Membership

Most library items can be renewed if they are not on hold for another customer. Please note that hotspots, Museum and Park Passes, skates, basketballs, FastReads and FastView DVDs are NOT renewable.

How to Renew Items: 

• Online via the My Account button in the top right corner of our website 
• From any self-check machine in library 
• By calling our staff at 519-886-1310 (please have your library card number ready) 
• By emailing us at askus@wpl.ca (please include your full name and library card number) 
• By asking library staff in library 

If a library item you want to borrow is already checked out, or is available at another Waterloo Public Library location, you can place a hold on the item to have it delivered to your preferred WPL location. Notable exceptions include FastReads, FastViews, skates, basketballs and in-library use only materials. 

How to Place a Hold: 

• Online by signing into My Account
• By calling our staff at 519-886-1310 (please have your library card number ready) 
• By emailing us at askus@wpl.ca (please include your full name and library card number) 
• By asking staff in library 

Once your hold is ready to be picked up, you will be notified by email (or phone if an email isn’t provided).

You will have 3 open library days to pick up your hold. 

You can view and manage your holds via your online account. 

How to Cancel a Hold: 

• Sign into My Account and select Holds 
• Under Cancel, check the box(es) next to the item(s) on hold that you would like to cancel 
• Click Update List to cancel the selected holds 

Pick up your holds even when the library is closed! You can request items to be delivered to the Holds Lockers at the John M. Harper Branch and retrieve them using your library card. These small library lockers are located just outside the library’s entrance inside the building we share with the Stork Family YMCA. If the building is open, you can retrieve your holds.

How to Use the Holds Lockers: 

1. Place your holds using our online catalogue or ask staff for assistance. Be sure to select WPL John M. Harper Holds Lockers as the pick-up location when you submit your request. 
2. Wait for an email or phone call from us to tell you that your hold is ready. 
3. Visit the library during Stork Family YMCA Open Hours. 
4. At the locker, scan your library card and select your locker(s). 
5. Retrieve all your items when the locker(s) open and then carefully close the door. 
6. Choose ‘done’ on the screen to select your receipt option and end your session

About the Holds Lockers: 

• There are 34 lockers that are available on a first-come, first-served basis. 
• Some library items, such as walking poles and select board games, may not fit in the lockers. If you request an item that does not fit, library staff will inform you by email. 
• It may take staff some time to retrieve your holds and place them in the locker. The lockers are loaded once each day. Please wait to be notified (by email or phone) that your holds are ready. You will then have 3 days to pick up your hold from the lockers, just like regular holds. 
• To retrieve holds, you must use the same library card you used to place the holds. 
• When you open a locker door (using your card), all of the items inside it are checked out to you. Please take them all or place items you no longer want in the returns slot in the wall nearby. 
• Library staff are available to support you during open library hours. 

Borrowed items can be returned to any Waterloo Public Library location (except ice skates and basketballs, which must be returned to where they were checked out). Items borrowed from Waterloo Public Library CANNOT be returned to any other library system within the Region of Waterloo. 

External book returns are available 24 hours a day and items can be returned inside any location during regular library hours. 

Please check the materials you have borrowed as many specialty items must be returned directly to staff. These items will be clearly marked. 

Please allow 1-2 business days for returned items to be removed from your library account. 

Most items that are overdue for more than 28 days are automatically billed for replacement. Library cards are blocked when a replacement bill is sent to you. Please return late library materials to ensure you can use your library card. 

Charges are also applied for items returned damaged.  

Please note that replacement items are not accepted in lieu of charges for lost or damaged materials.

If you owe more than $19.99 in fines or fees, your library card will be blocked until items are returned or charges are paid. A blocked card means you may not borrow items, use a public computer, renew or place holds with your library card. Contact library staff to assist you with your holds and renewals. 

Unpaid library accounts over $100 may be referred to a collection agency.

For more information please read our Replacement Charges policy.

Options for Paying Fees: 

• Online by signing into My Account. This option is only available for accounts owing more than $3.  
• In person at any Waterloo Public Library location (cash, cheque, debit or credit card accepted). 
• By calling our staff at 519-886-1310 (credit card accepted)