Frequently Asked Questions

This service is currently unavailable. 

You can submit your application (resume and cover letter) for advertised positions to hr@pickering.ca, referencing the Job ID reference # in the subject line.  

Black & White printing: 10 cents a page
Colour printing: 50 cents a page

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.

Extended Hours access is only available to users who sign up in-person at any of our library branches by providing identification and agreeing to the Extended Hours Terms and Conditions Form. 

Extended Hours access is available to individuals who:

• Hold a valid resident Pickering Public Library card.
• Present a valid photo ID (e.g., Ontario ID, Driver’s License, Student ID, etc.)
• Are 18 years of age or older.
  • Children under 14 years must always be accompanied by a parent or guardian, and the parent or guardian will be considered the main user.
  • Clients who hold a Pickering Library card and are between 14 years and 18 years of age must have a parent’s or guardian’s signature.
•  Complete the Extended Access Terms and Conditions Form.

Anyone requiring an accommodation for Extended Hours access, should contact the Manager of Client Experience.

Please drop by during staffed hours to learn more about this new service at Claremont. Staff will be available to answer your questions and help you register for Extended Access.

A Maker is anyone who wants to build, innovate, or create. From fibre arts to STEM-based projects, we would love to celebrate everything you can make! 

Titles can be suggested for purchase using the Suggest for Purchase feature on your online library card account. Under your profile name in the top-right corner, select My Settings, Suggested Purchases, then Add Suggestion.

Please note that you must be logged in to your Pickering Library account to use this feature. For more information,  please check out this detailed Suggest for Purchase how-to. 

Extended Access empowers users to access library resources and services independently while staff are not on site. During Extended Access Hours, users can:

• Browse the collection
• Borrow and return materials 
• Pick up holds
• Access public computers and Wi-Fi
• Copy and print 
• Use the library space 

Instructions on how to use these services will be available on the library website and will be posted in the branch. 

Applicants who meet the qualifications for an open position are reviewed by the hiring manager and applicants selected for an interview will be notified by email.  The application to interview process may take up to several weeks to complete.  

All PPL locations offer free WiFi. Look for the network Library Wifi on your device. No special settings, usernames or passwords are required.

Clients are encouraged to request an orientation from a library staff member before their first Extended Hours visit. Users will learn about self-service options and how to enter the branch. You can access the branch during Extended Hours as follows:

1. Use the keypad at the door to scan your library card and enter your four-digit PIN.
2. Enter the branch, checking that the door is closed securely behind you.

A tax situation is considered simple if an individual has no income or if their income comes from:

• Employment
• Pension
• Benefits such as Canada Pension Plan, Disability, Canada Child Benefit, Employment Insurance or Ontario Works
• RRSP
• Support payments
• Scholarships, fellowships, bursaries or grants
• Interest (under $1,000)

If you submitted your application to hr@pickering.ca rest assured we have received your application.  

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are unable to get back to each applicant or answer applicant-specific questions. We will only contact candidates selected for an interview. Applicants selected for an interview will be contacted by phone or email.  

No special settings, usernames or passwords are required.

Audio alerts will provide notice of closing times. Motion detectors will trigger an alarm to summon security or emergency services if people remain in the building beyond closing time. 

A tax situation is not simple when an individual:

• Is self-employed or has employment expenses
• Has business or rental income and expenses
• Has capital gains or losses
• Files for bankruptcy
• Is completing a tax return for a deceased person

A satisfactory criminal records check (the Vulnerable Sector Search for some positions) is required. Job offers will only be made upon successful completion of the criminal records check and a reference check. You do not need to obtain the criminal records check during the initial stages of the recruitment process, we will let you know when to obtain and submit one. 

Yes, library cards are required to log in to public computers. If you do not have a library card, please speak to staff about getting registered for one. Public computers are available on a first-come-first-served basis.

Check out the volunteer process on our Volunteer Opportunities page.

The Supported Self-Filing Tax Workshops are free. 

Amazing! Current job opportunities are posted on our Work at the Library page.

Late fees have been eliminated so no late fees will be incurred. The Set will only be checked in if it is complete and if any part of the Set is not returned, regular lost procedures and charges apply. The person who checked out the set is responsible for any lost charges.

Registering library cardholders ensures greater accountability and understanding of the mutual responsibilities of accessing Extended Access.

By registering for Extended Access, you agree to comply with Pickering Public Library Policies and Procedures and accept responsibility for the space, equipment, and furniture in the branch during your visit.

