Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is my PIN and how do I get one?
Q: What are databases and how do I access them?
Q: How to let my home computer remember my library card number and PIN?
Q: Can I suggest an item for the libraries' collection?
Q: What happens if I lose an item I've borrowed from the library?
Q: If my library items are due and I still need them or I can't get to the library, can I keep the items after their due date?
Q: How come I'm charged overdue fines?
Q: I don't like getting phones calls from the automated phone system when I have overdue items or items waiting for me, what can I do?
Q: I want to borrow an item, but it isn't available at my local branch, what can I do?
Q: Is there a limit to the number of items I can borrow or request?
Q: I want to place multiple holds / requests on items. Do I have to enter my library card number each time?
Q: How do I get a library card?
Q: What is RSS?
Q: What is an RSS reader?
Q: How to subscribe to an RSS feed?

What is my PIN and how do I get one?

Your PIN is your Personal Identification Number and serves as a security check when you try to access your library record online or access databases. You need it in order to check your library record, to renew items online and to access databases.

You selected your own PIN when you registered for a library card. If you don't remember it or you wish to change it,

• You may visit one of the library branches in person and show valid identification and your library card.
• If you have signed up Email Notification with VPL, you may use Forgot your PIN link on the catalogue login form and get a new PIN online.
• You may also change your PIN online. Login to your library record, click on My Account - Contact Information tab, then click on Change PIN link to change your PIN.

What are databases and how do I access them?

Vaughan Public Libraries subscribes to a number of online databases. These databases include reference materials and indexes and full text articles from a variety of magazines and journals covering a wide range of topics.

You need your library card and PIN to access these databases. If you have just registered at the library for a library card, you must wait 24 hours before your library card will allow you access to the databases.

For a listing of the databases, click here.

How to let my home computer remember my library card number and PIN?

To let your home computer remember your library card number and PIN, you have to set the Internet settings in your web browser.

If you use Internet Explorer,

1. Start Internet Explorer
2. On the Tools menu, click Internet Options
3. Click the Content tab
4. Under Personal information, click AutoComplete
5. In the AutoComplete Settings dialog box, select the User names and passwords on forms check box (if it is not already selected), select the Prompt me to save passwords check box (if it is not already selected), and then click OK
6. Click OK again to close the Internet Options dialog box.

If you use Mozilla Firefox,

1. Start Mozilla Firefox
2. On the Tools menu, click Options
3. Click the Privacy
4. Click the Passwords tab, check Remember Passwords (if it is not already selected), and then click OK

Can I suggest an item for the libraries' collection?

Use our Suggest Material for Purchase form if you would like to suggest the library purchase a specific title. Your request will be forwarded to the appropriate selectors, and you will be contacted with their decision.

What happens if I lose an item I've borrowed from the library?

If you have lost an item you borrowed from one of the libraries, you should report it to your local branch. You will have to pay for the item plus an administration fee. You will be given a written receipt for the item. If you find the item, you must return it with the receipt in order to get a refund. You will not be refunded the administration fee of $5.00.

If my library items are due and I still need them or I can't get to the library, can I keep the items after their due date?

In order to ensure that you will not be charged overdue fines, you should always renew your items on or before their due date. Renewing extends the loan period of the materials. You cannot renew items if there are other people waiting for the items. You may renew an item 3 times if there is no one waiting for the item.

There are numerous ways to renew a library item (via phone, in person, online). The information is found here on our website.

How come I'm charged overdue fines?

If you do not return or renew your items on or before their due date, you will be charged an overdue fine. Overdue fines vary depending upon the item you have overdue. A list of the charges is found here on our website.

I don't like getting phones calls from the automated phone system when I have overdue items or items waiting for me, what can I do?

If you give us your email address, we will set it up so that you receive emails warning you that your items are soon due, informing you that your materials are overdue and letting you know when you have items available at the library for pick up. We call this service Email Notification.

I want to borrow an item, but it isn't available at my local branch, what can I do?

If there is an item that you want but it is located at another branch of Vaughan Public Libraries or is currently out to another person, you may place a hold on it. The item will be shipped to whichever location you select and when it is available you will receive an email or a phone call.

You can place a hold in person at your local branch, via the online catalogue or by phoning the library (905-653-READ) and asking for the reference desk. You will need your library card to place a hold.

Is there a limit to the number of items I can borrow or request?

You can borrow up to 100 items at a time. Once you reach the 100 item limit for materials checked out, you will not be able to borrow any further items until some that you have at home are returned. This can be all DVDs or all books, or a combination of books, DVDs, CDs, and magazines. You can also place holds on up to 100 items at a time. This includes items that you are still waiting for, and items that are ready for you to pick up. If you reach the 100 item hold limit, you just need to check out some of your items that are ready for pick-up, and you will be able to start requesting further titles.

I want to place multiple holds / requests on items. Do I have to enter my library card number each time?

On the online catalogue, you can select items to a Cart. On each page, you must check the item(s) and click on Save to Cart or the items won't be saved. You can add as many items as desired. The Cart is temporary and will disappear 10 minutes after you stop searching. Once the Cart is created you can save it, export it to csv (which will show up as an Excel spreadsheet if you have Excel) or email it. If you choose Save, you will be prompted to login to your library card and name the Cart. Once a Cart is named and saved, it will stay permanently. You will be able to access it whenever you log into your account, by clicking on My Lists. Once you have a List, you can select items in a List and click the Request button to place requests on all the selected items.

How do I get a library card?

You can apply online or come into a branch of Vaughan Public Libraries. You will need to bring identification to verify your address. You will find the information that is required here on our website.

What is RSS?

RSS (”Really Simple Syndication”) is a format that allows you to receive updated content from sources of your choice. For example, if you subscribe to the New Arrivals RSS feeds on this site, it will deliver the information about new arrivals in VPL's collection that is posted to the site without having to visit the page! In order to read the feeds you subscribed, you need an RSS reader.

What is an RSS reader?

An RSS reader (also called an aggregator) is a software application that allows you to read blogs and websites that publish RSS feeds. There are a number of standalone RSS readers available freely, check this site for a comprehensive list. Google Reader and Bloglines are free, web-based readers that do not require a download. Some modern web browsers have a built-in RSS reader, like Internet Explorer 7 and Mozilla Firefox.

How to subscribe to an RSS feed?

To subscribe to any feed on this site, click on the button, then the feed will be added into your RSS reader.