FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions 

1. What are the library hours?

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• Tuesdays 10 am to 7 pm

• Wednesdays 10 am to 7 pm

• Thursdays 10 am to 7 pm

• Fridays 10 am to 5 pm

• Saturdays 10 am to 2 pm

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Please note: the library is closed for statutory holidays.

 

2. How do I make a donation to the library?

 

The Parry Sound Public Library is a registered charity – 86807 8239 RR0001.  Charitable tax receipts are available for monetary gifts over $30. Donation can be made in person, over the phone, or by mail.  We accept cash, cheque, debit or credit card. 

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3. What is required to visit the library?

 

Parry Sound Public Library is open to the public with no restrictions.  Masking and social distancing requirements have been removed.  Individuals can continue to wear a mask if they choose to do so.  ​

 

4. Are Inter-Library Loans available?

 

Due to Canada Post strike, Inter-library loan service has been suspended until further notice.

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5. Are mystery bags still available?

 

Yes, mystery bags are still available.  Contact us to request a mystery bag, choose a genre and item type and we will hand-pick a selection of items for you. Please call in advance and we will arrange a time for you to pick up your Mystery Bag!

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6. Do you offer print/fax/scan services during limited hours?

 

Yes, the library offers print/fax/scan services.  Please note: fees apply to these services.

Printing/Scanning/Photocopying fees:

• $0.25 per page for black and white

• OR $1 per page for colour

• $0.50 for envelope

Fax fees:

• $3 service charge

• $4 for international

• PLUS $0.25 per page

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7. How do I log into my Library Account?

 

To log in to your library account, first click on the “Account Log In” button located along the top of the library's home page.  Next, click on the log in icon located near the top right corner of the screen.  Enter your card number located on the back of your library card and your PIN.  If you do not know your PIN, please contact the library staff.

 

8. How do I get my account PIN?

 

Contact library staff for your PIN number, 705-746-9601 or askus@pspl.ca

 

9. How do I search the online catalogue for movies, books and more?

 

To find books, movies, and other items that are available for loan to members of the Parry Sound Public Library, go to our online catalogue. Once in the catalogue screen, you will see a blank search field located to the right of the words "all fields." In this space you can enter a search term, such as the title of the book you are searching for or the book's author. Note: to search the physical library collection, set the first drop down field to “Library Search”.  To change the terms of your search, click on the arrow beside the words "all fields." If you change the terms of your search, you can search in a more specific way. 

 

10. How do I get a library card?

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Membership is free of charge to residents of the Town of Parry Sound and contracting municipalities: McDougall, Carling, and the Archipelago. Residents of these areas must present photo identification as well as proof of their Parry Sound, McDougall, Carling or Archipelago address to library staff ex: tax bill, cell phone bill, etc. 

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Membership is available to residents of non-contracting areas at a rate of $110.00 per year, $55.00 for 6 months or $35.00 for 3 months.

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Option 1: visit the library at 29 Mary Street and request to join the library.  Please note: you will be required to show photo ID.

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Option 2: visit the library website and fill out the online form.  Upon completion of the online form, library staff will email you with your library card number and login information.

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11. I lost my card. How do I replace it?

 

You can replace your card for $5. All replacements have to be done in person. 

 

12. How many items can I borrow at once?

 

You can borrow up to 30 books, and 10 DVDs at a time.  TV Series is limited to 2 at a time.

 

13. What is the Loan Period for Books, DVDs and DVD Series?

 

You have a loan period of 3 weeks for books, DVDs, and DVD Series. 

 

14. How do I renew my books?

 

Library material can be renewed in person at the library, by phoning the library at 705-746-9601, by emailing the library at askus@pspl.ca, or online by logging into your account.  

 

Once logged in to your account, click on the checkouts tab located next to the personal information tab. Beside each book that is checked out on your account, there is a little square box. To select a book for renewal, click the square box next to the item you would like to renew, and then click on the blue "Renew" icon located near the bottom of the screen. You will then be asked if you would like to renew the selected items. Choose yes by clicking on the "Yes" box. After you select "Yes", the screen will refresh and a new due date will be placed on your book. To view the new due dates for the item you selected, simply look under the due date column on the screen. The new due date will be listed there.

 

15. How many times can I renew a book or DVD?

 

Items may be renewed a maximum of two (2) times.

Items that other users have placed a hold on are not eligible for renewal.

 

16. How do I put something on hold?

 

Library members can place holds on items that are currently checked out. To do so, members may ask library staff while at the check-out counter, place a request by phone (705-746-9601) or, when searching for an item in the catalogue, by selecting the blue "place hold" icon located to the right of the item description. When the user is not already logged in, the system will prompt the user to enter their log-in information as a final step in the process of placing the hold. Select the "place hold" icon and the final step will be to confirm that you wish a hold to be placed. The default pick-up location for held items is the Parry Sound Public Library.

 

17. Will I be charged a fine for overdue items?

 

All outstanding overdue fines have been removed from all Parry Sound Public Library accounts and overdue fines will no longer be charged when items are returned.  We ask that library items are returned as soon as you can, so others may have a chance to borrow them. 

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Overdue donations are encouraged.

 

If library items are not returned after a period of time or are lost or damaged, replacement charges will still apply.  We will continue to send email reminder notifications about due dates.  Please make sure your contact information is up-to-date.

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You can renew items, reserve items and check on upcoming due dates online.  All you need is your library card number and four-digit PIN to access your account.  You can also visit the library or contact us at 705-746-9601 or askus@pspl.ca. 

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Library items may be returned to the drop-box at the McMurray Street entrance 24 hours a day and we'll clear your account of all overdue fines, no questions asked!

We appreciate your on-going support.

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(Approved by PSPL Board on October 13, 2021)

 

18. My dog chewed my library book. What do I do now? 

 

Part of library membership is taking care of borrowed items. We understand that occasionally things happen and a book gets damaged. We simply ask that you let us know. Library staff will calculate the replacement charges on the item and you will be asked to pay for it. No guilt needed! We count on you helping us keep the collection items available and up to date for everyone. We appreciate when patrons let us know there was a problem with an item.  

 

19. How do I change my address or renew my library card?

 

Please contact the library if your contact information changes or to renew your card.  If your card expires, you may have an interruption in online services, such as Libby.

 

20. Can a child be left at the library  unsupervised?

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Children under the age of 12 must be supervised by an adult while visiting the library.

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21. Are patrons allowed to bring animals into the library?

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Patrons cannot bring animals into the library, with the exception of registered service animals.

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