Using the Library

Your Library Card

Your free Eastern Counties Regional Library card gives you access to:

  • Borrowing books and other items from ECRL's collection, as well as access to the full library collection shared by seven other regional libraries in Nova Scotia. ECRL users can place holds on and borrow items from any Same Page library, the same way they would with items in ECRL’s own collection!
  • Accessible reading materials, including Large Print, audiobooks, and more
  • Your online account where you can place holds, renew items, create lists and more
  • A wide range of Digital Library Services available anytime, from anywhere with an internet connection
  • Get books and other items delivered to any address in our service area via Canada Post using our Borrow by Mail service
  • Self-serve locations including:
  • Borrowing items from other libraries in Nova Scotia and across Canada, using our Interlibrary Loan service
  • Keeping ECRL’s collection new, exciting, and relevant, by suggesting an item for purchase

Children (13 and under) must have a parent’s, guardian’s, or caregiver’s permission to register for a library card. When applying please include the name of an adult granting their permission. That adult is agreeing to be responsible for the library account.  

Institutional library cards are available to those who work at a daycare, care home, or school. Institutional library cards allow the borrower to separate the items borrowed for their workplace from their personal account, but the individual who registers for the card (e.g., a daycare director or teacher) remains responsible for the library account and any bills incurred. 

See our Library Policies for more information about using the library.

Visiting the Library

 When you visit a library branch, you can:

  • Get staff assistance with all library services, including registering for a library card
  • Browse and borrow library collections (books, DVDs, audiobooks)
  • Use the free WiFi and public computers
  • Use printing, photocopying, scanning, and laminating services
  • Return items you have borrowed from any Same Page Library
  • Return items you have borrowed from any public, university, or community college library in Nova Scotia (Borrow Anywhere Return Anywhere)
  • Access the Ancestry Library genealogical database (available at select branches only) and Cochrane Library medical database
  • Learn about or attend library programs
  • Book a Community-Use Room (available at Sherbrooke Public Library and Alexander Doyle Public Library in Mabou)

Please note that all ECRL locations are safe spaces where 2SLGBTQIA+ communities can freely express themselves without fear. ECRL is committed to providing spaces that do not tolerate violence, bullying, or hate speech towards 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.

Using the Library at Home

There are many ways to use the library from the comfort of your own home:

Using the Library Online

Wherever you have an internet connection, you can: