Membership & Borrowing FAQs

  • Temporary Digital Membership

    You can apply online by filling out a simple registration form. Once your application is approved, you will receive a confirmation email with login details to access our library of digital resources. 

    By default, your PIN is set to the last four digits of your phone number. If that doesn't work, call or email your local branch or visit us in person and we can help reset your password.

    Temporary digital memberships are available to short-term residents of the SDG Counties, such as individuals in a local hospital for a long-term stay or those temporarily in the area for work. Please provide the required information during the application process to confirm eligibility.

    You will have access to our digital collection, including ebooks, audiobooks, online magazines and newspapers. Digital databases for research, such as Consumer Health Complete and for learning, such as Mango Languages and Creativebug are also accessible with your library card. 

    The temporary digital membership lasts for 3 months. The expiration date will be provided when you register. 

  • Reciprocal Borrowing

    Reciprocal borrowing services are only available to residents of North Grenville and the local municipalities of Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry.

    Residents of Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry (SDG) must physically attend the North Grenville Public Library and follow their membership process including but not limited to, providing proof of address.  Online registration of Library cards is not available.  Residents of SDG will be issued a North Grenville Public Library card.  

    Residents of Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry can attend North Grenville Public Library to;

    • Borrow from the physical collection of books, DVDs, magazines,
    • Borrow from the musical lending library,
    • Borrow outdoor and sports equipment,
    • Attend programs presented by the North Grenville Public Library.

    The agreement does not include the ability to;

    • Borrow mobile hotspots and museum passes,
    • Access digital resources and databases,
    • Access interlibrary loan services.

    Members must return all physical resources to the owner Library (e.g., a book borrowed from the North Grenville Public Library must be returned to the North Grenville Public Library and vice versa).  We do not offer a transit service between the two libraries and members will be responsible for rectifying any resources returned to the incorrect Library.

    No, any fees incurred from North Grenville Public Library must be paid to North Grenville Public Library as per their respective policies.

  • Library Cards

    Library memberships are available free of charge to all residents and students of Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry (excluding Cornwall). To become a member, simply present your proof of address and photo identification at any of our full service library branches in the Counties. Children and teens under the age of 16 require the permission of their parent/guardian. Membership cards expire annually and can be renewed upon payment of any outstanding fees.

    Fill out our online form or visit any of our branches in person.

    To renew your card in person:

    Visit us at any SDG library branch with your library card or photo ID with a current SDG address.

    To renew your card online:

    Complete the following form.  Please note all outstanding fines and fees must be paid in full before your library card can be renewed.

    To discover your library card’s expiration date, call or stop by your local library branch to ask.  As a reminder, we will send you a notification message 10 days before your card’s expiration. 

    Please note all account fees and fines must be paid in full before your library card can be renewed.

    Library membership is FREE for all residents of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry (SDG).

    For those living outside of SDG, the annual membership fee is $35. 

    If your library card is lost or stolen, let us know right away. We will block your account to ensure no one else uses your card.  You are responsible for the use of your card until it has been reported lost or stolen.

    At your earliest convenience, stop by any library branch with photo ID to get a replacement card. or complete our online membership form. Please note that a $1.00 replacement fee may be charged for lost or stolen cards.

    If your library card is lost or stolen, call or visit your nearest branch to get a replacement. It's best to do so immediately, so that no one else can check out on it.

    If you wish to get a replacement card in person at a library, bring your photo I.D. and we will issue you a new card.

    To get help by phone, please call your local branch.

    To get help by email, please send a picture of your photo I.D. to support@sdglibrary.ca.

    Please note that a $1.00 replacement fee will be charged for lost or stolen cards.

  • Logging IN

    By default, your PIN is set to the last four digits of your phone number. If that doesn't work, call or email your local branch or visit us in person and we can help reset your password.

    Your barcode or card number is located on your library card and starts with the numbers 26499.  When entering your barcode number to access your account or any online resources, be sure to enter all fourteen digits and no spaces. 

    To access your online account, where you can place holds, renew items, view your checkouts and due dates, rate and review items, and more, click Log In / My SDG in the top right corner of the screen. Enter your barcode and PIN or password (see below for details). If you haven’t registered before, you’ll be taken to the registration page. Registration is a one-time process that allows you to create an easy-to-remember login name, or username, that you can use instead of your barcode to check your account.

    Barcode. Your barcode is located on library card and starts with the numbers 26499.  When entering your barcode number to access your account or any online resources, be sure to enter all fourteen digits and no spaces. 

    Pin. By default, we set your PIN to the last four digits of your phone number. If that doesn't work, call or email your local branch or visit us in person and we can provide assistance to reset your password.

    You can change your email, username, or PIN by logging into your account here on the website.

    1. Log in in the upper right-hand corner
    2. Click on your username to see the drop-down menu
    3. Click on My Settings
    4. Update your information

    To update other information, such as address or phone, call or email your local branch, or stop by a library with your library card, and we'll update it for you.

    If you don't have a card, you can apply for a library card online.

  • Borrowing

    SDG Library books may be returned to any of our library branches. Book drops are open 24/7. Please bring Library of Things items and Museum Passes into the branches. 

