Pending workstation availability, you can log on early to the workstation you have booked. If it is 10 minutes before the next booking, the system will not allow you to log on. If you have a later reservation and do not have adequate time for both sessions, you will be asked by the system to first cancel your later reservation. You will then be able to proceed.
Depending on workstation availability, if you logged in with your Library card number, and still have time available, you will be able to log back in with your Library barcode and PIN.
If you have to temporarily leave your booked computer you may place your computer on hold for up to 10 minutes. Only you may log back into the computer during those 10 minutes. To place your computer on hold, return to the Application Selection box and click the “On Hold” button. The PC will shut down, so remember to first save your work The “On Hold” feature is offered only if you have at least 10 minutes of your session remaining.
You may lose your scheduled booking sessions for the day if the PC is broken or if the Library’s network is down. If the Library’s network is down you will still be able to use most of the applications on the PC you have booked. If you have time remaining, you may be able to book a later session once the Internet becomes available again.
No. The system does not monitor nor record the Internet sites visited. The system only provides a mechanism to monitor the amount of time used each day by library patrons.
Please note:
- You must create a New York Times account to access.
- An email address is required
- There is a daily limit on how many remote passes are available.
- Access does not include the New York Times crossword puzzle and e-reader editions.
- If you get a subscription notice while browsing the site, please ignore.
Accessing the New York Times website:
In Library Use
- Go to https://www.nytimes.com
- Click on 'Log In' in the top right corner
- If you haven't created an account, click on Sign Up. If you have already created an account, enter your email and password
Remote Access
- Visit the OPL website and click on the link provided
- Enter your library card and PIN
- If you haven't created a New York Times account, click on 'Create Account'. If you have already created an account, click on 'Log in here' and enter your email and password
- Once activated, you will get a message that indicates when your pass expires and a link to go to NYTimes.com
- Once you've activated your New York Times Pass, you can optionally download and install the apps for iOS, Android or Blackberry to access. In the app, you must log in using your NYT account.
If you would like to close your account with Ottawa Public Library, please visit a branch or contact us via InfoServices.
Enjoy a 20% discount on City of Ottawa sports and fitness membership by showing your library card. The discount applies to the annual Basic, Plus and Super membership options. Learn more by visiting the City of Ottawa’s sports and fitness webpage.
When you get a Library card, you are agreeing to:
- Follow the rules and regulations of the OPL.
- Care for all of the materials you borrow.
- Pay for all lost or damaged materials.
- Tell us if your card is lost or stolen because the cardholder is responsible for any use of this card.
- Tell us if your name, address or phone number changes.
You can renew your library card by visiting any library branch. You will need to show your library card and pay any outstanding charges on your account before it can be renewed.
If your Library account is in good standing at the time of renewal (you owe less than $1 in fees), and you have used your card at one of 33 branches in the last 12 months, your card will be automatically renewed in our system, and you will not need to visit a branch.
All eligible library items renew automatically prior to the due date.
If you wish, you can also renew Library materials manually in these ways:
- By using our online catalogue. Access your account to renew items, see what’s out on your card or monitor your requests by clicking on My Borrowing.
- By touch-tone phone at 613-580-2535 (TeleCIRC).
- In person at any branch.
- Calling our central line at 613-580-2940
Library materials can be renewed except in the following circumstances:
- There is a request on the item.
- The maximum renewal limit on the item has been reached
- There is an outstanding balance on your account of $25 or more.
- Your Library card has expired.
To change your personal information:
- Access the Settings area of the catalogue and login to your account.
- You can change your username, update your email address, change your branch and create a new PIN.
- If you need to update your postal address or telephone number, visit your local Library branch with proof of your new address.
You can go to one of our 33 branches and ask branch staff for help or call Infoservice at 613-580-2940.
To access your online account, simply login with your Library card number or username and PIN. If it's your first-time logging in, you'll need to complete a short registration form where you'll choose an easy to remember username.
For a list of what you have access to with a library card, consult this webpage: https://biblioottawalibrary.ca/en/fees-and-loans
Note that some cards provide different limits for specific items. Please ask staff in our 33 branches or call Infoservice at 613-580-2940.
Yes, the fee structure is reviewed each year as part of the budget process.
For customers’ convenience, eligible library items will be renewed automatically, when there are no holds on the items. You can also renew your items manually online prior to the due date. The automatic renewal feature cannot be turned off.
Items that previously had no renewal limits will now have a limit of five renewals. Other renewal limits remain unchanged. Please note that an item can only be renewed if there are no holds on the item. For customers’ convenience, eligible library items will be renewed automatically, when there are no holds on the items. You can also renew your items manually online prior to the due date. The automatic renewal feature cannot be turned off.
Yes, once an account has been referred to a recovery agency, the $15 referral fee must still be paid to recover costs to OPL, even if the lost items are returned.
- An account is suspended after it reaches $25 in fees. Customers with suspended accounts cannot borrrow physical items from the Library until the fees are paid or the lost items are returned.
- If you have outstanding fees totalling more than $50 for more than 90 days, your account will be referred to a recovery agency and a $15 referral fee will be added to your account.
- OPL uses a recovery agency to assist in the timely retrieval of fees and materials to ensure fair access to all customers. Replacement fees are automatically removed from collection accounts if the items are returned to the library.
- If your account has been referred to a recovery agency, your library privileges will be suspended until the account is fully paid. Please be aware that if the necessary payment or payment arrangement is not made 120 days after being sent to the recovery agency, the personal credit rating of adult cardholders will be affected.
- Please visit any Ottawa Public Library branch or call 613-580-2940 for additional information.