Does Clarington Public Library provide wireless access?
Can I access data from my USB key on a library computer?
Do I need a library card to use the computers or WiFi?
Can I print something at the library?
Can I print something from my mobile device?
Can I get a refund for my print job?
Are there fax or scanning services available at any of the branches?
What do I need to get a library card?
Can I use an image of my library card saved on my smartphone?
I forgot my library card, can I show you some ID instead?
I need to replace my library card, what do I do?
I received the message "privilege has expired"/"card has expired" when I tried to log in to my account. What does this mean?
How are fines calculated? What payment options are available?
How many items can I borrow at one time?
How will the Library contact me? Can I change my notification preferences?
What does going fine-free mean for me?
What are automatic renewals?
How do I know when my items are due back?
Does this mean people can keep their items forever?
What does a blocked account mean?
How do I unblock my account?
What library items qualify for fine free?
What if I lose or damage an item?
How do I place a hold on an item?
Can I pick up a family member's holds?
I'm going away on vacation, what will happen to any holds that might come in?
Does the library have meeting rooms I can book?
Do you loan eBooks? How long is the loan period?
Does the library accept donations?
Where can I park while visiting the library or museum?
Does Clarington Public Library provide wireless access?
Yes, the Library provides WiFi access at all four branches.
Can I access data from my USB key on a library computer?
Yes, users can use their USB keys on computer stations in all four branches. If you are creating or editing a word processing, spreadsheet, or presentation file, Microsoft Office software is available in all of our branches. If you need a USB key, Clarington Public Library sells 1GB USB keys at the Circulation Desks.
Do I need a library card to use the computers or WiFi?
No, a library card is not required to use library computers; guest passes are available at the Information Services desks. Each branch's WiFi is an open hotspot with no log ins or authentication required.
Can I print something at the library?
Yes, printers are available in all of our branches. You can print in black & white or colour on a variety of page sizes. Coins or tap-only electronic payments are accepted at the machine, including credit, debit, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
Please note that if paying electronically, there is a minimum payment of $1.00, and a maximum payment of $20.00.
Can I print something from my mobile device?
Yes, you can print directly from your smart phone or tablet. Please note that you can currently only print on letter (8.5x11) and with black & white at this time.
To print from a mobile device, please visit our mobile printing site at https://printeron.net/clarington/print and follow the prompts. You can also use the QR code on the right to access the mobile printing site quickly on your device.
You can even send your print jobs from your desktop or devices at home, then pick them up in the branch! Print jobs will remain on the mobile server for 3 hours before being deleted.
You can also email the print job directly to the printer. Email clarington_mobile@printspots.com, then at the paystation use the touch screen to log in with your email to print the job.
Scan to access mobile printing site: https://printeron.net/clarington/print
Can I get a refund for my print or photocopying job?
We do not provide refunds for print or photocopying jobs. However, if you are dissatisfied with the outcome of your job, please bring the completed job to a staff member to inquire about a reprint. Suitable reasons for a reprint include; paper was damaged during printing, or, the toner is faded or discoloured. Please bring any other printing or photocopying issues to the attention of a staff member.
Are there fax or scanning services available at any of the branches?
Scanning to an email address is available at no charge at all branches using the all-in-one printer-photocopiers.
The Library does not offer fax services. There are a number of organizations that offer fax services in Clarington:
What do I need to get a library card?
A new library card is free and there is no age restrictions for having one. Sign up for one at the Circulation Desk of any branch by presenting a piece of identification or official document that has your name and current address on it. Please notify us of any changes in your personal information, as it is your responsibility to keep your contact information current. For more information, please visit the Membership page, or contact Circulation Services at 905-623-7322 x2709.
Can I use an image of my library card saved on my smartphone?
Yes, you may use an image of your library card saved on to your smartphone, tablet, or other mobile device for the purpose of checking out materials.
I forgot my library card, can I show you some ID instead?
Yes, the Library will accept a piece of ID in lieu of a library card for the purpose of checking out materials. If you have one of our newer Library cards, they include key tags, which allow you to carry a small version of your library card on a key ring.
You can also keep a copies of your and your family's cards on our mobile app!
I need to replace my library card, what do I do?
The cost-recovery fee to replace a damaged, missing, lost, or stolen card is $2.00 for adults and $1.00 for children (under age 12).
If your card has been lost or stolen, report it immediately by calling Circulation Services at 905-623-7322 x2709; you are responsible for the items borrowed on your card until it is reported missing.
I received the message "privilege has expired"/"card has expired" when I tried to log in to my account. What does this mean?
Your Library card expires every five (5) years. To renew your card for another five years, please bring a piece of identification or official document that has your name and current address on it to any branch. To temporarily renew your card, please contact Circulation Services at 905-623-7322 x2709.
