Using Your Library Card
Use your library card to borrow a variety of items for free! All items are temporary loans and must be returned to the library by the return date given at the time of checkout.
| Material Type | Loan Period | Holds | Renew | Item Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audiobooks (including Playaways) | 3 weeks (High demand: 2 weeks) | Yes | Yes | No |
| Books | 3 weeks (High demand: 2 weeks) | Yes | Yes | No |
| Book Club Sets | 8 weeks | Yes | No | No |
| Digital Item (downloads or streams) | Varies between platforms and materials | Varies | Varies |
Varies |
| Games | 3 weeks (High demand: 2 weeks) | Yes | Yes | No |
| Hotspots (1-week) | 1 week | Yes | Yes |
1 unit |
| Hotspots (3-weeks) | 3 weeks | Yes | Yes | 1 unit |
| Kits (all except Radon) | 3 weeks (High demand: 2 weeks) | Yes | Yes | 2 units |
| Lucky Day | 3 weeks | No | No | No |
| Magazines | 3 weeks (High demand: 1 weeks) | Yes | Yes | No |
| Movies (all formats) | 3 weeks (High demand: 1 weeks) | Yes | Yes | No |
| Music CDs | 3 weeks (High demand: 2 weeks) | Yes | Yes | No |
| Parks and Museum Passes | 3 weeks (High demand: 1 weeks) | Yes | Yes | No |
| Radon Kit | 3-month loan | Yes | No | 1 unit |
| Tv Series (all formats) | 3 weeks (High demand: 2 weeks) | Yes | Yes | No |
| Video Games | 3 weeks (High demand: 2 weeks) | Yes | Yes | No |
| Placing a Hold |
| Log on to the online catalogue to place a hold. When your hold is ready for pick up, you will receive a text message, email or phone call depending on the notification option you selected for your account at sign-up. You will have one week to pick up your hold. |
| Renewing Items |
| The library will renew most materials with no holds automatically for you up to three times. You may also use the Log In/My RWL feature of the online catalogue, or contact your library branch to renew your items.
The following items are not renewable at any time:
|
| Returning Items |
| Most items can be dropped off in the return box at any RWL branch.
Please return the following items inside the branch at the circulation desk:
Digital materials, like eBooks, eAudiobooks, and streaming video, automatically expire at the end of the loan period. |
| Overdue Items |
| The Region of Waterloo Library does not charge fines on overdue library materials. (Overdue fines charged before January 1, 2022, under the By-law in place at the time, remain payable.)
Borrowers owing $15 or more will have their library privileges suspended. The library will email or text a courtesy reminder three days before the due date to patrons who have opted to receive notices. Eligible items will automatically be renewed the day after their due date. For items not eligible for renewal, overdue notices will be issued by email (or phone call) on the second, 14th, and 28th days the item is overdue. At 45 days past the due date, a final overdue notice will be issued by mailed letter, and the items will be classified as lost. The replacement cost of each overdue item will be billed, plus an additional $5 administration fee per item. Administration fees do not apply to lost or damaged magazines. Patron accounts will be sent to a collection agency if the payment is not received promptly. Returning the item in good condition cancels the replacement cost, but any administration fees and collection agency fees currently on record will still apply. Members must pay any outstanding charges before renewing their library membership. Payment can be made at any library branch by cash or cheque. |
| Lost or Damaged Items |
| Patrons must pay the replacement cost plus a $5 administration fee for each lost or damaged library item. Unpaid lost bills may result in a loss of privileges and transfer of the account to the collection agency. |
| Collection Agency |
| Accounts owing $25 or more, for more than 60 days, will be referred to a Collection Agency. A $15 referral fee will be charged to the patron’s account. If needed, please contact your library branch to discuss a payment plan. |
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