    The number of items that can be checked out for most items is 999.  There is a limit of 15 items for DVDs. Some specialized collections such as Library of Things and Great Courses may have limitation on the number of items that can be borrowed at one time.

    Yes! Most items* can be extended for your vacation. Just make this request prior to your checkout and the staff will arrange it. The maximum amount of time is double the standard loan period for that item. 

    *Interlibrary loan items or items with holds cannot be extended. 

    The library does not keep records of your borrowing without your permission. However, when you enable the Borrowing History feature, the system will start building a list of all the titles you borrow.

    You can turn on the Borrowing History feature in the registration process and start saving your titles immediately, or do so later.

    To enable or disable Borrowing History

    1. Log in to your account.
    2. On the menu, click My Settings.
    3. On the My Settings page, under the Account Preferences heading, find your Borrowing History setting.
    4. Click Change.
    5. On the Borrowing History page, click the current setting to change it.
    6. Click Save Changes.
    7. You’ll see the message “Your new information has been saved.”

    To view your Borrowing History

    1. Log in to your account.
    2. On the menu, click My Library Dashboard.
    3. Under the My Borrowing summary on the left of the page, click Borrowing History. On a tablet or smartphone, tap the My Borrowing button first to display the My Borrowing summary.
    4. The page displays your recently returned items. Click the View all Borrowing History link to see the complete list.

    • Books - 21 days
    • Audiobooks - 21 days
    • Magazines - 7 days
    • DVDs (Movies) - 7 days
    • DVDs (TV series/mini series) - 14 days
    • ebooks & eAudiobooks - 21 days
    • Museum Passes - 7 days
    • Mobile Hotspots - 10 days
    • Library of Things - varies

  • Returns & Renewals

    SDG Library books may be returned to any of our library branches. Book drops are open 24/7. Please bring Library of Things items and Museum Passes into the branches. 

    Your item may be on hold by another customer or perhaps you have maxed out your renewal limit for that particular item. Or you may have exceeded the maximum amount of charges on your account ($15.00).

    As of June 25, 2024 we are now "Fines Fee".  This means you will no longer be charged overdue fines for items that are returned after the original due date.  After 21 days of being overdue items will be declared "Lost" and your library account will be charged with the replacement cost of the item as well as a processing fee ($5).  If lost items are returned, within a year, are in good condition, and can be added back into the collection the replacement charges will be waived. The processing fee ($5) will remain on your account.

    You will receive a notice if you receive email notifications. (Phone notices are only for overdue and hold pickup notices). If you have signed up for our text message service, you will receive notice only for items that can't be renewed.

    If you have more questions or would like to sign up for email notifications, please contact your library branch for assistance.  

    Eligible items will automatically renew 2 days before the due date as long as there are no holds placed on them by other patrons. Most items may be renewed up to three (3) times.

    To manually renew books, CDs, DVDs and other materials, log in to your account and go to My Borrowing, opens a new window. Under each item you have checked out, you will see a "Renew" button in the lower right. Be aware that you may not be able to renew an item if other patrons are waiting to borrow it.

    Need some help? Contact us!

    SDG Library items may be returned to any of our branches, opens a new window.  We prefer that patrons return inter-library loan items to the branch it was borrowed from.  Book drops are open 24/7. Items that do not fit into a book drop can be returned inside a library as well as Museum Passes and Mobile Hotspots.

  • Holds

    You'll receive a notification by email or phone, depending on what option you have selected. If you'd like to change your notification method, please contact your local library branch.

    Yes. Pausing a holds allows you to keep your place in line for an item until you're ready for it.

    To pause a hold, first log in to your account, then select "On Hold" in the drop-down menu in the upper right corner.  Find the hold you want to pause and click the "Pause" button below it. If your hold was able to be paused, you will get the message "Successfully Paused Hold(s)."  If you'd like to pause more than one hold, you can select the check boxes next to the holds you'd like to pause then select the pause button at the top of the page. Follow the same steps and click "resume" on any paused holds you no longer wish to keep paused.

    Holds can't be paused on items that have an available copy when you place the hold or items that are already in transit to your pickup location.

    Your family member will need your library card or number to check items out for you.  We can also add a note onto your account to give specific people consent to pick up your holds.  Please contact your local branch to update your information to include anyone you want to designate to pick up your held items.

    Holds are held at your pickup location for seven days.

    We’re unable to extend the amount of time an individual hold is held; this ensures everyone receives their holds in a timely manner.

    The total number holds for most items is 999. The hold limit for our digital platform, cloudLibrary is 10.

  • Fines & Fees

    As of June 25, 2024 we are now "Fines Fee".  This means you will no longer be charged overdue fines for items that are returned after the original due date.  After 21 days of being overdue items will be declared "Lost" and your library account will be charged with the replacement cost of the item as well as a processing fee ($5).  If lost items are returned, within a year, are in good condition, and can be added back into the collection the replacement charges will be waived.