Yes, you must register for one of the Supported Self-Filing Tax Workshops. You can register for one of the appointments online or by calling Pickering Public Library at 905-831-6265. 

All of our computers have access to Microsoft Office and Internet Browsers. We have Mac computers in our Maker Space that have access to Adobe Creative Suite, Audacity, ShotCut, Blender, and Apple iWorks Suite.

The Pickering Public Library does not have any programs through which library staff file taxes on behalf of clients. Pickering Public Library often hosts workshops and presentations to help you learn how to file your taxes on your own.

The Supported Self-Filing Tax Workshops offered annually in March and April are self-filing workshops that will provide participants with a laptop and mouse to file their taxes using free tax filing software. You will need to have a basic comfort with using a computer in order to participate in the workshop.  Tax experts and staff will be present to assist you as you file online by yourself, however, they will not be filing taxes for you.  You are responsible for the information and final submission to CRA. 

For more information about the Library's tax events visit https://pickeringlibrary.ca/taxes/

There are no time limits to public computer use. We do ask clients to be finished their computer use by closing time.

The Library has eliminated late fees. However, items that are more than a month overdue will go to Lost and you will be charged the cost of the item plus a processing fee. 

You will receive an email stating which items have been successfully renewed and their new due dates. You will need to check the list to see if all your items due on that day were renewed.  If no items are renewed you will not receive an email.

Always check your library account online for up-to-date due dates and information.

Notification of renewals is only available through email. Contact library staff if you wish to switch to email notices.

Yes we do! The Pickering Public Library is committed to partnering with and supporting our local educational institutions to promote a lifelong love of reading, strong literacy skills, and a connection with the library and community. Currently, the Pickering Public Library offers a set list of class and school visit options which are available to all Pickering schools serving classes from Kindergarten to Grade 8. Learn more on our Library Visit Requests page.

Yes! All Library branches offer free parking on-site.

Yes, but we assume no responsibility for personal equipment plugged into our electrical outlets.

Yes, you may use your flash drive on our public computers.

You receive notifications about your account when you log in online using your library barcode and PIN. You can also choose to receive phone or email notifications regarding pre-overdue and overdue items, and items available for pick-up. You will be asked for your notification preference (phone or email) when you sign up for a library card, but this can be changed at any time in-person at any branch.

Fines and fees can be paid either in-person at any Library location or online through your Library account. We accept cash, debit, or credit (except American Express).

Call our branch to discuss the concern with Borrower Services. Fees apply to items that have been lost or damaged. For lost items, please notify us as soon as possible to prevent additional fees.

Library materials can be returned in the outside dropbox of any branch or in-person at the main desk of any branch, unless stated on the item that it must be returned to a specific branch.

If you’re unable to renew your library materials, your account may be restricted, you may have reached the renewal limit, or someone else may have the title on hold. Your account is restricted if you have fines/fees exceeding $20 or lost materials on your account. We would need to take a look at your account to be sure of the reason, so please contact us for assistance at 905-831-6265.

Renewal limits vary depending on the item collection and whether there are holds or not. Please refer to the Borrowing Guide.

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.

If a hold is already placed you will need to contact the branch to change the pick-up location

Holds are held at your pickup location for four days.

Please visit the PPL branch you selected as the pickup location for your hold. Holds are filed alphabetically by the first three lettters of your last name, then the last 4 numbers of your library barcode number.

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

Your barcode is your library card number. It contains 14 numbers and starts with 23081. The first time you log in, you'll create a username. You can log in with your username from then on. Or you can continue to use your barcode.

Generally speaking, clients are welcome to supply their own equipment and or material. If you are supplying your own material to use with Maker Space equipment, you are required to speak to staff to confirm compatibility and or pricing before using the equipment.

If you've reached the end of your allotted time with Maker Space equipment and wish to continue using it, please see a Maker Space staff member about making another booking for the equipment. Generally speaking, as long as there is no conflict with a previous client booking, items can be renewed.

For a complete list of the equipment in the Maker Space, as well as information about each piece of equipment and instructions on getting started, please visit our Maker Space Booking page. 

To use the Maker Space independently clients must be 14 years or older. Clients under the age of 14 can use the space if they are working under the direct supervision of their parent or legal guardian, who must sign a waiver and remain with their child at all times in the Maker Space.

You can find the documentation for our equipment on the Maker Space Instructions page. Please note that to use the 3D Printer you must successfully complete our 3D Printer certification course, and the related quiz, which can also be found on the Maker Space Instructions page. 

