Is it safe to borrow library materials during the COVID-19 outbreak?

We are taking all precautions to ensure that materials on our shelves and those that are returned to us are safe to be handled by members of the public.

Any returned items are not being handled for the recommended period of 72 hours.

If you are feeling unwell or if any member of your household is sick or in isolation, we ask that you refrain from borrowing library materials. This will help us all feel more comfortable and confident with the safety of our collections.

How are you ensuring the safety of customers and staff?

With the delivery of this service, the health and safety of our staff and our customers is our top priority.

Here are the measures we are taking:

  • All WPL staff will have Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  • Pick-up locations will have proper physical distancing protocols in place
  • Returned materials are quarantined for a minimum of 72 hours
  • Intensive cleaning of branches has been done in advance including disinfecting of high touch surfaces
  • Regular cleaning and hand washing protocols are in place
What should I expect when I come to the library?

We will have designated pick-up areas at all locations for our WPL To Go Curbside Service. When you arrive at your designated pickup location, please have your library card ready.

      • Main Library: Park for free in the Dupont Street lot. Staff will be at the entrance waiting to assist you.
      • John M. Harper Branch: Park in the large lot at the back of the building. Staff will be at the entrance, waiting to assist you.
      • McCormick Branch: Park in the regular lot. Staff will be at the library entrance waiting to assist you. 

What are the hours for the WPL To Go service?

Beginning Monday, July 6th, WPL To Go hours are:

Main Library

Monday to Saturday: 10:00am to 6:00pm
Sunday: CLOSED

John M. Harper Branch

Monday to Saturday: 10:00am to 6:00pm
Sunday: CLOSED

McCormick Branch 
Wednesdays: TBA
CLOSED all other days

Can I return items to the library?

Returns will be accepted at ALL WPL locations during WPL To Go Curbside Service hours.

All returned materials will be quarantined for a minimum of 72 hours.

Due to the quarantine, it could take 5 to 7 days for items to be removed from your library account. No fines will be incurred.

I heard about WPL To Go but don't have a library card. Can I get a membership?
Yes! Membership at Waterloo Public Library is FREE to persons residing or owning property within the boundaries of the City of Waterloo and to persons residing in communities with whom Waterloo Public Library has reciprocal borrowing agreements.

Apply for a library card online now.
Can I place a WPL To Go order if I have overdue fines?
We are excited to announce that for 2020 and continuing on into 2021 there will be NO overdue fines!

If you currently owe more than $10 in fines & fees and your access has been limited, effective immediately you can once again borrow, renew or place holds on your library account.

If you have questions about overdue items on your library account, give us a call at 519-886-1310 or email us at askus@wpl.ca.

When is the library going to be open again?

WPL is following guidelines from the provincial government of Ontario as well as the City of Waterloo and Region of Waterloo Public Health. Any updates will be post at wpl.ca

How long will you keep my hold(s) for me?
We'll keep your hold(s) for 7 days, to ensure you have lots of time to come and pick them up.
Are the loan periods still for the same lengths of time?
All items borrowed during our WPL To Go curbside service will have a 3-week loan period EXCEPT for hotspots which continue to have a 2-week loan period.
Can I drop off book donations?
At this time, we are not accepting book donations or any other items. Please only return borrowed WPL items. With limited space to quarantine circulating materials we must recycle donated items.