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Library Services FAQ
In response to the Ontario Government’s COVID-19 province-wide shutdown, the Guelph Public Library will be temporarily closing all Guelph Public Library locations to the public. All locations will offer Curbside Services during regular library hours starting Saturday, April 3. No appointments are required and a selection of grab and go materials will be available for quick checkout.
Please note that the operating hours of the West End location have changed during the province-wide shutdown.
We are accepting library material returns in our book drops at all library locations 24/7 (with the exception of West End Branch and Bookmobile).
We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions. Continue to check here for updates and more information.
What health and safety precautions are being taken? |
Things may look a little different within each library location as we follow Public Health guidelines. What we are doing to keep you safe:
What we are asking you to do:
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Which library services are currently available? |
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, eResources, or eLearning on our website. Enjoy 24/7 access to eBooks, eAudiobooks, movies, music, and courses. We are also offering virtual programs. 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 (only from the Archives of Ontario). 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, Friday & Saturday 9 am to 5 pm and Sunday 1 pm to 5 pm. |
How do I use curbside pickup? |
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Can I use library computers? |
During the provincewide shutdown library computers are not available for use. |
Can I use printing services? |
During the provincewide shutdown, only the Main Library is able to provide wireless printing services.
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Guelph Public Library Assists with COVID-19 Vaccine Pre-Registration |
Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health (WDGPH) now has a COVID-19 vaccine pre-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:
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 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. |
How can I return the items I have checked out? |
We are asking you to only return materials in library book drops. We will not be accepting returns at our service desks because we need to quarantine materials before handling them. 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. As returned items are quarantined for at least 24 hours, they will remain checked out on your account during that time. Please wait 5 days before contacting the Library with any concerns related to these returned items. For you, this change means a better library experience - you won’t have to wait as long for library materials - while maintaining everyone’s health and safety. |
What are you doing to keep the library materials clean? |
All material received at the Library is quarantined for at least 24 hours before it is handled again. This process exceeds recommended standards for handling books, paper and plastic. The library continues to evolve and adjust our plans as new information comes to light and public health measures change. We closely monitor the developments related to COVID-19 and we continue to use an evidence-based approach to inform decisions around the relaunch of our services and safety protocols. According to the latest scientific evidence, the risk of transmission of the COVID-19 virus through inanimate surfaces (such as library materials) is very unlikely. At the beginning of the pandemic, out of an abundance of caution, Guelph Public Library quarantined library materials as it was unclear how the COVID-19 virus was transmitted. Frequent handwashing or sanitizing, wearing a mask and maintaining physical distance of at least two metres remain the best defence against the virus. |
What other options do I have if I no longer want to borrow physical materials? |
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. |
Where can I find more information about the scientific evidence that supports the library’s decision to change the quarantine time period of library materials? |
For your interest, below are resource links to further reading as it pertains to surface transmission of COVID-19: |
Will I incur library fines? |
Items returned late are subject to overdue fines. |
When are my borrowed items due? |
Items signed out are loaned for their usual loan periods. Please return your borrowed items using book drops at all library locations. |
Can I apply for an online library card? |
Yes, you may apply for a library card online, and this will give you access to the library’s online resources. You will need to complete the full registration process by visiting any Guelph Public Library location . Your default PIN will be the last four digits of the barcode of your temporary library barcode which begins with the letters PACREG. |
I have forgotten my library card PIN. Can I reset it? |
Your default PIN is the last four digits of your library barcode on your card. If you have changed it or if the last four digits do not work, please contact us to reset it. |
How does the Library's closure affect my room booking? |
Room bookings are suspended until further notice. |
If you have any questions about your account or how to access our online resources, please contact us. You can also connect with us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
COVID-19 Resources
We encourage you to stay informed about COVID-19 by referring to credible sources of information such as our Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information Guide and the City of Guelph’s response to coronavirus.
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