Loan Periods
Port Hope Public Library has two loan periods - 3 weeks and 7 days - to ensure that as many patrons as possible have a chance to borrow high-demand items quickly.
The loan period for all material is 3 weeks except:
- 7 day loans include new bestsellers and DVDs
- Ontario Provincial Park passes are available for a one week loan
- Interlibrary loans, which are given a loan period by the lending library; these items are not renewable
Going away for more than 3 weeks?
Ask for an extended loan period when you check out your items at the Circulation Desk.
Item |
Loan Period |
Renewable |
|
Books |
3 Weeks |
Yes |
|
New Bestsellers |
7 Days |
Yes |
|
Magazines |
3 Weeks |
Yes |
|
Audio Books |
3 Weeks |
Yes |
|
Music CDs |
3 Weeks |
Yes |
|
Children’s Books with CDs |
3 Weeks |
Yes |
|
Interlibrary Loans |
3 Weeks |
No |
|
DVDs |
7 Days |
Not for extended holiday loan |
You may place a hold:
- in person, at either branch
- by telephone at 905.885.4712 and choosing '0' to speak to staff
- by accessing your account through the Library Catalogue.
To place a hold:
- Patrons who have registered on the Library catalogue should login to see if the Library owns the title
- Click the Place Hold icon and confirm your request
- If you are requesting a certain DVD from a series or a specific issue of a magazine the items list will show and you can easily choose the correct copy or series part you require
- Best practise is to provide your email address for hold notifications but we will happily call you when materials become available
Please speak to staff if the material you require is not owned by the Library. The title might be available through interlibrary loan or you could make a purchase suggestion.
Too many pages and not enough time? No worries – most Library material is renewable and we'll do it for you automatically!
In addition to the original loan period, Library material can be renewed twice more. Port Hope Public Library offers auto-renewals so that items checked out to you will be automatically renewed if not returned by the original due date. This gives you the option of up to 9 weeks to enjoy your choices on 3 week loans. New Fiction and DVDs, on 7 day loan, are also renewable for up to two extra weeks.
Auto-renewal is not applicable on items that have been requested by others or on interlibrary loan materials. Sign up for email to receive notifications about your automatic renewals next time you are in the Library.
You may renew items yourself but with auto-renewals you do not have to:
- when you visit the Library and present your library card
- online by accessing your account through the Library catalogue
- by phoning 905.885.4712, choosing option '0' and providing your library card number to staff
You’ve finished it, now where do you return it?
Library material borrowed from the Mary J. Benson Branch or from the Port Hope Community Hub may be returned to either location.
Mary J. Benson Branch : We encourge patrons to return items to the outside Book Return at the Mary J Benson Branch. The book return at the Mary J. Benson Branch is located at the south-west corner of the building, just off the parking lot. The drop box is open 24/7. (If you forget we have a red bin inside the front door for use when we're open.)
The Hub Branch : Materials can be returned inside at The Hub in Canton, to staff when we're open or to the Book Return in the front foyer. The drop box is open 24/7.
Port Hope Public Library does not charge late fees.
Port Hope Public Library has removed all barriers to service by eliminating overdue fines. Printed due date slips, automatic renewal emails and overdue notices will remind patrons to return Library materials in a timely manner. Drop Boxes at both branches allow patrons to return items 24/7.
Reminders will be sent to patrons who keep Library materials longterm. Patrons will eventually receive invoices for the replacement costs of any books, magazines, DVDs and talking books that have not been returned. Your Public Library is funded with Municipality of Port Hope tax revenues for the benefit of everyone. It is the responsibility of the Library Board to ensure these resources are well managed.
We can add your email address to your account to ensure you receive important notifications.
Borrowing privileges are suspended once you owe $10.00 or more on your account.
The replacement cost of lost or damaged material will be added to your account.
Library card replacement
We will be happy to issue a replacement library card. Please visit the Circulation Desk of either Branch and show current identification with your name and address. The fee for a replacement card is: $5.00
Temporary memberships
Three-month temporary Library memberships are available at a cost of: $20.00
(How to join the Library)
Non-resident memberships
Library memberships are available for out-of-town users at a cost of: $50.00 per year per household
(How to join the Library)
Printing charges
Library computer users may print information at a charge of: $0.25/page b&w & $0.50/page colour.
Photocopying charges
- $0.25/page for b&w single-sided copies
- $0.50/page for colour copies
Local History and Genealogical Research
- Simple search and copy services - $5.00 per item, pre-paid only
- Complex searches - $30.00 per hour, minimum charge of $30.00, plus $5.00 per item for copies of documents
- (Local History)
Room rental and equipment charges
- $35.00/hour – room rental during Library hours
- $40.00/hour – room rental after Library hours
- $10.00 – Flipchart with paper
- $20.00 - Large-screen TV with computer or DVD/VCR player
- $30.00 – Large-screen TV with computer and DVD/VCR player
- (Room Rentals)
Payment forms
- Cash
- Debit Card (at the Mary J. Benson Branch only)
- Cheque made out to Port Hope Public Library
The Library does not accept credit cards at this time.