How we Serve our Community
The Library provides lots of programs and services. Just look at some of the things you can do…
Get Your Own Library Card
Membership is free! Library cards are available to permanent residents of The Township of Athens Public Library.
When you come into the library to make your card, you will be asked for verification of your Township address so please bring a driver’s license, mail or something that confirms your identity and address. If you reside outside the Township but own property, you may also qualify for a free library card.
You can also get a library card with us for free if you have a library card with the any of the following libraries: Elizabethtown/Kitley, Rideau Lakes, Leeds and 1000 Islands, and Front of Younge. If you reside outside of our area, you may still get a library card for an annual fee of $15.
Children grade 6 and under require parental consent before being assigned a library card. Cost of replacement card is $5.00
Search for a Book
Click Here, to open the catalogue. You can then search using the search bar at the top. If you are looking for a particular type of item, you can use the filters, located on the left side of the page, once you have started your search.
To watch a video on how to use our online catalogue, click here.
Our Collection
The Township of Athens Public Library has a large collection of fiction and non-fiction materials. This includes:
Adult, Teen, and Children books
DVDs
Board Games
Magazines
Reference Collections (and services)
Government Documents
Local History Collection
Puzzles
Loan Periods
You may borrow ten items at a time. We have a three-week loan period for most books, DVDs, board games, and magazines. Our book drop is located on the west side of the library for after hour returns.
Fine & Replacements
Our library has gone fine free for most materials! Due to limited quantities, Museum Passes accrue fines at the rate of one (1) dollar per day when overdue. If library materials are lost, damaged, or long overdue, library members will be charges the full replacement cost of the item.
Renew Items & Place Holds
Renewals may be made on all items provided no-one has placed a reserve on that item. Renewals may be made over the phone, by email, or in person. If an item that you want is checked out at the moment, you may ask the library staff to place a hold on it for you.
Reciprocal Borrowing
Athens Public Library has reciprocal borrowing agreements with the following libraries: Elizabethtown/Kitley, Rideau Lakes, Leeds and 1000 Islands, and Front of Younge. If you have a library card with us, you can also get a library card at any of these libraries for free. If you have a library card with any of these library systems, you can get a free library card with us! Ask us how you can get your card.
InterLibrary Loan
For items not located within our library system, our Librarians will try to obtain the item from another library. Through our InterLibrary Loan service, you have access to millions of books!
Patrons will be notified by phone or email when the item arrives; items will be held for one week. Loan periods will vary depending on the source library. If a book is damaged or lost, the patron will be charged the replacement cost as per the lending library’s policy. InterLibrary Loan privileges can be limited or revoked at our discretion. A three (3) month probationary period is in place for new library members.
Computers & Internet
Whether you are looking for a job, doing research for a project, or perhaps just checking your e-mail, the Library has the necessary resources for you to take advantage of. Currently the Township of Athens Public Library has three computers for the community to enjoy.
We also offer faxing, printing/photo copying, and laminating services for additional charges.
Faxing Local: $1.00 for the first page, $0.50 for each additional page.
Faxing Long Distance: $2.00 for the first page, $0.80 for each additional page.
Printing and photo copying: $0.25 for black and white, $0.50 for colour.
Ask about photo printing for pricing.
Policies & Procedures
Use of workstations for illegal, actionable or criminal purposes or to access unauthorized areas is strictly prohibited.
The library is not responsible for any liability that may occur as a result of the disclosure of financial or other personal information over the Library’s public computer services.
Parents/guardians are responsible for their child’s use of the Internet.
Users are not permitted to alter, tamper with or damage the library’s computer equipment or software configuration.
Free WiFi!
The library provides free wireless access within the library’s premises. Personal laptops, tablets, phones, and other devices can be used to gain connectivity to the library’s wireless network.
Just ask library staff for a password to connect you.
Print | Copy | Fax
We also provide copy and print services to our patrons. Black & white are 25¢/page on our high quality laser printer while colour copies are 50¢/page. Additional fees may apply for printing invitations. We also provide fax service, the cost being Local area: $1.00 for first page sent and .50 cents for each additional page. Long distance: $2.00 for the first page sent and .80 cents for each additional page.