Q: What is my PIN and how do I get one?
Q: What if I change my PIN?
Q: What are databases and how do I access them?
Q: How to let my home computer remember my library card number and PIN?
Q: Can I suggest an item for the libraries' collection?
Q: What happens if I lose an item I've borrowed from the library?
Q: I don't like getting phones calls from the automated phone system when I have overdue items or items waiting for me, what can I do?
Q: I want to borrow an item, but it isn't available at my local branch, what can I do?
Q: Is there a limit to the number of items I can borrow or request?
Q: I want to place multiple holds / requests on items. Do I have to enter my library card number each time?
Q: How do I get a library card?

What is my PIN and how do I get one?

Your PIN is your Personal Identification Number and serves as a security check when you try to access your library record online, access your ebooks account or access databases. You need it in order to check your library record , to renew items online , to access your ebooks account and to access databases.

You selected your own PIN when you registered for a library card. If you don't remember it or you wish to change it,

• You may visit one of the library branches in person and show valid identification and your library card.
• You may also change your PIN online if you have already registered with an online account. Login to your library record, click on Your Username - My Settings, under Account Information - PIN, click Change to change your PIN.
• You can use the Forgot Your PIN tool if you have already registered with an online account.

What if I change my PIN?

If you are a VPL text notification subscriber, you need to alert the text provider of the changed PIN by texting NEWPASS to 647-694-1289.

What are databases and how do I access them?

Vaughan Public Libraries subscribes to a number of online databases. These databases include reference materials and indexes and full text articles from a variety of magazines and journals covering a wide range of topics.

You need your library card and PIN to access these databases. If you have just registered at the library for a library card, you must wait until the next day before your library card will allow you access to the databases.

For a listing of the databases, click here.

How do I let my home computer remember my library card number and PIN?

To let your home computer remember your library card number and PIN, you have to set the Internet settings in your web browser.

If you use Internet Explorer,

1. Start Internet Explorer
2. On the Tools menu, click Internet Options
3. Click the Content tab
4. Under Autocomplete, click Settings
5. In the AutoComplete Settings dialog box, select the User names and passwords on forms check box (if it is not already selected), select the Prompt me to save passwords check box (if it is not already selected), and then click OK
6. Click OK again to close the Internet Options dialog box.

If you use Google Chrome,

1. Start Google Chrome.
2. On the Tools menu, click Settings.
3. Click the Show Advanced Settings link at the bottom.
4. Under the Passwords and Forms section, checkmark the 'Offer to save passwords with Google Smart Lock for Passwords' option.

If you use Mozilla Firefox,

1. Start Mozilla Firefox.
2. On the Tools menu, click Options.
3. Click the Security tab.
4. Checkmark the 'Remember logins for sites' option.

Can I suggest an item for the libraries' collection?

Use our Suggest a Title form if you would like to suggest the library purchase a specific title. Your request will be forwarded to the appropriate selectors, and you will be contacted with their decision.

What happens if I lose an item I've borrowed from the library?

If you have lost an item you borrowed from one of the libraries, you should report it to your local branch. You will have to pay for the item plus an administration fee. You will be given a written receipt for the item. If you find the item, you must return it with the receipt in order to get a refund. You will not be refunded the administration fee of $5.00. You can also pay online with SmartPay.

I don't like getting phones calls from the automated phone system when I have overdue items or items waiting for me, what can I do?

If you give us your email address, we will set it up so that you receive email warnings informing you that your materials are due soon and letting you know when you have items available at the library for pick up. We call this service Email Notification. You can also receive notices via text notification, in which you will receive a text when you have items ready for pickup and when items are due soon. Sign up for Text Notification to begin using this service.

I want to borrow an item, but it isn't available at my local branch, what can I do?

If there is an item that you want but it is located at another branch of Vaughan Public Libraries or is currently out to another person, you may place a hold on it. The item will be shipped to whichever location you select and when it is available you will receive an email or a phone call.

You can place a hold in person at your local branch, via the online catalogue, or via the VaughanPL mobile app or phoning the library (905-653-READ) and asking for the reference desk. You will need your library card to place a hold.

Is there a limit to the number of items I can borrow or request?

You can borrow up to 150 items at a time. Once you reach the 150 item limit, you will not be able to borrow any further items until you have returned some. This can be all DVDs or all books, or a combination of books, DVDs, CDs, and magazines. You can also place holds on up to 150 items at a time. This includes items that you are still waiting for, and items that are ready for you to pick up. If you reach the 150 item hold limit, you just need to check out some of your items that are ready for pick-up, and you will be able to start requesting further titles.

I want to place multiple holds / requests on items. Do I have to enter my library card number each time?

On the online catalogue, once you have logged into your account, you can start placing holds on items. You do not need to enter your library card number each time.

How do I get a library card?

You can apply online or come into a branch of Vaughan Public Libraries' You will need to bring identification to verify your address. You will find the information that is required here on our website.