Library Services have resumed as part of the Step 3 Reopening Ontario framework.
Access to the full shelves has returned! You can also 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 self-serve kiosks. You also have the option of accessing Holds Pick-Up only, with no need to enter the main part of the branch. Simply stop at the front desk, and staff will be happy to grab and check out your holds for you.
Study tables are available for use at reduced seating capacity. We ask that you only sit with small groups at each table.
The children’s areas are open for use. Please maintain physical distancing of 6 ft/2m in the play area. We kindly ask you to clean your hands before and after using the space.
The building blocks have been temporarily removed.
Walk-in to use the computers, no appointments required. Computers are available on a first-come, first served basis. 15-minute Rapid Access sessions are available. Printing, scanning, and photocopying facilities are available.
Members are permitted to bring their own devices for computer access in branch and set-up at the study tables throughout the branch.
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 implemented by the Ontario government in Durham Region include a range of restrictions affecting our operations. We will continue to monitor changes in public health regulations and will adjust this Safety Plan as required to ensure the safety of both our staff and customers.
Please see the Government of Ontario’s COVD-19 Public Health Measures and Advice and Roadmap to Reopen websites for more information.
If you are interested in using our in-person services, here is what you need to know:
With the availability 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:
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.
Have other questions or need further assistance? Contact us via email or phone at 905-623-7322 ext. 2712.
All members of the public are welcome in the Library to browse the shelves, pick-up holds, study, use the children’s area, 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.
Place items on hold using the online Library catalogue, mobile app, or by phoning 905-623-7322 x2712 to speak with a staff member. Once you've placed the items on hold and selected the branch you would like for pick-up, you will receive an automated notification via phone, email, or text when your items are ready.
All four branches in Bowmanville, Courtice, Newcastle, and Orono Branches have service hours available. An automated notification (phone, email, or text) will be generated when your items are available in your selected location. When you arrive at the branch, please wait in the designated area. You will scan your Library card at the self-serve scanner or provide staff with a piece of identification, and staff will check out your items.
As per Durham Public Health Guidelines, all visitors to the Library are asked to wear a non-medical mask if they are able to do so.
Yes! Access to browsing the full Library collection has resumed.
On the advice of public health agencies, we are no longer quarantining items that have been returned or used in-branch. If you would like to isolate your items at home for a period of time before enjoying them, please speak with staff about extending your loan periods.
Items being returned to the Library must be placed in any branch's exterior or interior drop box. Staff are not able to accept returned items at all service desks.
The safety of our community and staff are of the highest priority. All staff wear appropriate personal protective equipment while interacting with Library materials, and with our Library members at service points. Items that require additional attention for cleaning will receive it. Enhanced cleaning of high-touch surfaces (e.g. computers, etc.) occurs regularly during open hours, with full cleaning of the branch every day.
Access to public washrooms and computer access, including access to printing, scanning, and photocopying facilities, is available during Step 3 Roadmap to Reopen at the Bowmanville, Courtice, Newcastle, and Orono Branches.
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 for pick-up. Please contact us by phone or email for information on how to upgrade your card.
We can accept credit card payments for Library fines over the phone, or you may pay your fines using cash, debit, credit at the service desk. Please contact Member Services at 905-623-7322 x2712 during service hours for assistance with your account.
Yes, you will be able to return your Book Club in a Bag during regular service hours. Please contact us to let us know when you plan on coming so we can prepare a bin to accept your return. You can contact staff in the branch during service hours, email info@clarington-library.on.ca, or phone 905-623-7322 x2712.
You may 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.
Study tables are available for use at reduced seating capacity at all branches. We ask that you only sit with small groups at each table.
Meeting room bookings are not yet available. Please see our Videoconferencing page If you need to book a videoconference meeting.
The Library will continue to issue updates regarding service plans and processes relating to the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information on how COVID-19 closures have affected the Library services you know and enjoy, please see our Service Updates page.
