Grab & Go has replaced Take-Out Service as the Library enters Stage 3 of re-opening.
Please see the Library's August 7 press release for more information.
Walk-in to use the computers, with no appointments required. Computers are available on a first-come, first served basis, with a 1 hour time limit. 15-minute Rapid Access sessions are available.
Browse displays featuring high-interest items from our collections, including adult fiction, movies and TV series, picture books and easy readers, non-fiction and biographies, French materials, and many more.
Pick-up your holds in branch and check out with staff at the desk or at one of the the self-serve kiosks.
The Courtice and Newcastle Branches are open seven days a week. Evening hours are available at the Courtice, Newcastle, and Orono Branches.
Please see our Locations & Hours page for more information, including branch capacity limits.
All members of the public are welcome in the Library to browse display items, pick-up holds, or access a computer. To ensure physical distancing guidelines can be met, Library branches will have posted capacities, and you may have to wait for entry if a branch has reached capacity. We ask that those who are ill wait to visit the Library until they are well, and clear Ontario’s COVID-19 Self-Assessment.
As per Durham Public Health Guidelines, all visitors to the Library are asked to wear a non-medical mask if they can.
Limited "Grab & Go" displays are available in the branches, with a focus on new, high-interest items for you to browse and borrow. These will include books, audiobooks, DVDs, Wonderbooks, and Launchpads. Storytime Kits and Mini-Maker Kits remain unavailable.
Access to browsing the full Library collection is still limited, however staff can assist you by retrieving items from the shelves, or helping you place holds. Holds can still be placed over the phone or online and can now be picked-up in branch.
No, with the introduction of our Grab & Go service, Take-Out Service will no longer be offered.
Library computer stations are available for one-hour timeslots on a first-come, first served basis during open hours. If no other member is waiting for computer access, time may be extended. Rapid Access stations will also be available, with 15-minute limits.
Staff are available to check-out items at our Member Service desk; follow their prompts, as our setup has changed slightly! Self-Service Kiosks are also available in all branches.
Items can be returned to any Library branch’s exterior drop-box at any time. Returns are also accepted in branch during open hours.
Returned items are held in isolation for four (4) days after being received in the Library. Items will not be checked-in until after that isolation period has elapsed. No fines will be incurred on your account as a result of items being held in isolation.
The safety of our community and staff are of the highest priority. Returned items are held in isolation for four (4) days after they have been returned to the Library. Items that require additional attention for cleaning will receive it. All staff wear appropriate personal protective equipment while interacting with Library materials, and with our Library members at service points. Enhanced cleaning of high-touch surfaces (ex. Computers, Self-Service kiosks, etc.) occurs regularly during open hours, with full cleaning of the branch every day.
Absolutely! Those who have signed up for an eCard to access our services during closure may request to upgrade their eCard to place holds on items or enjoy Grab & Go service. Please contact us by phone or email for information on how to upgrade your card.
Bowmanville Branch is finalizing its renovation and is not able to open for Take-Out or Grab & Go Service at this time. We look forward to unveiling its new look to our community soon! Any members who normally pick-up their holds in Bowmanville Branch are encouraged to change their pick-up location to Courtice, Newcastle, or Orono Branch – items that come in and are set for pick-up in Bowmanville will be held in their current branch unless member’s request they be sent to another location.
Library fines can be paid in branch with cash, debit, or credit, or via phone with credit.
Yes, you will be able to return your Book Club in a Bag during open hours. You can also borrow new Book Club in a Bag Kits! Please visit the Book Club in a Bag page to make your reservation.
If you have items that are coming available for you soon, but you are not ready to pick them up, you can suspend your hold. This will keep your place in line, but items will not come available until you are ready. Access your online Library catalogue to suspend your holds, or contact us for assistance with your account.
