Key Highlights
Here are the key things to know about the Western Counties Regional Library:
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The regional library gives people a lot of services, like borrowing books, movies, and using digital things such as ebooks and audiobooks.
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You can get a free library card without trouble. People can sign up online or go to a local library branch to do this.
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Library users get to look after their own accounts online by using the library catalogue. It’s easy to place holds or renew items this way.
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There are 10 branch places in Digby, Shelburne, and Yarmouth counties. Every branch has its own open hours.
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The library puts on many programs and events for people of all ages.
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Some branches have accessible computer stations. This gives public access for everyone who needs it.
Introduction
Welcome to the Western Counties Regional Library. This is the place where people can learn, find new things, and connect with others in the community. It does not matter if you have loved books all your life, or if you are new to libraries. There is something for everyone here. This guide will show you what you can get and what you can do at the library. You will learn about the large collection and the fun community programs. All library users can use their free library card to open the door to many books, digital media, and other helpful things. Let’s look at what the regional library has for you.
Services Offered by Western Counties Regional Library
The Western Counties Regional Library has many services for people in the community. You can borrow many things, even popular items. If you want something that is not here, you can ask for interlibrary loan materials from other libraries. The library staff will help you with anything you need.
You can get more than just books. The library has a big digital library, public computers, and programs for every age group. Below, you will find more about borrowing, popular items, interlibrary loan, and the digital library you can use from home.
Borrowing Books, Media, and Special Collections
Your library card lets you get many books, movies, music, and more. Borrowing is easy to do. Just find what you want in the library catalogue online or at any branch. Use your card to check it out.
You get a good amount of time, known as the loan period, to use what you borrow. Try to watch your due dates so you can get your things back on time. If you need more time, you can renew most items up to two times. You can do this as long as no one else has put a hold on the item. This way, all people can borrow top choices from the catalogue.
If you want something not in our collection, you can use interlibrary loan to get it from another library. The loan period for interlibrary loan items might be less than our usual four weeks. The other library will set how long you can keep these items.
Digital Resources and eLibrary Access
Getting into the library’s digital resources is simple when you have your library card number. The eLibrary is open all the time. You can use it to borrow ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, and more. All of this can be done right from your own device.
Two of the best apps are OverDrive (with the Libby app) and Hoopla. These apps let you see thousands of titles for free with your library card.
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OverDrive/Libby: You can borrow ebooks, audiobooks, and lots of digital magazines. There are no limits on how much you can check out.
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Hoopla: You can stream or download movies, TV shows, music, comics, and more. There is no wait time.
There are some databases just for certain groups too. TumbleBooks is for kids, and TeenBookCloud is for teens. All you need to do is go to the eLibrary page on the library’s website. Pick the service you want and log in with your library card to see the digital collection.
Membership and Library Card Information
It is free and easy to become a member of the Western Counties Regional Library. When you get your library card, you can use all the resources and services at the regional library. All library patrons are welcome to sign up for a card. This card lets you make a library account to keep track of your checkouts and holds.
You can sign up for your library card in person or do it at home online. The process does not take much time. This guide will show you how to apply for a library card and how to look after your library account online.
How to Apply for a Library Card
Getting a library card can be easy. You can apply online by going to the library’s website. Fill out the form. After you send it in, your card will be mailed to you in about three business days. This lets you start using online resources right away.
If you want, you can also visit any branch. You can go to Main Street in Yarmouth or your own local library. The library staff will help you sign up in person. You just need to give some basic information to set up your library card.
Your library card will expire every three years. Renewing it is easy as well. You can do it online or ask the library staff at any branch. Keeping your account in good standing means you can keep borrowing and use all the great library services.
Managing Your Western Counties Regional Library Account
Your online account helps you handle what you do at the library. To get started, go to the library website and click “Log In / My Account.” You must type in your 14-digit library card number with no spaces and your PIN. The PIN is the password you get when you sign up, but you can change it whenever you want.
When you are signed in to your library account, you can see all the items you have right now, check when they are due, or renew them if they are not overdue or on hold for someone else. You can look at and deal with your holds, too. You even have the option to change where you pick things up or to pause a hold if you are not ready for it.
The library catalogue works with your online account. This makes it easy to put a hold on something you find in the catalogue. If you cannot get into your account, it might be because your library card has expired or you still need to pay fees.
Accessing Library Branches and Local Programs
With ten branches in the area, you are always close to a local library branch. You can find places from the Yarmouth Public Library, branches in Barrington Passage, and the town of Shelburne. Each spot is a nice place to read, learn, and meet people in the community.
Every local branch gives you access to the full library collection. You can also use public computers and join local programs. The next parts will tell you more about where each branch is, when they are open, and what kinds of events you may find.
