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Current Branch Services

 

All Ottawa Public Library branches returned to regular capacity limits.

Please note that OPL branch staff are no longer required to wear masks but have the choice to do so.

Please visit the OPL website’s Hours and locations for modified hours.

Starting Monday, March 21:

• Chromebook loan periods and PC bookings will increase to two hours

• Meeting room rentals will resume (where available) Bookings can be made on the OPL website under “Make a booking” at the top right of the home page.

Here's a (non exhaustive) list of in-person services at OPL:

• Browse and borrow collections

• In-branch use of newspaper and magazines

• Seating, study carrels and lounge areas

• Pick up holds

• Return materials 24/7 via book drops

• Use public computers for one (1) hour

• Get assistance from staff

• Register for a new library card or renew memberships

• Pay fees

• Printing and lamination services

• Chromebook-lending

• Creation spaces

Do I need proof of vaccination to enter a branch or attend an event?

Currently, proof of vaccination is not required to enter public libraries in Ontario. 

All in-person programs and events are suspended until further notice. Virtual programs and events are available through the OPL website and on OPL’s YouTube channel.

Visit the OPL website for more information on resources and services available. 

Which branches offer in-person services?

Most of our 32 open branches are offering in-person services inside branches (Fitzroy Harbour and Vernon included), except: 

  • Metcalfe Village ‒ contactless services, no access to public computers

What can I do at a branch offering modified in-person services?

Starting Monday, February 7, 2022, Ottawa Public Library (OPL) will offer additional enhanced in-person services. Enhanced services include reading newspapers and magazines, access to more public computers and limited seating. 

Additional in-person services will resume on Monday, February 7:

  • Browse and borrow collections 

  • In-branch use of newspaper and magazines  

  • Seating, study carrels and lounge areas 

  • Pick up holds 

  • Return materials 24/7 via book drops 

  • Use public computers for one (1) hour 

  • Get assistance from staff 

  • Register for a new library card or renew memberships 

  • Pay fees 

  • Printing and lamination services 

The following services will resume Monday, February 21, 2022:

  • Chromebook-lending 

  • Creation spaces 

Return Library items anytime via book drops at all open branches.

 Public computers can be reserved online, by calling InfoService at 613-580-2940, or by request at your branch. To book a computer online, go to the Make a Booking tab and choose Book a Computer. You can book a computer 3 days in advance.

Customers with pre-booked public computer sessions will receive an email from OPL advising of the cancellation or modification of their booking to align with the new service hours. 

With the reduced hours of operation and capacity limits, Chromebook lending will not be available until further notice.

Outdoor WiFi is available at many branches.

Access to printers, and photocopiers is allowed by request, where these are available. The online printing request form will continue.

How do I book a computer or print a document?

Public computers  reserved online can be used for one hour only. Book a computer online up to three days in advance or call InfoService at 613-580-2940.

Outdoor WiFi is available at many branches.

Customers can submit a print request using the form on the OPL website. A fee of 10 cents per page will be added to the customer’s account.

Can I read newspapers at the branch?

Newspapers and magazines are available to read inside branches .  You can also access online newspapers here.

If I have accessibility concerns, what accommodations can I expect?

If you require any accommodations, please speak to an employee for assistance when you arrive at the branch.

How can I get real-time help without going into a branch?

OPL’s Library 1:1 service provides one-on-one 30-minute consultations on several key topics such as readers advisory (recommendations) or help with eBooks. Contact InfoService at 613-580-2940 or book a Library 1:1 session on our website.

Where can I use a public computer?

Upgrades to public computers, printers and photocopiers require those systems to be temporarily offline at these branches during installation:

  • Cumberland – July 30 to August 3
  • Carlingwood – August 9 and 10
  • Greenboro – August 16 and 17
  • Main – August 23 and 24

Thank you for your patience as we provide new systems to better serve you.

Otherwise, public computers can be used at the following open branches: Beaverbrook, Blackburn Hamlet, Carlingwood, Carp, Centennial, Constance Bay, Cumberland, Elmvale Acres, Emerald Plaza, Greely, Greenboro, Hazeldean, Main, Manotick, Munster, Nepean Centrepointe, North Gloucester, North Gower, Orléans, Osgoode, Richmond, Rideau, Rockcliffe Park, Rosemount, Ruth E. Dickinson, St. Laurent, Stittsville, Sunnyside, and Vanier.

