Q: How do I get a Library card?

A: Membership to the Whitby Public Library is free to those who live, work, pay taxes or attend school in Whitby. Library cards are also available free of charge to residents of other municipalities in Durham Region. You may apply for a library card at any branch and materials may be returned to any branch of the library. Identification with a current address must be provided. Parents must assume responsibility for items borrowed by children ages 13 and younger. All records related to your registration and materials you borrow are confidential. Material cannot be borrowed, renewed or requested without your library card. 
 

Q: What are the loan periods for the different types of materials in the library and are there any limits per material type?

A.  For detailed loan period information on the different material types at the Library, please click here.  Most items can be renewed twice at any branch, via our website, by calling our Automated Renewal System at 905-430-7913, or at any of our catalogue terminals. Rapid Reads, Rapid Views, and seasonal music and movies cannot be renewed.
 

Q: What do you charge for overdue library material?

A: Adult material is 25¢ per day per item with a $10.00 maximum per item.
Teen books are 20¢ per day per item with a $8.00 maximum per item.
Children's material is 10¢ per day per item with a $5.00 maximum per item.
All videos, CDs, CD-ROMs are 25¢ per day per item with a $10.00 maximum per item.
DVDs & Rapid Reads are $1.00 per day per item with a $10.00 maximum per item.
 

Q: I heard the library is using a collection agency for overdue accounts, how does that work?

A: Starting May 1st, 2008, Unique Management Services, a collection agency specializing in libraries, will provide the Whitby Public Library with assistance in recovering long overdue items and fines. Accounts with materials overdue by 60 days or more or carrying fines of $35 or more will be referred to Unique Management. A $15 non-refundable administration fee will be added to those accounts.

This policy is being implemented in an effort to bring long overdue items back to the library. Non-returned items are not available for other customers to borrow. Replacing these items can be costly, using library funds which would be better spent purchasing new materials.

This policy will not affect the vast majority of customers, who return their materials on time. Most library items can be renewed in person, by phone or on-line. After-hours book drops are also available at all 3 locations of the Whitby Public Library.

If you are interested in learning more about the library's collection agency and overdue materials, please click here. 
 

Q: Can I use my own laptop computer to access the Internet at the library?

A: The Central Library offers wireless Internet access for our patrons. Simply bring your wireless-enabled laptop computer to the library and turn it on and go. You must have a current library borrower card in order to authenticate and begin using the wireless service. The service is available throughout the new Central library, as well as in the outdoor area of Celebration Square which is located on the north side of the building. You may also plug in to specified ports in the study areas throughout the Central library. Patch cords are available for use from the staff at the Information desks.
 

Q: How do I renew my books?

A: Items may be renewed through our automated phone system at 905-430-7913, at the library catalogue terminals at any branch, or through the online catalogue on our website. Most items can be renewed twice, with the exception of Rapid Reads and seasonal music and videos. Items that are on hold for another patron cannot be renewed. All items are due by closing time on the date due.
 

Q: I lost my library card, what do I do?

A: Lost or stolen cards should be reported immediately. A new card will be issued at the cost of $2.00 with identification. If you move or change your telephone number, please notify us so that we can update our records.
 

Q: Does the Library have DVDs?

A: The Whitby Public Library has a large collection of popular DVD titles. The DVD loan period is 7 days and holds are permitted on DVD material. There is a limit of 5 DVDs per card at any given time.