Membership

Whilst many of the Library's services are available to everyone, only Library members can borrow items, join our book clubs and attend computer courses and children's programs.  So Library membership has real benefits - read on to find out more.  On this page you will find information on:

• Obtaining a Library card
• Requesting email notification for your holds
• Loan periods
• Fees
• Late charges
• Holds, renewals and returning items when the Library is closed

Obtaining a Library Card

Please make your application to become a library member at the Circulation Desk on the main floor of the Library. You must present valid identification, preferably a driver's license or a bank cheque.

• Membership fees are collected annually.
• The St. Albert Public Library has a household membership system. Registrations are completed annually by one person from a household (must be 18 or over) who can list other household members at that address as associates.
• One permanent barcode card is issued per patron, each with a unique barcode number.
• You must report lost cards immediately. There is a 50 cent charge for the replacement card.
• You must present a valid library card at each check out or renewal.
• Patrons with valid library cards are eligible to take advantage of reciprocal borrowing agreements with other libraries.
• To speed up your registration process, use the Membership Form. Fill it in, print it off and bring it into the Library with you. This form will open in a new window on your computer.

Email Notification

You can receive notification of your holds and pre-overdue notices via email. Please use the Notification Form to request this service.

Loan periods

Books and audio books (Playaways limit of two): 3 weeks

Videos, CDs, magazines: 3 weeks

DVDs: 1 week

High Demand items: 2 weeks

Bestseller Express (limit of 2): 2 weeks

Separate loan periods may apply to popular items.

Maximum: 100 items per card.

For a handy quick-reference on library membership, print a copy of our Members' Guide.

Late Charges

Overdue charges are as follows and apply to individual items:

An item overdue by 52 days generates a bill for replacement costs. Charges will be reduced to the maximum overdue per item when returned.

Borrowing privileges are suspended when debt equals/exceeds $10 or when 10 items are overdue. A collection agency is used to collect debts of $50 or more.

Pay your fines online.

Holds

• Holds can be placed on all circulating items except Bestseller Express items.
• Holds can be placed by using the 'My Account' section of the online catalogue.
• Notification by Telephone Circulation Service.
• .50 cent charge for holds not cancelled and uncollected.

Renewals

• Two renewals available on most materials with the following exceptions:
  • items on hold
  • audio-visual material
  • junior non-fiction, one renewal only
  • seasonal material
• You can renew an item to extend the due date and keep it longer:
  • by accessing 'My Account' through the online catalogue
  • calling the Telephone Circulation Service (780-459-2979)
  • at the library check-out desk, or
  • at any of the terminals in the Library.

If at any time you are unable to renew your books through the My Account feature online, it is your responsibility to return the books to the Library for renewal. 

To return your items outside of library hours, use the 24-hour bookdrop at the library back entrance across from the Court House parking lot.