Library Membership
Adult Membership
Residents: Membership is FREE to every resident of Nova Scotia
Visitors
The Cape Breton Regional Library welcomes visitors to the area. Visitors who wish to check their email may do so at any one of our thirteen library branches. Public access terminals are available to visitors for 30 minute sessions, if a terminal is available. There is no fee for this service.
Visitors who wish to take advantage of our other services, such as book borrowing, may apply for a temporary card. A $5.00 deposit is required for non-Nova Scotian visitors. We will refund this deposit to you when your temporary card is returned to the library. There is no charge for residents of Nova Scotia visiting our area. This temporary card allows you to borrow books and magazines, as well as use the public access terminals for computer services.
Registration
When borrowers register at their nearest library branch or Bookmobile they will
be mailed a library card which may be used at any branch and on either of the two
Bookmobiles. Two pieces of valid identification will be required. Residents of
Cape Breton and Victoria counties can also register online.
The library card MUST be presented in order to borrow books or magazines.
Borrowing
Any number of items may be borrowed at one time. The date by which the item must be returned is stamped on the date due slip at the back. The library does reserve the right to limit the number of items borrowed from a single subject area and places a limit of four magazines per magazine title. ( i.e. 4 Macleans, 4 National Geographic, 4 People Magazines etc.). DVD’s and videos are available to patrons ages 14 and up (those between 14 - 18 require parental consent) and digital downloadable audio & e-books are available for borrowing through the library’s website.
Renewals
Renewals can be made if the item has not been requested by another borrower. Providing there are no holds on an item, residents of Cape Breton and Victoria Counties can renew books up to 10 times and DVD’s/videos up to 3 times. Visitors can renew DVD’s twice, and Books 3 times. Digital books cannot be renewed, but can be returned and checked out again if available.
Returning
Items may be returned to a branch or to a bookmobile other than the one from which they were borrowed if they are returned on or before the due date. Items may also be returned to university, community college, and all other Public Libraries throughout Nova Scotia.
Fines
A fine of .15 cents per item per library day is charged on overdue books, magazines and audio books, to a maximum of $3.00 per item. A fine of $1.00 per video/DVD per library day is charged on overdue videos/DVD’s to a maximum of $5 per title. There are no fines for digital books, because they automatically expire and return to the collection on their due date.
Lost or Damaged Books
The borrower is responsible for the books borrowed on his card. In case of loss or damage a charge for replacement or repair is made.
Lost Library Cards
If the library card has been lost it should be reported to the Library as soon as possible. If the card is not located by the end of one week, a replacement card may be secured at a charge of one dollar. ($1.00)
Junior Membership
Membership is FREE to all boys and girls in the Municipalities of the Counties of Cape Breton and Victoria.
Registration
A registration card for boys and girls up to the age of 14 must be signed by a parent or guardian. A library card will be then given to the girl or boy, in their name, which MUST be presented in order to borrow books.
Borrowing Books
Books, magazines and audio books may be borrowed for a period of TWO weeks. The date by which the item must be returned is stamped on the date due slip at the back of the item. The number of books which may be taken varies dependent upon the season of the year and the stock available. Children may borrow from the adult collection as well as the children's collection. The Library Board requests that parents wishing to monitor their children's reading materials do so on an individual basis.
Renewals
Books may be renewed for a further period of two weeks.
Fines
No fines are charged for overdue juvenile books. However, overdue books from the adult collection are subject to fines of 15 cents a day up to a maximum of $3.00 per book.
Lost or Damaged Books
The parent or guardian signing the child's registration is responsible for the books borrowed. In case of loss or damages a charge for replacement or repairs is made.
Lost Library Cards
If a child's library card is lost, it must be reported lost by a parent/guardian. If the card is not located within a week, a replacement may be obtained at a charge of 50 cents.
