Frequently Asked Questions

Visit our online calendar to view and register for programs and events by age, program type and location. You can add events to your own digital calendar too! 

We ask all members to renew their library cards regularly so that we have your current information on your account. There are three easy ways to renew your card:

• Fill out a form to confirm your current address and contact information
• Bring current and valid identification with you on your next visit any of our locations
• Call 705-728-1010, option #3. Be sure to have your library card number handy!

If you are experiencing problems accessing Digital Library resources, log in to your myBPL account to make sure your membership is still active. If you have oustanding fees, you can pay them online.

Our catalogue includes many exciting features to help you find exactly what you want. Check out myBPL!

Not sure how to use myBPL? We have many ways to help!

• Learn on your own with tutorials and walkthroughs at our Digital Library Academy.
• Visit any location and ask Staff for assistance
• Phone us at 705-728-1010 or email askus@barrielibrary.ca

Loan periods vary by the type of item you are borrowing.

Visit the Loan Periods & Fees page for full details.

You can borrow up to 80 items at a time, including 30 DVDs and 5 video games.

No, you can return items to any of our locations (outdoor return slots are open 24/7). You can even return books using our self-serve library kiosks at Allandale Recreation Centre and East Bayfield Community Centre. 

Our Digital Library includes 70+ online tools and apps to access eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines, skill-building resources, and more. 

Tips on using the Digital Library can be found on the Tips & How-Tos page. 

Detailed guides and videos on how to use specific online resources can be found on the Digital Library Academy. This is where you'll find how to get started with our eBooks, magazines and newspapers.

Or contact us for help navigating any of the resources in our Digital Library!

Log in to your myBPL account to see your account details including:

• Due dates for items you have checked out
• Status of holds
• Fees

You can pay fees:

• Online through SmartPay with a credit card
• In person at any library location by cash, debit or credit

Learn more about SmartPay Online Fee Payment. 

If you can't find the information you are looking for, email us, call 705-728-1010, option #3, or visit us in person at any location. Our staff would be happy to help!

If you can't find a book, DVD or other item in the catalogue:

• email us or call 705-728-1010, option #3
• If the item was published within the last 12 months, Suggest a Title to purchase.
• If the item is older than 12 months, we may be able to borrow it from another library using Inter-library Loan
• If the item is an e-book or e-audiobook, Suggest a Title for Purchase on cloudLibrary

Your PIN is a 4-digit number that you need to place holds on material, access resources in the Digital Library and use the self-check machines at our locations.

There are many ways to reset your PIN:

• Select the My Account button, click Login/Register then click Forget your PIN? to receive an email with a link to set a new PIN. This only works if you have previously registered with myBPL.
• email us and request a PIN reset. Please include information to allow us to verify your account, such as your name and library card number
• Staff can reset your PIN in person at any location. Current name and address identification may be required.