Regular hours resumed Sept. 7, 2021

15/10/2021

Ottawa Public Library has returned to regular pre-pandemic hours at most branches as of September 7, 2021 — including Sunday hours at 10 branches and InfoService. Hours are posted at branch entrances and on the Hours and location page of the OPL website.   

 

Carp Branch

18/10/2021

Carp branch will be closed on Tuesday, October 26, 2021 for operational use by the City of Ottawa. Regular service will resume Wednesday,  October 27, 2021 at 10 am. 

Overdrive: Issues with older Apple devices or browsers

12/10/2021

Recent changes by Overdrive and Libby have impacted compatibility with older versions of Apple's mobile and desktop operating systems. Those who use older Apple devices (Mac computers running lower than macOS 10.12.1 and iPhones/iPads running iOS 9) may have trouble using the OverDrive desktop or mobile apps, while Libby is no longer supported on iPhones and iPads running iOS 9.

Carlingwood branch: Elevator out of service

18/10/2021

The elevator at Carlingwood branch is currently out of service. 

Alta Vista branch: Reopening October 22

21/10/2021

Alta Vista branch will return to regular service and hours on Friday, October 22, 2021.

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Home » Services » Current Branch Services

Current Branch Services

 

Ottawa Public Library has returned to regular pre-pandemic hours in most branches, including Sunday hours at 10 branches and InfoService: Main, Beaverbrook, Cumberland, Greenboro, Nepean Centrepointe, Ruth E. Dickinson, North Gloucester, Orleans, Hazeldean, and Stittsville. Metcalfe village is open on Saturdays from 10 am to 3 pm for holds pickup and returns, and its bookdrop is open 24 hours for returns.

Currently, no proof of vaccination is required to enter public libraries in Ontario. However, those aged 12 and older need to show their proof of vaccination and government-issued identification to attend in-person programs and events at the Ottawa Public Library, as of October 12, 2021. Please see Additional In-Person Services below for details.

We continue to follow direction from the Province of Ontario and guidance from Ottawa Public Health to stop the spread of COVID-19 in our community, and as such, mask-wearing and physical distancing remain mandatory in all OPL branches.

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

Currently, no proof of vaccination is required to enter public libraries in Ontario.

However, to attend in-person programs and events, those aged 12 and older need to show their proof of vaccination and government-issued identification (or medical exemption), since October 12, 2021. 

You will not be admitted to the program or event if you are unable to provide these documents. But you may use an OPL public computer to access and print a copy of your proof of vaccination, or remain in the Library to use other available services.

The Province of Ontario has required people to show proof of vaccination and identification to access certain settings and locations since September 22, 2021. Consult its website for more information about proof of vaccination requirements.

Contact us for more information about OPL programs and services.

Which branches offer in-person services?

Most of our 31 open branches are offering in-person services inside branches (Fitzroy Harbour and Vernon included), except: 

  • Alta Vista ‒ temporarily closed from July 26 to August 8
  • Metcalfe Village ‒ contactless services, no access to public computers

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

Capacity inside open branches, posted outside, will be limited to permit 2-metres of physical distancing, as per provincial regulations. You may have to wait outside if the capacity limit is reached inside the branch. Please consider others when planning time in-branch to ensure equitable access to everyone. 

Masks must be worn inside and while waiting in line outside the branch. 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.

While wearing a mask, you can enter branches to pick up your holds, browse the shelves, and read newspapers and magazines. Borrow passes to museums and parks, tdonate books to the Friends of the Ottawa Public Library Association, and make use of the Imagine Space and Labs, as well as the kiosk at the Hunt Club-Riverside Park Community Centre. Curbside or front desk library services to long-term care facilities will also resume, where permitted.

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 and bookings are limited to one hour a day. Chromebook lending by request will continue for three-hour loans, but they are no longer reservable online. Please request one from a Library employee. 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 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 through a Library employee or contact Infoservice. 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?

Yes, you can read newspapers and magazines inside most 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 at any open branch. The Bookmobile is also accepting returns. Returned items are no longer quarantined for 72 hours.

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.

  • MANDATORY: Masks are required to be worn inside and in line outside of Ottawa Public Library branches, as per the Temporary Mandatory Mask By-law and provincial regulation. Service will not be provided to customers who are not wearing masks. Exceptions apply for people with medical exemptions.
  • Branch capacity will be limited to ensure OPL is respecting provincial gathering limits and to ensure customers and employees can physically distance.
  • As a result of branch capacity limits, customers will be encouraged to limit in-branch time to ensure equitable access to everyone. Customers may have to wait outside if branch has reached capacity.
  • Physical distancing markers will be indicated at all open branches.
  • Customers are asked to follow directional signage. 
  • 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.