Book a computer online up to three days in advance or call InfoService at 613-580-2940. Chromebook lending will continue, by request, for loans of up to three hours. Chromebooks are no longer reservable online. Please request one from a Library employee or contact Infoservice. Outdoor WiFi is available.

Branch employees can provide assistance at a safe distance, and may offer the use of the online print request form as an alternative printing method, if needed. Customers who use the online form will have a fee of 10 cents per page added to their account, which is payable in-branch by credit or debit. 

Where the new systems are in place, customers are encouraged to add funds, in advance of printing and photocopying, to the “Print copy funds” tab in their account, through the Library's online payment system (SmartPay).

Are appointments required to use a public computer?

Public computers can be reserved online. Book a computer online up to three days in advance or call InfoService at 613-580-2940.

Chromebook lending will continue, by request, for loans of up to three hours. Chromebooks are no longer reservable online. Please request one from a Library employee or contact Infoservice. Outdoor WiFi is available.

How do I book a computer?

Book a computer online up to three days in advance or call InfoService at 613-580-2940. Bookings are limited to one hour a day.

Can I access WiFi at branches?

Free WiFi is available outside 22 open branches: Alta Vista, Beaverbrook, Carlingwood, Carp, Centennial, Cumberland, Emerald Plaza, Elmvale Acres, Greenboro, Hazeldean, Main, Manotick, Nepean Centrepoint, North Gloucester, Orléans, Rideau, Rosemount, St. Laurent, Stittsville, Sunnyside, Vanier, and Ruth E. Dickinson. 

Instructions for use are posted on the doors. There is a limit of 10 people who can connect at a time. 

Additional WiFi hotspots will be based on community need, as supply increases. 

OPL will not provide shelter or seating. Customers are responsible for physical distancing and wearing a mask outside near branches, as per the Temporary Mandatory Mask By-law and provincial regulation.

Where can I return my library items?

Return items borrowed from the Library anytime via book drops. The Bookmobile is also accepting returns. Returned items are no longer quarantined for 72 hours.

Où puis-je retourner mes articles?

Retournez vos articles empruntés de la Bibliothèque à tout moment en les déposant dans les postes de retour. Le Bibliobus accepte également les retours. Les articles retournés ne sont plus mis en quarantaine pendant 72 heures.

Will I be charged late fees if I don’t return my items right away?

OPL eliminated late fees on January 1, 2021. For more information, please visit our loan period and fees page.

Can I donate items?

Donations of used books will be accepted by the Friends of the Ottawa Public Library Association (FOPLA) at all open branches, but FOPLA bookstores remain closed until further notice. Donated books should be newer than 10 years old, be free from water damage and mold, and should not be missing pages or otherwise damaged. 

Do I need an appointment to pick up my holds?

You do not need an appointment to pick up your holds at any open branch. You can pick up your holds during hours of operation.

Signage at the branches will show you where to go to pick up your holds, and employees will be there, at a safe distance, to provide additional instructions.

How long will I have to pick up my holds?

Holds will be kept for 7 days. Holds at the Metcalfe Village branch will be kept on the shelves for 28 days. You need to pick up your holds before the Pick up by date on your holds notification email.

Do I have to pay a fee if I don’t pick up my holds?

A $1 fee will be charged for items on hold that are not picked up before their expiry date. You can manage, pause, or cancel holds in your online account.

Can I pick up holds for other people, like my children?

Yes! Please make sure to bring the library cards or card numbers for any accounts you are picking up holds for.

What do I need to do when I go to pick up my holds?

Cardholders will be able to return Library items and pick up holds without an appointment by lining up at the branch entrance while wearing their masks. Please make sure to bring your library card or card number in order to check out your holds.

Masks are required to be worn in line outside of Ottawa Public Library branches, as per the Temporary Mandatory Mask By-law and provincial regulation.

How long can I keep my checked out items?

The loan period for regular Library items is 21 days. Late fees were eliminated on January 1, 2021.

Loan periods for EXPRESS items are 3 days or 7 days, depending on the item.

Can I place new holds on library material?

Customers can reserve items, with a limit of 200 total holds (physical items) per customer.

How are you ensuring the safety of customers and employees?

The health and safety of our customers and employees is our highest priority.

  • Hand sanitizer stands will be available at the entrance and exit of all branches offering in-person service. 
  • Check out machines are disinfected regularly.
  • Public computers are disinfected on a regular schedule.