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Borrowing Information During COVID-19

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Borrowing Information: Updates Due to COVID-19

Effective March 21, 2022

You can visit your Library in ways that make you feel comfortable, and we ask that you consider the different comfort levels, health risks, and health needs of everyone around you.

  • Masks are highly encouraged, and free masks are available for you. Just ask us! Please respect others’ decisions around masking.
  • Some folks need a little more distance. Please be mindful of those around you and respect their personal space.
  • Wash or sanitize hands frequently.
  • Cough or sneeze into your elbow or tissue.
  • Stay home if you are sick or feeling unwell. Curbside Pick-up and E-Library services are here to help.
  • Send a friend or family member to pick up a rapid test kit as needed.

Click here for more information on the Status of Library Service, or contact us via ​email at AskLib@Halifax.ca, opens a new window, call Ask the Library phone service at 902-490-5753, or use the webform below.

Borrowing Recommendations

Curbside Pick-up

 

How To: Use Curbside Pick-up

  • When picking up holds through Curbside Pick-up, please follow signage instructions at your local branch when you arrive to pick up items.
  • Exterior signage will be posted at Curbside Pick-up with guidelines on how to receive your items. Please follow these guidelines to ensure the safety of yourself and our staff. 
  • Each branch of Halifax Public Libraries offers Curbside Pick-up.

Holds

  • You can place holds on physical items. Items can be picked up in-person by visiting a library branch or through Curbside Pick-up.
  • When picking up holds through Curbside Pick-up, please follow signage instructions at your local branch when you arrive.
  • Processing time is slower than usual. Your "My Account" will take more time to update after you have returned an item, and your pick-up notifications will not be as fast as usual.

If you have any questions, connect with Ask the Library, or call your local branch.

Browse Our E-Library

Borrowing, Loans, and Fines

Get a library card

Residents of Nova Scotia can register here for a temporary, digital library card. This will give you access to our collection and E-Library tools.

Digital Cards will expire 6 weeks after registration. Please visit a Library branch within 6 weeks after you register to either get a physical card, or to make your digital card permanent. The Library will also email you a form to select which option you prefer, but you will need to visit a Library if your preference is to get a physical card.

Book Drops

All Book Drops are open.

  • Open hours of branch Book Drops may have changed. Click here for open hours at your local Library location.
  • If you visit a Book Drop and it is closed, we ask that you do not leave items outside the Book Drop.
  • If you have larger items, such as a musical instrument, Light Therapy To-go lamp, book club kits, etc., please do not return these items through Book Drops.

Please contact Ask the Library by calling 902-490-5753, or emailing asklib@halifax.ca if you are having difficulty accessing a branch Book Drop.

Loan periods

Loan periods remain the same.

Fines

Your Library is fine free. As of August 5, 2020, Halifax Public Libraries has eliminated overdue fines. Replacement fees will still be collected. For more information, click here.

Home Delivery and Borrow By Mail

Service to users of Home Delivery and Borrow By Mail will continue.

  • There may be changes to delivery days and times.
  • Library staff will connect with users of these services to alert you of any changes.

Interlibrary Loans

We have resumed full regular service of Interlibrary Loans.

  • The number of possible active requests is back to 5 per person.
  • Items borrowed from other libraries through Interlibrary Loans can be returned to one of our Book Drops.

Click to learn more about Interlibrary Loans.

Book donations

We are currently not accepting book donations. Updates will be provided here.

Library Kiosks

Library kiosks located at Halifax Stanfield International Airport are temporarily closed.

The Community Library Kiosk at the Tallahassee Recreation Centre in Eastern Passage is only accessible to students and staff members at this time.

Important Reminders

  • When you return an item, changes to your borrowed items under "My Account" may take extra time to update while our staff safely handle and process items. If you place a hold on an available item, it may take a little bit of extra time before you are notified that it is available for pick-up.
  • The safety of our community and staff is our top priority. Please practice physical distancing while using our Curbside Pick-up service or visiting a Library branch. You should also wear a mask. Informative signage is posted to help you easily navigate our spaces.
  • The Province of Nova Scotia provides recommendations on protecting yourself and helping to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
  • If you are unable to visit a library branch, you can still enjoy the Library! Learn something new by using an online resource in our E-Library, or catch up on your reading with an e-book. If you have been contacted to pick-up an item through Curbside Pick-up and you are unable to, let us know and we can suspend or cancel the hold. We're here for you!

Frequently Asked Questions

Connect with Ask the Library if you have any additional questions.

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