Becoming a member & loan rules

Becoming a member

To obtain a library card, you must present a valid:

– photo identification with proof of residential address
– telephone number
– post office box 

Becoming a member is free if you reside in Hearst, Jogues, Hallebourg or Lac Ste-Therese.  For people living outside these areas, a $10.00 yearly membership fee applies.

Loan rules

Borrowing limit 
Children : 5 documents
Teens (grade 9 up to age 18) : 15 documents
Adults : 15 documents

Non residants : 5 documents

***Only teens and adults can borrow DVD up to a maximum of five (5) per card.***

Loan Periods

Book : 28 days
DVD : 7 days no renewals
Magazine : 7 days

Late fees

The patron is responsible for all borrowed documents and a fine will be charged for each item that is returned after the due date. 

For a book:
Children (up to grade 8) : $0.10 per day – max. of $3
Teens  (grade 9 up to 18 years) : $0.15 per day – max. of $4
Adults : $0.20 per day – max. of $6

For a DVD:
Teens and adults : $1 per day – max. of $5

For a magazine:
Teens and adults : $0.25 per day – max. of $3

***Anyone with an outstanding fine of $5 or more, must pay the amount in full in order to restore borrowing privileges.***

Lost or damaged document

A patron who loses or damages a document will be held responsible for the reimbursement of the cost to replace the item plus an additional administrative fee. Furthermore, the patron will have to pay late fees if applicable.  A damaged document is considered as such when a document is not returned in the same condition as when borrowed.

Returning a document

A document can be returned at library counter or in the return box located outside the main doors.  

Renewing a document

A document can be renewed up to three (3) times as long as this document is not on hold for another patron.  It is possible to renew in person, by phone, by email or through a patron’s library account on the library’s website : www.bibliohearst.on.ca.  To access account, a patron will need their library card number and their PIN.

Placing a hold

If a document is not available, a patron can place a hold.  As soon as the document becomes available, staff will call and advise that the hold is ready for pickup.  After this call, the patron has four (4) days to come and get the document before it expires and moves on to the next patron or is placed back on the shelf. A maximum of five (5) holds for each patron is allowed.

Interlibrary loan

If the library does not have the document you want in its collection, it is possible to order it from another library through an interlibrary loan.  Staff will be pleased to order it for you.  A fee of $2.00 per document is charged to anyone that does not pick up their loan.

Special loan period

Patrons who are leaving on vacation or leaving for an extended period of time may borrow a document for a longer loan period as long as the document is not on hold by another patron.  A patron must inform the staff at the circulation counter when borrowing.