Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common library questions.
What are the library's hours?
Library hours vary by branch. Visit our Hours and Locations page for current hours.
What are the branch locations and contact numbers?
Visit our Contact page for addresses and phone numbers for each FEPL branch.
Is there a contact email for the library?
Yes. You can contact FEPL by email at info@fepl.ca.
Are branches open on holidays?
No. All FEPL branches are closed on statutory and civic holidays.
How do I borrow eBooks and audiobooks?
Borrow eBooks and audiobooks anytime using your library card through our Digital Library.
Browse available titles, select a title, and borrow it on your device.
How do I access digital resources from home?
Visit the Digital Library section of our website to explore available resources and download the apps you need to borrow, stream, and learn online.
Can I request an item from another branch?
Yes. You can request items from any library in the LiNC system.
Visit our Membership & Borrowing page for a list of participating libraries.
Where can I find new releases?
New releases are labelled "New" and can be found on the New Books display at each branch.
You can also browse new releases online through the New Books section of our website.
Can staff help me find my next read?
Yes. Staff are happy to help you find your next great read. Visit any of our service desks for personalized reading recommendations based on your interests, favourite authors, or genres.
Visit our Find Your Next Great Read page for reading recommendations and resources.
What can I do if I can’t find the material I’m looking for anywhere in LiNC?
If you can’t find an item in LiNC, you may be able to request it through Interlibrary Loan (ILLO). Staff can help you place a request, or you can create your own ILLO account through our website.
- Items requested from libraries outside the Niagara Region will be delivered to a FEPL branch for pickup.
- ILLO requests can take 4–6 weeks to arrive.
Visit our Interlibrary Loan page for more information, including items that are not eligible for requests.
Are there overdue fines?
No. FEPL does not charge overdue fines.
What happens if I lose or damage an item?
Items overdue for more than 60 days are considered lost.
Lost or damaged items are charged a $5.00 processing fee plus the replacement cost of the item. Borrowing privileges are suspended until these charges are paid.
Can I eat or drink in the library?
Yes. Food and drinks are permitted in designated library areas.
Are children allowed to stay in the library without a parent or caregiver?
Parents and guardians are responsible for ensuring those who require supervision are accompanied by a responsible caregiver.
Children ages 5 and under: A parent or guardian must remain within direct sight of their child at all times.
Library programs: Children who require supervision must not be left unattended. Parents and guardians do not need to attend the program but must remain in the library building.
What do I need to get a library card?
Anyone who lives, works, or owns property in Greater Fort Erie can get a free FEPL library card.
- Adults (18+) must provide one piece of government-issued photo ID or a combination of ID showing their name and current address.
- Children and teens (17 and under) must have a parent or guardian provide ID and/or sign a library card application.
Do I need to renew my library card?
Yes. Your library account must be renewed every three years to keep your information up to date.
- Visit any FEPL branch with valid ID to renew your account.
- Staff will verify and update your contact information if needed.
What is my PIN?
Your default PIN is the last four digits of the phone number on your library account.
How long can I keep items for?
Borrowing periods vary by item type:
- 7 days: DVDs, Video Games, Magazines, Library of Things Collection, Parks Pass, Wifi Hotspot
- 21 days: Books, Audiobooks, Music CDs, Launchpads
- 56 days: Book Club Sets
Most eligible items can be renewed up to three times. Visit our Membership & Borrowing page for more information.
Can I renew my items online?
FEPL automatically renews eligible items one day before the due date.
Items are not eligible for autorenewal if they:
- Have been requested by another patron
- Have reached the maximum of three renewals
- Are Interlibrary Loans
- Are part of the Library of Things collection
- Are Video Games
Visit our Membership & Borrowing page for more information.
How do I place a hold on an item?
Sign in to your online library account to place a hold or call any FEPL branch at 905-871-2546, and staff will place it for you.
Can I return items to any branch?
Yes. You can return items to any LiNC library branch.
How do I register for a library program?
Register for library programs at any branch or online through the Programs & Events section of our website.
Where can I find upcoming events?
Find upcoming events in the Programs & Events section of our website or in our monthly newsletter.
The newsletter is available online and in print at each branch.
Is there a password for the public Wi-Fi?
No. Connect to the public Wi-Fi network and accept the terms and conditions when prompted.
How much does printing cost?
Black and white printing costs $0.25 per side. Colour printing costs $0.50 per side.
Printing is free for resumes and federal or provincial forms.
Is there a charge for scanning?
No. Scanning documents at the library is free.
Can I print from my phone?
Yes. Print from your device using Princh through our website or the Princh app.
- Upload your document.
- Select your library branch.
- Pick up your print job at the service desk.
Do you offer faxing services?
No. Fax services are not available at the library.
There are several websites that offer free faxing.
Do I need a library card to use a computer?
No. A library card is not required to use a public computer.
How do I book a study room, and how long can I book it for?
Call or visit any FEPL branch to book a study room.
- Study rooms can be booked for up to 2 hours at a time and are available on a first come, first served basis.
- If you need additional time, ask staff when making your reservation.
- If you cannot attend your reservation, please let the library know so the room can be made available to others.