FAQs and Help Guides

We require a juvenile (child’s) library card to register for online children’s programs at OPL.This requirement is in place for the safety of all program registrants.

Please contact OPL’s InfoService by phone or email:

• If you have never had a card before, click here to sign up for one.
• If you have a card but need to renew, please contact InfoService at infoservice@biblioottawalibrary.ca or at 613-580-2940
• If you are an Ottawa resident without a library card, and you do not have internet service, please contact InfoService at 613-580-2940 and our staff will walk you through the steps of registration.

Sometimes the link to the program will be in the program listing. If it isn’t, it means you need to register for the program so we can send you the link in an email. Registrants will receive the link by email at least 1 hour before the program start time. 

If the program is about to start and you still haven’t received the link, please follow these steps in order:

1. Verify the program date and time; links are sent at least 1 hour before the start time.
2. Check that you are registered for the program. 
3. Look in your junk mail folder for the link
4. Make sure you are looking at the email account that was used for the program registration
5. Contact us at programs@biblioottawalibrary.ca, including in the email your library barcode number, your name (or your child’s name, if their card was used to register for the program), and the name of the program.

If you have been contacted with a link to a virtual program, we ask that you donot share the link. Programs are created with a specific number of registrants in mind –many unexpected extra attendees will diminish the value of the program for all who have registered.

We respectfully request that you respect the age limit in the program description. Programs are tailored for specific audiences, with the expectation that children and teens of similar ages will interact with each other virtually, led by OPL programming staff.

A library card is like a credit card. If it is lost or stolen, report it right away. Anything signed out on your card is your responsibility until the card is reported missing. Replacement cards cost $1. Please bring identification when you come to replace it.

The Library is not responsible for damage caused by audio-visual materials borrowed from its collections. Borrowers use all audio-visual materials at their own risk and should use caution when playing such materials on their equipment.

Yes, library items may be returned using the external book drops (available at anytime) , to any open OPL branch during opening hours or to the Bookmobile.

During busy times of the year and after statutory holidays, it can take up to three days to process the extra volume of returned items. These items are backdated to the day of return when they are checked in so that no overdue fines are charged if they are returned by the due date. If returned items remain on your record for more than three days, contact the branch where you returned the items.

You are responsible for items borrowed on your library card. If an item is lost or damaged, you will be charged the cost of the item. You are responsible for paying the replacement cost. Once you have paid for a lost or damaged item, OPL does not refund the replacement fee if you find the item later. You own the items upon payment.

Please note that OPL does not accept replacements for lost or damaged items because:

1. OPL can purchase most library items at a discounted price, not the retail price. The customer would be charged the discounted price, which would make it more economical for them.
2. In the past, many customers have purchased a book or item that was not the same version as the one lost or damaged. OPL would then need to purchase the replacement item anyway.

Items are considered lost:

• 21 days after the due date (regular collection items)

• 7 days after the due date (Express items).

Once an item is considered lost, a replacement fee equal to the cost of the item will be charged. If the lost item is returned and the replacement fee has not been paid, then the replacement fee will be cancelled. Once you have paid for a lost or damaged item, OPL does not refund the replacement fee if you find the item later. You own the items upon payment.

This system currently lets you reserve time on library computers at the Ottawa Public Library, and helps to ensure that all persons have fair access to the library's computing resources. It controls the length of sessions.

No, our booking system provides the opportunity to reserve in advance; however, as long as you have time available, you can logon to any workstation that is not being used and has not been booked by someone else. There must be at least 10 minutes remaining in a session before the system allows you to use a workstation. Some branches have 15 minute express PCs that allow short-term access to workstations without a booking.

Access to the Internet at the Library is filtered solely for illegal content.

You can have a maximum of 2 hours per day across the library system.

You may make a booking today plus 7 days in advance.

Yes. You may select a workstation by conducting a search by PC Type or by Specific PC. Searching by Specific PC allows you to request a specific computer. The system assigns a computer to you based on availability.

Yes, it is necessary to have a valid library card to book a workstation. It is possible to get an “Internet/No Loans” Library card for computer use, if you do not have complete identification or if you are visiting Ottawa. Please visit the Circulation Desk for information on how to obtain a library card.