    Overdue fines will no longer be applied to your account. But you are still responsible for returning everything you borrow. Please return them on time, someone else may be waiting for them. If you do keep items past their due date, they will be marked as lost on your account after 21 days and replacement fees, as well as processing fees ($5) will be applied to your account. If your library account has over $15 in fees your library privileges (access to collections) will be suspended until you pay these fees. If you return the items in good condition the replacement fees will be waived. However, the processing fee of $5 will still be applied.

    Sign up for email notifications to stay in the loop! You’ll receive reminders notifying you when your items are almost due as well as when you have holds ready.  Contact your local library to request this update to your account.

    Overdue fines – also called late fees – accumulate on any material not returned by its due date. With our "Fines Free" system  we will no longer be charging fines for overdue materials.  But fees related to lost or damaged items or any administrative fees such us reconnect fees will still apply.

    Yes. ILLO items will still continue to have a $1.00 late fine per day because this material does not belong to us.

    If you would like to appeal your late fees, fines, or changes on your library account, you may speak with branch staff and explain the reason why you feel the charges should be adjusted or waived.  Branch staff will forward your information and details to a District Supervisor who will review the request to waive the fine/charge and library staff will follow up with you to let you know the decision.

    Please be aware that you are responsible for all items checked out on your account and appeals may not be granted under the following circumstances:

    • lack of awareness of library policies.
    • unaware of, or forgot, the due date of items.
    • did not renew items on time.
    • did not receive the reminder emails or overdue notices.
    • unable to renew items online.
    • did not renew items due to being out of the country.

    Call, email, or stop by any library branch with the information about which item(s) you are concerned about. We will check our library branches to see if the item has made its way to library shelves or may have gotten stuck in our book returns. We may ask you to take an extra look around your house and in your vehicles as well. 

    If the item still cannot be located you can request that the item be marked as "Claimed".  Please note you can only have three items claimed on your account before your account will be suspended.

    If you misplace an item you will be charged for the item. We suggest giving it a bit of time to show up before paying for the item. Lost items will incur a charge for both the item and a processing fee. 

    If you damage an item and we do not feel it can be returned to the shelf there will be a charge incurred for the cost of the item as well as a processing fee. 

  • Notifications

    If you add your email address to your account you will receive email notifications of items ready for pick up, a reminder 2 days prior to the item due dates as well as any notices for overdue materials or lost/damaged items.  If you prefer to not use an email address you will be phoned when items are ready for pick up.

    *Please note that the 2 day due date reminders are only available through email.

  • Interlibrary Loan

    Interlibrary Loan is a service through which the SDG Library patrons can borrow materials not available at our library from other libraries in the province to meet the information needs of the community. 

    Complete the Interlibrary Loan Request Form on the Interlibrary Loan page, opens a new window of our website.

    Residents of Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry can attend North Grenville Public Library to;

    • Borrow from the physical collection of books, DVDs, magazines,
    • Borrow from the musical lending library,
    • Borrow outdoor and sports equipment,
    • Attend programs presented by the North Grenville Public Library.

    The agreement does not include the ability to;

    • Borrow mobile hotspots and museum passes,
    • Access digital resources and databases,
    • Access interlibrary loan services.

    Renewals for interlibrary loan materials are decided by the lending library.  Please submit any requests for renewal to branch staff before the item is due.  Branch staff will enquire on your behalf and inform you if the item can be renewed.

    There is a limit of three (3) active interlibrary loan requests per person.  An active request includes anything requested from another library that is in progress, or that has been received. You will see warning on the request screen if you exceed the limit on active requests.

    Items that have been returned and received by the lending library, and requests that have been cancelled are not accounted as active.

    • Books published in the last year
    • DVDs, CDs, eBooks, audiobooks
    • Computer software
    • Items we already own

    On average it takes 1-2 weeks for requests that meet Interlibrary loan guidelines to arrive.  But some requests can take 3-6 weeks.  If you are concerned with the length of time it is taking please speak to library staff.  

    When Interlibrary Loans are received through Canada Post at our Administrative office, the items are processed, and their physical condition is reviewed and noted on a Damage Note Slip. Should an Interlibrary loan item become damaged during the loaning period, the patron is responsible for the replacement cost, provided by the Lending Library. These costs are not determined by SDG Library. Please notify staff of your damaged Interlibrary loan and they will follow up with Interlibrary Loans services and will contact you regarding replacement costs.

    Material conditions, publication dates, and special collections may result in a denied request. Additionally, there may be no items available at any lending library or the item may be currently in use.  Should an Item not be available staff will contact you to inform you of the cancelled request.

    Audiobooks, DVD’s, digital resources and CELA collections are not loanable through Interlibrary Loans and will be denied.  Please note that it is standard to request items that are more than one year old, anything newer may be denied by staff or the loaning library systems. Repeated requests that do not meet our guidelines may result in a loss of Interlibrary Loan services.  

    The owning library sets the loan period.  Staff will inform you of the due date at checkout.  Fines for overdue interlibrary loans are $1/day.

    In most cases, this service is free. We cover all shipping and processing charges. However, some libraries may charge a fee for certain materials. These costs are your responsibility. If a library charges a fee, we will notify you in advance for your approval.

    If items are returned late (after the due date) you will be charged an overdue fee of $1/day.