Services

Things may look a little different within each library location as we follow Public Health guidelines.

What we are doing to keep you safe:

• Maintaining 2 metres of distance between each other.
• Providing sanitizer at library entrances.
• Following cleaning and disinfecting protocols outlined by Public Health.
• Occupancy will be limited to maintain social distancing.

What we are asking you to do:

• Do not enter the library if you currently have or recently had a fever, cough, shortness of breath, or are feeling unwell.
• Keep your hands clean. Hand sanitizer will be provided throughout the library and should be used upon entry to the library.
• Maintain at least 2 metres of distance from others.
• Wear a face covering over your nose and mouth while inside the library.
• Follow all directional signs and floor markings.
• Limit your time in the library and minimize touching of materials and surfaces.
• No eating or drinking in any library locations.

No. Most library locations allow access no matter your vaccination status.

The exception is our West End Branch which is located inside the West End Community Centre. Vaccination proof is required to enter the facility. If you do not have proof of vaccination you can make arrangements for curbside pickup with our West End Branch by phoning 519-829-4403 OR you can visit any other library location in the city – which do not require proof of vaccination. You can still return your items to West End Branch using the drop box provided at the entrance.

All program participants (or parents/guardians/ caregivers) 12 years of age and older, attending an in person program, will be required to show proof of vaccination and a piece of ID before entering the program rooms at the Main Library, East Side Branch or the MakerSpace at Westminster Square Branch.

You do not need to show proof of vaccination during regular visits to the Makerspace.

All of our online services are still available and can be accessed from anywhere using your library card. Our digital resources are located by clicking on the links to eLibrary, Online Resources, or eResources for Students on our website. Enjoy 24/7 access to eBooks, eAudiobooks, movies, music, and courses. 

We are also offering virtual programs and some in-person programs (with COVID-19 protocols). Check out our events calendar and virtual programming page for a growing list of what we have on offer.

The interlibrary loan service is available for books, audiobooks and microfilm.

Library staff are available to provide help and assistance in-person or over our online chat service from Monday to Thursday 9 am to 8 pm and Friday & Saturday 9 am to 5 pm.

Can I use library computers?

• Computer services are available for 60-minute sessions at all library locations. Extended use of computers is not permitted at this time. 
• Computer stations have been spaced out 2 metres apart.
• They will also be disinfected between each use.
• Please visit library service desks to obtain your computer pass.

All Guelph Public Library branches offer printing services. Wireless printing is enabled at the Main Library only.

Guelph Public Library Assists with COVID-19 Vaccine Pre-Registration and Registration

Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health (WDGPH) has a COVID-19 vaccine pre-registration and registration website for eligible priority groups only. The online booking system is the quickest way to pre-register for a COVID-19 vaccine appointment and is how Public Health will contact you to book your appointment as vaccine supplies becomes available. You must have an email address to pre-register using the online booking system.

If you do not have an email address and do not have a family member or friend to assist you by providing an email address, you must phone Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health at 1-844-780-0202 to book an appointment. Call volumes are extremely high so please be patient and expect significant time delays.

Your Guelph Public Library is here to help.

Any Guelph residents in the eligible priority groups who require assistance completing the online pre-registration form can phone any Guelph Public Library location during open hours for one-on-one help.

Before phoning the library, you will need the following information:

• Your contact information including address
• A phone number (optional)
• An email address (required)
• Your health card number
• About your position and role (for occupation-based priority groups)

Pre-registration does not indicate you will get an appointment immediately. When vaccines become available for your group, Public Health will use the contact information you provided in your pre-registration to send you an email and/or text message. This email and/or text message will include a website link and unique code so that you can schedule an appointment to receive your first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Be sure to check your email junk and spam folders frequently.

Public health offers pre-registration troubleshooting help, the ability to check your pre-registration status and online appointment booking instructions. 

You can book an appointment to receive a COVID-19 vaccine only after you pre-register and receive your unique Internal Database ID. Once you receive your Internal Database ID (this can range from 6 to 14 digits), you may book your vaccination appointment. 

You can return library materials in our book drops and at our service desks. We are not accepting donations of books or other items at this time.

Book drops at all locations (with the exception of the West End Branch and Bookmobile community stops) will be open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for your convenience. West End Branch's book drop will be open outside of library operating hours, when the West End Community Centre is open.

No. Due to handling and storage challenges caused by COVID-19, the Library cannot accept any donations of books or other items at this time.

You continue to have free and unlimited use of our online digital resources with your library card where you can stream music and movies, take an online course, borrow an eAudiobook or eBook, browse magazines, take a craft workshop and much more.

Items returned late are subject to overdue fines.

Items signed out are loaned for their usual loan periods. Please return your borrowed items using book drops at all library locations.