• General Questions

    We've made some upgrades!

    What's changed

    1. New catalogue      

      • Register with your library barcode number and PIN (same as the old catalogue).
    2. New website design      

      • A lot of the old navigation still remains with the new design but there are some changes:
        • The old Collections menu that contained information about our collections is now called Browse the Library. 
        • There are new audience related pages: Kids, Teens, and Adults. 
        • The old Your Library menu that contained administrative information is now found at the bottom of every page. 
    3. New events calendar      

      • The new events calendar works very similarly to the old one. Take some time to explore it - you may find a program that interests you! 
      • If you register your library barcode number and PIN (same as the old catalogue) you can keep track of any events you register for! 
    4. New room booking software
      • All required documents and payments have transitioned from paper-based processes to a fully digitized workflow. 
    5. Brand new Library app - available in the App store and Google Play store.    

      • This one-stop-shop app gives you easy access to many of the great services the Guelph Public Library provides. Easily browse the catalogue, place items on hold and manage your library account!

  • Space reservations

    Room details  

    • Size: 480 square feet   
    • Capacity: Up to 40 people (seated)  
    • Layout: Flexible setup options; renters are responsible for arranging tables and chairs  

      Included features   

    • 86-inch digital interactive screen for presentations and collaborative activities  
    • Furniture: 40 chairs and six tables   
    • Fixtures: Sink and counterspace
    • Free Wi-Fi for all attendees  

    Not included   

    • Laptop (can be reserved separately if needed)  

    Accessibility   

    • Located on the main floor for easy access   
    • Barrier-free entry and washrooms  
    • Suitable for patrons with additional mobility needs

    Anyone 18 years or older from community groups, not-for-profits, or businesses can request to reserve a Library space for education, culture, or leisure purposes. All bookings are subject to Library approval.  

    You can view space availability up to six weeks in advance.

    Use of space must align with the Library’s atmosphere, values, limitations of the physical space, and should not interfere with regular library operations. Activities that would be considered inappropriate include:

    • Private social functions (e.g., parties, showers)
    • Trade exhibitions
    • Religious services
    • Direct sales of products or services

    Controlled substances, open flames, and incense are not permitted. View our Code of Conduct policy for more information about how users can maintain a safe, shared space at the Library. 

    Exceptions to prohibited activities may be submitted in writing to roombookings@guelphpl.ca for special consideration.  

    You are responsible for your own setup and cleanup. Additional setup services may be arranged for a fee.

    You can find the full fee schedule on the Reserve a Library space page.

    Stripe is enabled to accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Diners Club, JCB, and China UnionPay payments from customers worldwide. We also accept Apple pay, Google pay, and Link. 

    If you wish to make a payment in person, please email roombookings@guelphpl.ca to coordinate payments in person, keeping in mind that full payment must be received two weeks prior to your reservation date. You will not be able to pay on arrival. 

      

    You can cancel your reservation up to two days before your event and a refund will be issued automatically.  

    No. Advertising from third-party groups in Library branches is not permitted unless the event is co-sponsored by the Library. 

  • Summer Reading Club

    No! Everyone is welcome to participate in our summer reading programs. If you are one of our prize winners, you will need to be able to pick up your prize from one of our library locations.

    Yes! The online platform for the Summer Reading Club is available in both English and French – including all activities and online eBooks. You can also pick up pre-reader and reader booklets in both languages at any library location. 

    Everything! You can read a book, have someone read to you, or listen to an audiobook. All reading counts!

    No, you can choose to complete the program entirely online at tdsummerreadingclub.ca.

    No, you can generate a code on the website during registration. If you have a summer reading booklet, your pre-made code will be on the sticker inside the front cover.

    You can also complete online activities without registering, however you won’t be able to save your progress.

    No, when you create your account, you will set up your own password. Once you are registered, you can log in with your password or access code.

    Yes! We encourage readers who have not started Grade One to participate in both programs. The time you spend reading counts towards both reading goals! Learn more about the Read 1,000 Books before Grade One program

  • 1000 Books Before Grade One

    Yes! Even if you don’t reach the 1000-book milestone, tracking your progress is a great way to motivate your reader and support their literacy skills.

    Everything! You can read a book, have someone read to you, or listen to an audiobook. All reading counts – even books in other languages!

