Borrowing FAQs

  • General Questions

    Items can be renewed online, in-person, over the phone, or through the Pickering Library App available for iPhone and Android.

    To renew online, log in to your account. On the top menu, click Checked Out. Find the title(s) you wish to renew. Click the Renew button below the item. A pop-up message will let you know if your renewal was successful.

    To renew an item over the phone, please have your library card number handy.

    Yes, you can pause a hold that is “not ready for pickup.” While your hold is paused, you will continue to move ahead on the waiting list, but the hold will not be sent to your pickup location while it is paused. Use this option to manage your holds when you are away or don't have time to read. To pause a hold, log in to your account and go to Holds.

    Longer checkout periods are available for some titles. Please ask about vacation loans when checking out your materials.

    50 physical items (note: there is a limit of 5 video games per card); 20 digital items in Cloud Library; 10 items in OverDrive/Libby; 5 items per month in hoopla.

    You can borrow audiobooks directly from our collection using our catalogue. Search for a book using a filter for audiobooks and you will be provided a download option. You can use your phone, tablet, computer, or e-reader to access the title. If you are unsure, you can always call or visit our branches for a step-by-step tutorial!

    Please note: audiobooks require a third-party app to listen. For a full list of audiobook apps, check out our Digital Library - Audiobooks page.

    You can borrow e-books directly from our collection using our catalogue. Search for a book using a filter for e-books and you will be provided a download option. You can use your phone, tablet, computer, or e-reader to access the title. If you are unsure, you can always call or visit our branches for a step-by-step tutorial!

    Please note: ebooks require a third-party app to open and read. For a full list of ebook apps, check out our Digital Library - ebooks page.

    To renew/return an audio/eBook, open the relevant app and navigate to your Checked Out/Loans/Current shelf. There will be a Renew button and a Return button available.

    100 physical items; 10 digital items in OverDrive/Libby; 20 digital items in CloudLibrary.

    You can sign up for a library card at any of our branches. Read about what you need to bring with you to Get a Library Card.

    Lending limits vary depending on the item collection. Please see our Borrowing Guide for details.