How do I get an OWWL library card?
You can register for an OWWL library card at any public library in Ontario, Wayne, Wyoming, and Livingston (OWWL) Counties. If you have never had a card issued by an OWWL member library before, you can request a card online. Policies for registering for, and using, library cards are set individually by library. Contact your local library for more information.
An OWWL library card can be used in all Ontario, Wayne, Wyoming and Livingston County public libraries.
What type of identification is required to register for a library card?
Policies for registering for library cards are set individually by library. Generally, most libraries require some form of photo identification and proof of current address.
How do I get a PIN or Password to login into my account?
When your account was created, you were assigned a default password of the last 4 digits of your phone number.
If you have forgotten your PIN/Password, or if you want to change it, you can use the “Forgot your password?” link to reset it, or contact your local library for assistance.
More information about logging in and managing your password is available on the Signing Into Your Account help page.
What can I do with my my account online?
When logged in to your account, you can:
- View account details, including items checked out, holds, fines, and more
- Set account preferences
- Change your password
- Renew current loans
- Place holds
- Create, save, and share lists of titles
- Enable a checkout history
For help with these features, refer to the catalog’s help pages.
Are there fines for overdue items?
Some OWWL libraries charge a fine for each day an item is overdue. OWWL fines are posted to your account and may be paid at any OWWL library in Ontario, Wayne, Wyoming and Livingston Counties.
Fines of $5.00 or more will block your account and prevent you from borrowing more items. If renewals are available for an overdue item with fines, you can still renew the loan to stop additional fines from accruing.
Is there a way to reserve popular or difficult to find items?
Yes. You may place holds to reserve items when logged in to your account.
You can log in to your account and then start a catalog search, or, start searching and you will be prompted to login as part of the place hold process. You may also ask library staff to place holds for you.
For more information about placing holds, refer to the Holds help page.
Is there a charge for holds?
There is no charge for placing holds in owwl.org. However, if you fail to pick up a hold 7 days after being notified that it is available, you may be charged a $1.00 fee.
May I return my books to any library?
Yes. Materials may be returned to any public library in Ontario, Wayne, Wyoming and Livingston Counties, unless otherwise noted on the material.
Can I renew materials I have borrowed?
Yes. As long as your OWWL library account is in good standing and there are no holds on the item, you can renew most library items twice. Renewals can be done in person at the library, online when logged in to your account, or by contacting your local library.
Is there a way to request a book that is not owned in OWWL?
Yes. Books that not available in the OWWL catalog, and are at least three years old, can be requested through Interlibrary Loan.
- There is a non-refundable $5 fee for each request.
- The fee will be collected at the time your request is made.
- Payment does not guarantee the book will be received.
Contact your local library for more information on this service.
What if an item I borrowed is lost or damaged?
When an item is lost, you may have to pay for its replacement. If an item is damaged, you may have to pay for its repair or replacement. If you have an item that is four weeks overdue, your account will be automatically billed for an “assumed lost” item.
Contact your local library to discuss the any questions related to lost or damaged books.
Will I be notified about overdue materials?
Yes. Libraries use several method to contact people about overdue materials. If you have an email address in your account, you will get an email reminder three days before items are due, and another email when a loan is seven days overdue. Additional notices – postcards, letters, phone calls, or email – are sent at fourteen days overdue. A letter will be sent at four weeks overdue for an item that is “assumed lost”.