No. Instructions are provided for all the equipment in the Maker Space. We encourage you to come in and use the equipment to create your projects. Staff are available to answer any questions you may have, and to direct you towards resources for more information on using each piece of equipment.

Visit the Maker Space at the Central Library. You will need to show them your Pickering Public Library card so they can verify you are a member in good standing (under $20 in fines on an adult card). On your first visit you will also need to show photo ID along with your card. A Maker Space waiver must be signed before you can begin using the equipment.

Yes, you can book equipment on the Maker Space Reservation page.

A library card is required to use equipment in the Maker Space

3D printing is $0.10 per gram

Yes, online donations through our secure site will be sent a receipt automatically. For donations made by mail or in-person, a tax receipt will be mailed for donations over $20.00

Library holiday hours can be found on the Hours and Locations page in addition to being posted at all library branches.

Please refer to our Hours & Locations page.

All library events are free of charge.

Event suggestions can be made using our Event Proposal form.

Events with age restrictions will have information about the restriction included in the event information.

You can register for any event by clicking the Register button on the Events page for that event. If you need helping registering for a particular event, please contact the email address provided in the event listing for assistance.

Event information can be found under the Events tab at the top of the library website.

Suggestions can be made by selecting the Contact Us button at the bottom of the website.

Feedback can be provided via our Contact Us page.

Please see the Room Bookings page for complete capacity listings.

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.

We have lots of online resources from streaming movies to learning about your car! Check them out on our Resources page. 

You may update your email address online. Log in to your account and go to My Settings.

You must visit a branch to update your address, if you are under 14 you will require a guardian.

You may still use library services. You’ll need to show your current, valid driver’s license or ID with address to allow staff to access your account. A parent or guardian listed on a child’s library card may still use library services for the child after showing a current, valid driver’s license or ID with address to allow staff to access the child's account.

If you lose your library card or key chain, please call any PPL location as soon as possible. You’re responsible for all materials, fines and fees checked out on your library card until its loss is reported. Replacement cards are free. Please visit any PPL location to apply for a new card. You’ll need to show a current, valid ID with your name, photo and address.

Your PIN is the last 4 numbers of the phone number you registered with when you got your library card. It is used to verify your account online and at our self check-out stations.

Photo ID is required for anyone wishing to register for a library card. For residents of Pickering, proof of residence such as a driver's license or utility bill is required. Employees of Pickering businesses require proof of employment such as a cheque stub with a Pickering address. Students attending Pickering schools require proof of enrollment such as a school ID card. Those who own property in Pickering require proof such as a tax bill. Please note - a second piece of ID with home address is also required.

You can pay your library fines in person at any of our branches or online through your account.

All children under 14 require the signature of a parent or guardian to get a library card.

Yes, if you are a resident of Pickering or another Durham municipality you can apply online, right now! Your e-card gives you immediate access to the Digital Library resources. Visit us to activate your card and get it all! Visit any Pickering Public Library branch with your photo I.D. and proof of your current address and we will be glad to upgrade your card to allow you full borrowing privileges. Note that children under 14 will need to bring a parent with them. After 90 days, if you have not activated your card the card number will no longer be valid.

The Pickering Public Library welcomes members from other Durham municipalities (proof of residence is required such as driver's license or utility bill).

Note: A piece of photo ID is also required in cases where proof of residence does not have a photo, such as a utility bill. For non-Durham residents you may purchase a membership for $50 per year. We also have two additional non-Durham resident options: a six month card for $27 or a 3 month card for $15.

There is a Forgot your PIN link on the Login page. Click the link, enter your library card number (barcode), and then click Send. You will get an email with instructions on how to change your PIN. To use this feature, you need to have already registered. If you haven’t already registered, or the library doesn’t have an email address on file for you, contact your library branch to reset your PIN.

Log in to the library website. In the top right-hand corner, select Log In/My PPL. Use your library barcode as your username (until you create a username) and your PIN is the last four digits of your phone number.

Please see our Borrowing Guide for details.

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.

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

You will be notified by telephone when the Library has received your item. Prompt pick-up ensures you will have the maximum borrowing time.

Books, DVDs, audiobooks, music CDs, and microfilms are available for borrowing, provided the items are not already owned by the Pickering Public Library, have not been published or released within one year of your request date, are items that are loaned out (rather than in-library use). You may not request Video games or eBooks or other types of downloadable material. Not all requests can be filled and loans are at the discretion of the lending library.

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.