Branch Locations and Opening Hours
The Western Counties Regional Library has ten branch locations across Digby, Yarmouth, and Shelburne counties, plus the library headquarters in Yarmouth. This makes it easy to find a library near you. Community rooms are also available for booking at the Barrington, Digby, Meteghan (Clare), Pubnico, Shelburne, Weymouth, and Yarmouth branches.
Open hours vary by location, so it’s always a good idea to check the library’s website for the most current information before you visit. This ensures you can plan your trip and make the most of your time at the library.
You can find contact details and specific hours for all branch locations online. Here is a list of the branches you can visit:
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County |
Branch Name |
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Digby |
Isaiah W. Wilson Memorial Library (Digby) |
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Digby |
Westport Library |
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Digby |
Weymouth Waterfront Library |
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Shelburne |
Clark’s Harbour Library |
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Shelburne |
Lillian B. Benham Library (Lockeport) |
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Shelburne |
McKay Memorial Library (Shelburne) |
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Yarmouth |
Izaak Walton Killam Memorial Library (Yarmouth) |
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Yarmouth |
Pubnico Library |
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Yarmouth |
Senator Ambroise H. Comeau Memorial Library (Meteghan) |
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Yarmouth |
Barrington Municipal Library (Barrington Passage) |
Programs and Events for Children, Teens, and Adults
The library is a lively place. It has many programs and events for all ages. You might find story time for your toddler. There is a book club for adults. Teens can join tech workshops. There is always something going on at your local branch.
Library staff work to plan programs that match what people need and like. If you have an idea for a program, you can send it as a proposal on the library’s website. Planning takes at least three months. You will get a reply in about two business days.
To find out what’s new, check the library’s website. You can also contact your local branch to see what is coming up. Here are some examples of what you might see:
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Activities and workshops for all ages
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Presentations and performances
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Author talks and book discussions
Policies and Support for Library Users
The Western Counties Regional Library has some simple policies to help all library users have a good time when they visit. These rules cover many things, like borrowing books and using interlibrary loan services. Knowing these rules makes it easier for the regional library to help us all.
The rules about overdue interlibrary loans are very important. These loans come from other lending libraries, so you need to know what to do. The next parts will go over important regional library rules for using the library. They will also tell you how to get help if you have any questions about interlibrary loan or borrowing items.
Library Usage Policies and Guidelines
The library wants rules to be fair and simple. With borrowing, you can renew most things two times. You can, if they are not overdue or if no one else has asked for them. If you want to renew items from other libraries, you have to go through the interlibrary loan department. Make sure you ask at least one week before the items are due.
When using interlibrary loan, the rules come from the lending library. Some libraries will ask for interlibrary loan fees. If there are fees, you will get the charge once you use the items. Try to return these things on time. If you have overdue interlibrary loans, you may need to wait longer for your next request.
Your account has to stay in good standing if you want to keep borrowing. If you owe more than $30.00 or you have more than three overdue books, you may lose your borrowing right until you take care of your account.
Contact and Assistance Services
If you want help or have something to ask, the library gives you a few ways to reach out. The library staff want to help and will work to answer you in 48 hours on business days.
For questions that are not urgent, use email and send a note to question@westerncounties.ca. The contact form on the library website is good if you want to ask a question, give a book idea, or say you have a program you want to run. Using these choices lets the right part of the library see your request faster.
If you need help now or something only your branch can answer, go to or call your nearby library. The library is there to give public access to what people need and will support you.
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Email: question@westerncounties.ca for general questions.
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Website: Try the online forms for questions and ideas.
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In-person: Walk in to any of the 10 branch locations for help.
Conclusion
The Western Counties Regional Library is important to the community. It gives you many services to help with your reading and learning. You can borrow books, use digital resources, and join programs for all ages. The regional library has something for everyone.
If you become a member, you can get more from the library. You can learn more, find new things you like, and meet other people in your area. Take time to see what the regional library offers. Use these services to get the most out of your local library.
If you have any questions or want help, contact the library’s support team. Enjoy your reading!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I access eBooks and digital resources from Western Counties Regional Library?
You can get digital books and other items on the eLibrary page at the library’s website. To use these, log in with your library card number. You will need to use your online account. With the OverDrive and the Libby app, plus Hoopla, you have a way to borrow thousands of free ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, and more.
Where can I find branch locations and opening hours?
You can get the full list of local library branches, including open hours, on the library’s website. Every branch, from the town of Shelburne to Yarmouth, has its own hours. To know when they are open, it is good to check online. This way, you have the latest info before you go.
How can I contact the Western Counties Regional Library for help or information?
To get help from the library, you can send an email to question@westerncounties.ca. You may also use the contact form the website gives you, or you can go to your local branch for help in person. Library staff will work with you to answer your questions and make public access to information easy for all.