Grab & Go has replaced Take-Out Service as the Library enters Stage 3 of re-opening.
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 Bowmanville, Courtice, and Newcastle Branches are open seven days a week. Evening hours are available at all four branches.
Please see our Locations & Hours page for more information, including branch capacity limits.
The public health regulations recently implemented by the Ontario government in Durham Region include a range of additional restrictions affecting indoor dining, gyms, cinemas and other venues, as well as reduced limits on social gatherings and indoor capacity numbers (please see our Locations and Hours page for updated branch capacities). At this time, no additional restrictions have been announced for public libraries, beyond the measures that are already have in place. We will continue to monitor changes in public health regulations and will adjust library services as required to ensure the safety of both our staff and customers.
If you are interested in using our in-person services, here are additional steps to take and what you need to know:
With the introduction of in-branch services, the health and safety of our staff and our members continues to be our top priority.
The reinstatement of our services follows the reopening framework provided by the Province of Ontario, and the advice of the Ontario Public Health follows best practices within library and retail industries.
Here are some of the measures we have put in place:
We encourage you to stay informed about COVID-19 by referring to credible sources of information such as Durham Region's website, the Province of Ontario’s website, and Public Health Ontario.
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. 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 a minimum of five (5) 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 a minimum of five (5) 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.
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 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.
No, meeting room bookings and study spaces are not included as part of Grab & Go service.
