Commonly asked questions at the library

At the end of each year, we try to do a little “housekeeping” around the library, taking advantage of the slightly quieter months to tidy up, review our collection of books for titles needing repair and more. We thought this would be a good time to share some housekeeping tips with you – frequently asked questions that will, we hope, make it easier for you to make use of the library.

Every two years, your library card expires – whether you use it or not. This helps us ensure our information is correct as well as keeping an accurate count of how many active library members we have. For many years, library staff would just renew your card for you when you were in the branch. Now that many people use the online catalogue and ebooks, you might see that your card is expiring before we do. A library staff member must renew your membership to allow you to borrow again. Drop in to any branch or give us a call at (613) 476-5962. It just takes a minute to do.

Did you know there are book return bins at each of the six branches of the library? They are normally near the front door, or in the case of Picton and Wellington, the side doors. You can return books, DVDs, and other library materials – except tech and musical instruments – in the bin, 24 hours a day and seven days a week. You can return your materials to any of the six branches of the library, regardless of where you borrowed them.

Another frequently asked question is “where do I find…” – especially in the Picton Branch after the expansion, it can be tricky to find your way around. Please know that library staff are always willing to give you a tour or directions, and we’re working on signs to make it easier to navigate as well. Often patrons will sheepishly approach, saying: “I’m sorry to bother you, but…” – but please know you are never a bother to library staff. Our priority is helping anyone who comes in the door and are happy to set aside any other work to help you.

If you are looking for a particular book, there are two main ways you can check if it’s available. First, ask any staff member. If you’d rather search for yourself or if you prefer to browse the catalogue, visit peclibrary.org and click on “Search the catalogue”. From the catalogue you can refine your search to show you only ebooks or only print books by toggling a switch.

A common question is “Why do you only have ebooks?” and often the problem can be solved by making this adjustment when you search. We share ebooks with other libraries, leading to a large shared collection. This means that majority of our collection budget is used for the print books you see on the shelves. If you are interested in a demonstration, give us a call at (613) 476-5962 to make an appointment or ask when you’re in the library.

These are just a few of the commonly-asked questions at the library. If there’s something else you have been wondering about, please feel free to drop in and ask. We’re always here to serve you.