Library Updates

As of July 16, 2021 the Provincial Government has enacted Step 3 of the Roadmap to Reopen to safely and cautiously reopen the province and gradually lift public health measures.

As a result of the restrictions imposed on libraries, the following services will be offered:

Library Service as of July 16, 2021

Browse Borrow Go! to browse and check out materials at the Victoria Avenue Library, Community Centre Library and Chippawa Library.
Take & Go Holds Pick Up at Stamford Centre Library, Community Centre Library & Chippawa Library.
Curbside Holds Pick Up by appointment at Victoria Avenue Library.
Public Computer access at Victoria Avenue Library, Community Centre Library and Chippawa Library for 30 minute sessions.
Bookable quiet study/work space at Victoria Avenue Library
Online resources available 24/7 for a wealth of books, movies, music, magazines, and more.
Virtual programs! From storytimes to paint lessons and more, check our Online Event calendar on our website for what’s coming up or our YouTube channel for past videos.
WiFi is on at all our locations for your access and convenience.
Print Pick Up for printing if you want it ready for pickup at the Library.
Payments will be accepted (debit/credit preferred - $2 minimum).
Online Card registration through our website.
Visiting Library Service to homebound individuals and Seniors
Return boxes will be open at all locations.

Please do not visit the Library if you are unwell or experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19.

All customers entering library locations will be required to:

Go through the Province of Ontario’s COVID-19 screening process
Wear a mask
Maintain physical distancing
Follow the directional arrows, rules and procedures in place

A limited number of customers will be allowed to access the Library based on our capacity at each individual location.

Our utmost concern is the health, safety and well-being of our staff, customers and the community.

We are working hard to ensure the safe delivery of library services. We look forward to offering more services again when provincial restrictions are lifted.

NFPL is Going Fine-Free Through December 31, 2021

Niagara Falls Public Library (NFPL) will continue to waive fines on overdue materials until December 31, 2021 to help support the community through the pandemic and the early stages of the recovery period in 2021.

Although fines are being waived, please respect other library borrowers by returning items by their due dates in case other customers are waiting for them. Customers will continue to receive overdue notices during this period. Items not returned after 28 days from the date they were due back will result in a replacement fee for the borrower.

Many customers view paying fines as part of supporting the Library and we deeply appreciate that support. Please consider a donation in lieu of paying fines as a way of continuing your support. Niagara Falls Public Library is a registered charitable organization and we are grateful for your donations. Your donation will help fund services, programs and resources for the whole community.

To learn more, visit our Fines & Charges page.

Return Boxes - Now Open!

Return boxes at all Niagara Falls Public Library locations are now open.

We’re not accepting donations of books or other materials at this time. Please do not place any donations in our return boxes as they will be thrown away.

Digital Services

Please note that our digital services are always available!

To access these incredible resources and more, Click Here!

If you do not have a library card, you can Register for a Card HERE!

Programming

We are offering a wide selection of programming for all ages, please visit our Event Calendar for program information and to register.

FAQ (Updated June 11, 2021)

Q. Are all in-person library programs cancelled while the Library is closed?
A. Yes, all in-person programming is cancelled. However, we are offering a wide selection of programming for all ages online. Please visit our Event Calendar for program information and to register.

Q. My library card is going to expire during the closure period. How can I renew it to use the Library's digital services?
A. To renew your library card, contact the Library at 905-356-8080 or email at askus@nflibrary.ca.

Q. Can I drop off some book donations I have?
A. The Library cannot accept donations of books or other materials at this time.

Q. I'm trying to use the digital resources and I've been asked for my Library Card ID/Number and PIN. What are those?
A. The Library Card ID/Number is the series of numbers on your library card beginning with 28080. Your PIN is typically the last four digits of your phone number, unless you have changed it yourself to something else.

To find more information about COVID-19, visit these trusted websites:

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Outbreak update
Government of Canada webpage with recent updates on the Coronavirus disease.
The 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
The main Ontario government webpage on COVID-19, including updates on the current situation and current affected areas.
Niagara Region Public Health
Local information about COVID-19.
Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Situation
World Health Organization. Up to date map of affected regions.
City of Niagara Falls COVID-19 Information
Information about COVID-19 as it pertains to residents of the City of Niagara Falls.

Mental Health Resources

Kids Help Phone

Kids and Teens can talk to someone 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

Call 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868

Distress Centre Niagara

24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Niagara Falls, St. Catharines and Area – 905-688-3711

Port Colborne, Wainfleet and Area – 905-734-1212

Fort Erie and Area – 905-382-0689

Grimsby, West Lincoln – 905-563-6674

Women's Place of South Niagara

Call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Niagara Falls, Fort Erie and surrounding areas 905-356-5800

TTY 289-477-1470

ARUNova@wpsn.ca (Email response is not immediate)

Welland, Port Colborne, Wainfleet, Pelham and surrounding areas 905-788-0113

TTY 289-480-1252

ARUWelland@wpsn.ca (Email response is not immediate)

Multilingual Information from the Government of Ontario

The Ministry of Health has developed an information sheet about the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) to inform Ontarians about the virus, how they can protect themselves and what to do if they think they have contracted the 2019 novel coronavirus. The information sheet is available in multiple languages.