The Huron County Library is pleased to announce that all 12 library branches will begin re-opening for limited in-branch services starting the week of Feb. 14.

Limited services include scheduled computer appointments, inside browsing and holds pick-ups, and space bookings. Given the unique design of each library space and the ever-evolving nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, patrons are encouraged to contact their local branch to confirm hours and available services. For those of you not yet comfortable with visiting us indoors, curbside services will continue to be available at all branches.

In following the advice of local public health authorities, the Huron County Library continues to make every effort to ensure visits to each branch are safe and enjoyable for everyone. As a result, we ask that you review the following information before visiting:

• To accommodate physical distancing, the number of people allowed in each branch is limited. Once capacity has been reached, you may be asked to wait outside before you can enter the branch.
• According to Huron Perth Public Health guidelines, both staff and patrons are asked to wear a face covering at all times, even if fully vaccinated. Masks will be made available for those who may not have one.
• The hours and services at each branch do vary and are subject to change based on County of Huron, Huron Perth Public Health, and Provincial advisement. Changes to staffing levels could also impact available services, so please visit HuronCountyLibrary.ca or follow Huron County Library on Facebook for the most up-to-date information on our hours and services.
• If you are feeling unwell, we kindly ask that you visit us at another time.

For those of you who are unable to access your local branch at this time, a wide variety of online services continue to be available through the Huron County Library website. Gain online access to movies, e-books, audiobooks, magazines, music, genealogy resources, and more for free with your library card. If you need help with renewing your library card or getting set up with a new card, please contact your local branch or visit our website for full membership details.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact your local branch or email libraryadmin@huroncounty.ca.

When life gets busy, the Huron County Library knows that renewing library items can easily be forgotten. So we are very pleased to announce that, in addition to eliminating overdue fines, we are also implementing an automatic renewal system that will now take care of renewing items for you!

Starting Feb. 7, eligible items will be automatically renewed on their due date up to two times. Email notifications will be sent to let you know which items have been automatically renewed so you can enjoy them a little longer. A new due date will be listed with each renewed item.

Items not eligible for automatic renewals include:

• Items that have reached their maximum renewals (items renewed up to two times)
• Items on hold for another patron
• Book Club Sets
• Items borrowed through Interlibrary Loan
• Internet Hubs
• Passes for parks, pools, recreation, etc.
• Special collection items, such as e-readers and Launchpads

To keep track of due dates for all of your checkouts, log into your account online or contact staff at your local branch. Even if items renew automatically, you can always return them to a branch near you at any time before their due date.

What happens if items are not returned after the automatic renewal period?

• Accounts will be blocked when an item is 3 weeks overdue and patrons will be unable to borrow library materials or access online resources with their Huron County Library card. Items can be returned at anytime to unblock an account.
• Items that have been overdue for over 2 months are assumed lost, and the patron will be billed for the replacement costs. Charges are removed if the item is returned undamaged.
• Any patron with bills over $10 for overdue Interlibrary Loan materials, damaged or lost items, will have their accounts blocked.
• Any patron who has 20 or more overdue items will be immediately blocked.

If you have any questions, please email libraryadmin@huroncounty.ca or speak with your local branch staff.

The Huron County Library is excited to launch a new, mobile-friendly online catalogue through Bibliocommons.

The new catalogue offers smarter searching, better browsing and improved personal features that allow you to create personal reviews, build lists, and share your favourite reads with the Huron County Library community! Here is a quick overview to help get you started:

Create an account

To start, visit huron.bibliocommons.com. When logging in for the first time, you will be asked to create an account. Use your Huron County Library card number and PIN to complete the quick online account setup form.

Create a username

Once you first log in, you can customize your user name. Please note that this will be visible to other users and will be displayed if you review materials or create lists to share.

Provide your email address

To use the Forgot Password feature, you will need to add an email address to your account. We will never send you unsolicited emails.

Your library dashboard includes:

• Your account information
• Current checkouts
• Holds and In-Transit items
• Your shelves and lists
• and so much more!

Searching and borrowing

Searching for materials has never been easier. Type what you’re looking for into the search bar at the top of the screen and get the most relevant results first. Instead of 10 listings for the same title, all book formats will be grouped together so you can find what you want faster.

Placing holds

Item availability is now easier to see with colour-coded text: green for available items and red for items you’ll have to place on hold. Place holds directly from your search results! If you always use the same library branch, select it as your preferred location and turn on One-Click Holds. This allows you to place holds and have them sent to your home branch in just one click! From your Library Dashboard, manage your current checkouts and holds. Renew items, pause holds if you’re going on vacation, change your pickup location, and more!

Account privacy

The catalogue has many great features that allow you to share what you’re reading, watching, and loving. Before you get started, it’s important to understand what you’re sharing publicly and what is kept private.

Always private:

• Current checkouts, holds, and fines
• Your PIN/password
• Your borrowing history, if you’ve enabled it

Public activity that can be made private:

• Your activity feed, which includes comments, ratings, etc.
• Any books you add to your Completed, For Later, or In Progress shelves
• For help with your privacy settings, please speak directly to branch staff. We’re always happy to help!

Get social

After you review your privacy settings, start connecting with library users in your community, rate and comment on materials in the catalogue, tell us what you’ve loved, and more!

Try our new catalogue now!

Visit huron.bibliocommons.com and get started!

Access to our old catalogue will be available until Dec. 31, 2021. If you have used the My Lists option in the old catalogue, please begin to migrate them over to the new catalogue before the end of the year. 

Questions?

If you have any questions or concerns while using the new site, please speak with your local branch staff or email librarynews@huroncounty.ca.