How are fines calculated? What payment options are available?
As of May 3, 2022, Clarington Public Library has eliminated fines for overdue materials! Whether they’re overdue by days, weeks, or even months, simply return your late materials to any branch with no overdue fines!
You are responsible for your borrowed items. If an item is lost or damaged, you will be charged the replacement cost for the item and the $6.00 administration fee. Members may pay using cash, debit, credit card, or personal cheque.
How many items can I borrow at one time?
A member is allowed up to 50 items on their card. This may be any combination of books, magazines, audiobooks, music CDs, DVDs, and video games.
When and how will the Library contact me? Can I change my notification preferences?
The Library contacts members to notify them about their account status, program registration, and Library promotions. Notification options include phone, email, and SMS/text. Please see our Communications page for details and options.
What does going fine-free mean for me?
Overdue fines will no longer be applied to your account and items without holds will be automatically renewed, but you are still responsible for returning everything you borrow. Please do your best to return your items on time, as someone else may be waiting for them.
What are automatic renewals?
Materials checked out will be renewed automatically 3 days before the due date, unless there is a hold on an item. Materials not eligible for automatic renewals include Book Club in a Bag Kits, Inter Library Loans (ILLOs), Mobile Hotspots, and any loanable technology that is available for in-branch use only. Members receiving email or SMS notifications will receive a notification that their items have either been successfully renewed or items unable to be renewed are due back in 3 days.
How do I know when my items are due back?
Depending on your communication preferences, you will receive a phone, text, or email courtesy notification prior to your due date.
Notifications are sent 3 days before the due date, then when the items are 2, 14, and 21 days overdue.
Use our mobile app to keep track of your account, or sign in online.
Does this mean people can keep their items forever?
To encourage quick returns, reduce wait and hold times, and increase community access to materials, accounts with items 4 days overdue, or with 10 items 1 day overdue, will be blocked.
After 21 days overdue, members will be billed the value of all outstanding items, plus a $6.00 administrative fee per item.
What does a blocked account mean?
Library members with blocked accounts will not be able to borrow any additional material, or borrow from the eCollection, including eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines, and streaming media.
How do I unblock my account?
Simply bring the overdue items back. There will be no late fines and full collection access will be restored.
What library items qualify for fine free?
All of them! We will no longer charge overdue fines on any item. Replacement costs will still apply for lost or damaged items.
What if I lose or damage an item?
You are responsible for your borrowed items. If an item is lost or damaged, you will be charged the replacement cost for the item and the $6.00 administration fee.
How do I place a hold on an item?
To place a hold on an item in the Library catalogue:
Can I pick up a family member's holds?
Yes, you are able to pick up a family member's holds as long as you have the number of the library card that the hold was placed on.
The Library's mobile app allows you to link accounts to save and manage your family's cards!
I'm going away on vacation, what will happen to any holds that might come in?
You have five (5) days to pick up a hold once you are notified via a telephone call or email message. If you will be away, you can suspend your holds so no items will come in for you while you are gone. Your position in the hold queue will be maintained. To suspend your holds:
Does the library have meeting rooms I can book?
Yes, the Bowmanville, Courtice, and Newcastle Branches have meeting rooms that may be booked, and the Courtice Branch has a digital media lab, The Studio, that may be booked.
Individuals wishing to book a room must complete the application form and be a Library member. The application form is available online, and may be returned in person, faxed, or emailed. Presently, the Library is waiving fees for those interested in using our rooms. For more information about library meeting rooms and rules of use, please see the Meeting Room Policy.
Do you loan eBooks? How long is the loan period?
Yes, Clarington Public Library loans eBooks through OverDrive and the Southern Ontario Library Service (SOLS). The loan period is 7 or 14 days, depending on your personal preference. For more information on eBooks and downloadable audiobooks, including getting started, compatible devices, and video tutorials, please see the OverDrive page.
Does the library accept book donations?
Clarington Public Library is currently not accepting donations of books, magazines, or A/V material (i.e. DVDs, audio CDs). If you have material you would like to donate, please consider the Mission Thrift Store, St Vincent de Paul, or the Salvation Army.
The Library accepts financial and material donations, including art, photographic works, equipment, toys, or other in-kind gifts or services. For more information, please visit our Donations page.
Where can I park while visiting the library or museum?
The Courtice, Newcastle, and Orono Branches have attached parking lots.
Municipal parking lots and metered parking are available close to the Bowmanville Branch and Sarah Jane Williams Heritage Centre. For more Bowmanville parking information, including a map of parking lots and parking rates, please visit the Municipality of Clarington website.
