Use library collections and manage My Account

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Borrowing guidelines

Returning items

Timely returns help keep our collection accessible and available to all library users. Physical items borrowed from GVPL can be returned to any branch at any time. Items that are eligible will be automatically renewed up to two times.

Renewing items

Online renewals

Items that are eligible will be automatically renewed up to two times. Eligible items are automatically renewed 2 days before the due date. 

You can renew items earlier by logging into My Account.  From the Account Summary display: 

1. Select Checkouts and then Library Checkouts.
2. Select the items you want to renew.

Phone renewals

Call GVPL at 250-940-4875 and press 2 to renew

Replacement fees for overdue, lost, or damaged items

Since becoming a fine-free library in 2024, we no longer charge overdue fines for late returns. But if an item is more than 21 days overdue, we’ll consider it lost and charge a replacement fee instead. You may not be able to borrow more items until you pay the replacement fee. If an item is returned in a condition that makes it unsuitable for someone else to borrow, we’ll charge a replacement fee. 

If you have over 10 items overdue or owe over $40 in fees, your account will be blocked from borrowing until those items are returned or fees are paid down. We do not accept donations of materials in place of a replacement fee.

Borrowing from our Fast Collection

Skip the line. Our Fast Collection lets you enjoy popular titles with shorter loan periods and no wait times. If you see them on our shelves, you can borrow them.

• Fastreads are popular print books for all ages
• Fastviews are DVDs and blu-rays
• Digital Fastreads are ebooks and audiobooks available through Libby, by Overdrive

Fastreads and Fastviews items are first come, first served and are only available in-branch, and cannot be renewed. You may place a hold on a regular copy while you enjoy your Fast Collection item.

Borrowing periods

• Adult Fastread: 1 week 
• Adult Fastview: 3 days
• Children and Teen Fastread: 2 weeks 
• Children and Teen Fastview: 3 days
• Digital Fastreads: 1 week

Borrowing from our digital collections

Your library card unlocks so much more than books. Explore our digital library and discover tools and services that help you:

• Find your next great read
• Browse and borrow e-books, audiobooks, and more
• Stream movies, music, and TV shows
• Access trusted research and news sources
• Learn new skills at your own pace
• Read and borrow in French and world languages

Not sure where to start? Check out our tutorials to learn how to use these resources.

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Manage items on your account

Renewing your library card

If your account has a current email address and is setup to receive email notifications, you will receive a “time to renew your library account” email one month before it expires. Please review our acceptable forms of ID when renewing your account.

If you’ve forgotten your password or would like to change it, select the Forgot My Password’ button, enter your library card number, and use the link emailed to you to set a new password.

Managing holds 

To see your place in the holds queue, log in to My Account and select the Holds tab. This also applies to e-books and audiobooks, listed under Digital Holds.  

To update, suspend, or cancel a hold, log in to My Account and select the Holds tab to make changes anytime. Identify which item you want to modify, and choose one of the following options: 

• Cancel a hold: Select the Yes or No button to confirm.
• Edit a pickup location: Choose a branch and select the Save button.
• Suspend a hold: Enter the start and end dates, then select the Suspend button.
• Cancel a hold suspension: Select the Yes or No button to confirm.

If your hold is ready for pickup, contact us and we’ll be happy to assist you. 

To change your preferred pickup library for holds, log in to My Account and select the Personal Information tab. Select Preferences and change the preferred pickup library, then select Update. 

Paying fees 

Library fees can be paid online through My Account using a credit card or Visa Debit, or in person at any branch using cash, debit, credit card, or cheque. Not receiving a courtesy notice does not change your responsibility for returning borrowed items or any charges associated with lost materials.

Notifications about your account

Important account information is sent by email, phone or text for the following:

• Returns and renewals: Receive an email two days prior to the due date outlining items due back and items automatically renewed (available by email only)
• Overdue item: Receive an email or phone call two days, seven days and 14 days after the due date
• Holds ready for pick up: We’ll notify you by email or phone when a physical item you’ve placed on hold is ready for pickup at your branch. You’ll have five days to pick it up.

To opt in or out of notifications, or change your delivery method please visit any branch or contact us.

To receive notifications by text, log in to your library account and select the Personal Information tab, then select SMS Notifications. Press the blue button to add a new phone number.

Our email notifications are sent from either [email protected] or [email protected]. Please add us to your safe list.