Consecon branch 613-392-1106, Ameliasburgh branch 613-968-9327 or the Milford branch 613-476-4130.
After you go through the process once, you will see how fun it is to view all the materials available to you for free, and how simple online book ordering really is.
Should you wish to continue requesting books in person, by phone or by e-mail, please know that library staff members are always more than happy to do this for you. The goal is to make library service as convenient and comfortable as possible for all patrons.