Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have a question about the Library? This section of the website includes information about library services and common questions from our members. Read through our frequently asked questions below or contact us for more information and queries about the Library. 

 

How do I become a Richmond Hill Public Library Member?

To become a member, you simply need to get a library card! Visit any branch to register for a membership. It can be used to borrow physical items like books, movies, and music, as well as a large collection of digital content like ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, and much more. Learn more.

How do I renew my membership?

Library cards expire every two years. Approximately 30 days prior to your membership expiring, you will receive notice to connect with our staff for renewal. You’ll need to verify your identity. To renew your membership, please visit your nearest RHPL branch. 

If you are unable to visit your nearest RHPL branch to renew your membership, you can connect a member of our staff over phone to verify your information such as your address, contact information and email. If there has been any change in your address, you will need to visit the nearest RHPL branch with a proof of address.

How do I book a meeting room?

If your business, non-profit, or community organization is looking for a space to create, connect, and converse, we’ve got a meeting room for you! Each of our locations offer meeting rooms with various seating capacities to suit your needs. Learn about fees, seating capacities, and how to book a room. 

How do I check or change my account?

Making changes to your account is easy! Simply visit ‘My Account’ where you can view and change your preferences, review and renew items you’ve borrowed, pay fees, register for events, suggest programs and books, and much more. If you would prefer to connect with someone directly, please call 905-884-9288.

How do I attend a program or activity?

To attend one of our exciting programs or activities, check out our program calendar and program guide for information about drop-in programs, registered programs, and special events. 

How do I sign out a computer or iPad?

Keeping our Members connected online is important to us, which is why we offer many computers and iPads for use at each of our locations (for up to 2 hours per day). To book a computer, visit a location or reserve a time online. Note that each computer is automatically wiped and reset after each session, and fees incurred if iPads are lost or damaged. Learn more.

How do I recommend a book or program?

We welcome input from our members. If you have a book recommendation, read our collections policy and fill out the form with your suggestion. For programs you'd like to suggest, click on the "make a suggestion" form on the footer of our homepage, fill out the form, and submit to the Library. 

How do I access WiFi at the Library?

We’re pleased to offer free WiFi at all RHPL branches. Simply ensure your device is powered on, turn on your WiFi, and connect to the “RHPL-Public” network. Then, launch your web browser and click the button to accept our turns and get connected. 

How do I make a comment or provide feedback to the Library?

Your feedback is important to us. If you have something you’d like to share, please contact us or make use of our Website Feedback feature.

How do I find an item?

To find an item, simply type your search in the search box at the top of the screen and press Enter. Your results will load on the screen. Click on an item to view more information. 

How do I place a hold on an item or items?

In order to place a hold on items, you simply need to ensure your membership is in good standing and visit a location, call 905-884-9288, or log in to ‘My Library’. You will be notified when your item is available for pick up. Please bring the library card that the hold was placed against when checking out the item.

How do I return or renew my books?

Our materials can be returned to any Richmond Hill Public Library branch. They can be returned inside the branch during staffed hours, or outside 24/7 through external drop boxes. Renewing Library books is easy! If you wish to renew an item, you can renew in person, or over the phone by calling 905-884-9288. You can also login online to ‘My Library’ to renew items. Note some restrictions apply, and that in the interest of fairness, items with holds cannot be renewed.

How do I replace a lost, stolen, or expired library card?

Life happens! If your library card has been taken or misplaced, please report the missing card to the Library so that items cannot be borrowed against your card without your consent. A replacement card can then be issued for $2.00, as long as identification and proof of address is provided.

Library cards expire every two years. At the time of renewal, you will need to verify your name, mailing address, email address (if any), and telephone number (if any) either in person or online. All outstanding monies owing will need to be paid prior to renewal, and students, children, and other customers living outside of York Region will need to renew in person.

How do I use the Interlibrary Loans service?

To request an interlibrary loan item, you must have an Richmond Hill Public Library card that is in good standing. You can submit a request in person at any branch information desk, or refer to our website for more information.

How do I donate books to the Library?

We appreciate you thinking of Richmond Hill Public Library; however, we don't accept book donations from community members for our collections. We recommend that you reach out to your nearest donation centre to coordinate dropping off these books.