    Yes! We encourage readers who have not started Grade One to participate in both programs. The time you spend reading counts towards both reading goals! Learn more about the Summer Reading Club.

    No, this program is designed to encourage in-person visits to the library to explore our early literacy collections and connect with staff.

    Our library staff are happy to help! You can also request a Book Bundle, phone us at 519-824-6220 or chat online with a Librarian.

    Make sure your child’s first and last name is on the log. For your first nine logs, bring them to any library location to claim a small prize and get a new log. For your final log, you must visit the Main Library Children’s Department to receive your prize and certificate.

  • Online Resources

  • eBooks and eAudiobooks

    CloudLibrary works with a wide variety of e-reading devices. Learn how to use your device with CloudLibrary. 

    Yes, you can read CloudLibrary books on your Chromebook using a web browser. You cannot use the Chromebook to transfer books to e-ink eReaders (like a Kobo); this requires a Windows or Mac computer.

    The Guelph Public Library partners with the Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA) to provide a collection of books, magazines, and newspapers in accessible formats for patrons with print disabilities. A print disability is a visual, physical, or learning disability that prevents a person from reading conventional print.

    To register for CELA please contact the library or self-register on the CELA website. You will need to provide your library card number to complete the registration process.

    Step 1: Install Adobe Digital Editions (ADE)

    Before you begin, ensure your computer has Adobe Digital Editions version 4.5 or later installed. You'll need an Adobe ID to use Adobe Digital Editions.

    Setting up your Adobe ID

    Create an Adobe account using your email address and password. Do not use social login options (such as Gmail, Facebook etc.).  Once created, your Adobe account email and password will serve as your Adobe ID. 

    Step 2: Authorize Your Computer and eReader

    1. Open ADE.

    2. Navigate to Help > Authorize Computer.

    3. Sign in with your Adobe ID. 

    4. Connect your e-reader to your computer using your device's charging cable.

    5. In ADE’s left panel, locate your e-reader.

    6. Click the gear icon next to your device’s name.

    7. Choose Authorize Device.

    Step 3: Borrow and Download eBooks from CloudLibrary

    1. Go to Guelph Public Library’s CloudLibrary.

    2. Log in using your library card number and PIN.

    3. Borrow an eBook.

    4. On the book’s details page, click Download for offline reading.

      • The file will save to your computer’s default Downloads folder.

    Step 4: Add eBook to Adobe Digital Editions

    Option A – Open from Downloads folder:

    • Find the downloaded file and double-click to open in ADE.

    Option B – Manually Add to ADE Library:

    1. In ADE, go to File > Add to Library.

    2. Locate your downloaded file. You may need to change the file option to All Files to see it listed. 

    3. Open the file to import it into ADE.

    Step 5: Transfer eBook to Your eReader

    1. Ensure your eReader is connected and authorized with the same Adobe ID used to authorize your ADE (see step 2). 

    2. In ADE’s left panel, locate your device under the Devices section.

    3. Drag and drop the desired eBook(s) from your ADE library to the e-reader. When a green plus symbol appears over your device's name, release the mouse to add the book to the e-reader. 

      • Alternatively, right-click and select Copy, then paste into the device.

    4. Safely eject your e-reader:

      • In File Explorer (Windows), right-click the device and choose Eject.

      • Unplug the device from your computer.

    For More Help:

    Visit cloudLibrary's e-ink support page for additional guidance and troubleshooting.

     

    Drop in to any of our library locations to be shown how to use CloudLibrary. For in-depth assistance, request a one-on-one Tech Help appointment. 

    Yes! As long as there are no holds for that title, a Renew button will appear in your My Books tab three days before the book is due.

    How to suggest a book in CloudLibrary

    1. Log into CloudLibrary with your library barcode number and PIN. 
    2. Find the filter called Availability,  select the option Suggestions for Library.
    3. If you see the book you want, click the Suggest button. If you do not see the book you want to read, the book may not be available for purchase within CloudLibrary. 

    Not all suggestions made within CloudLibrary can be purchased but if they are, you are automatically placed on the holds queue when the book becomes available. Ensure your notification options are up-to-date within CloudLibrary. 

    Check hoopla

    We recommend that you search through hoopla's collection. hoopla offers eBooks and eAudiobooks on-demand with no holds queue. Because of the high cost of digital books, we are less likely to purchase a book through CloudLibrary if it is available through hoopla.