Membership & Borrowing FAQs

  • Library Cards

    Library cards are free for Red Deer residents! With a library membership, you have access to a world of books, magazines, newspapers, CDs, movies, eBooks, toys & games, online databases, public computers, RDPL programs and services, and more that is yours to discover!

    To apply for a library card or renew an existing card:

    • Gather Necessary Identification. Make sure that you have the necessary identification to apply for a library card. This must include one piece of picture ID or two other pieces of other ID. One piece of ID must show your current City of Red Deer address (driver’s license, tax receipt, utility bill, etc.).
    • Visit a Library Branch in Person. Find out which library branch is closest to you by checking our Hours & Locations, opens a new window page. Please note that the Collicutt Branch is primarily a self-serve branch, which means that library staff are typically not on site to do library card registrations. Visit the Downtown, Dawe, or Timberlands location to sign up for your library card.

    You may also need to pay the annual membership fee (for non-residents only) and any outstanding debts. 

    Adult memberships will be valid for three years. Memberships for children and teens will be valid until their 18th birthday. 

    RDPL membership cards may be used at all branches and online to access our digital resources. Please note: if you live outside of Red Deer, you won't be able to access many of our digital resources, including eBooks and eAudiobooks. Please contact Parkland Regional Library at LibraryServices@prl.ab.ca to find out what your regional library has to offer!

    Looking for digital content? You can register online for a temporary digital card, opens a new window, which will be valid for 30 days. You will need to stop by in person with ID (as outlined above) within 30 days in order to validate your account and receive your full permanent card.

    You can register online for a temporary digital card, opens a new window, which will be valid for 30 days. This membership will let you try out any of our online resources, and is available to Red Deer residents ages 18+ only.

    Temporary digital library cards CANNOT be renewed online. You will need to stop by in person with ID (as outlined above) within 30 days in order to validate your account and receive your full (free!) permanent card.

    To renew an existing card:

    • Gather Necessary Identification. Make sure that you have the necessary identification to apply for a library card. This must include one piece of picture ID or two other pieces of other ID. One piece of ID must show your current City of Red Deer address (driver’s license, tax receipt, utility bill, etc.).
    • Visit a Library Branch in Person. Find out which library branch is closest to you by checking our Hours & Locations, opens a new window page. Please note that the Collicutt Branch is primarily a self-serve branch, which means that library staff are typically not on site to do library card registrations. Visit the Downtown, Dawe, or Timberlands location to sign up for your library card.

    You may also need to pay the annual membership fee (for non-residents only) and any outstanding debts. 

    Adult memberships will be valid for three years. Memberships for children and teens will be valid until their 18th birthday. 

    Adult memberships are valid for three years.

    Children's and teen memberships are valid until the cardholder's 18th birthday. To upgrade a child's card to a teen card, which will allow access to the entire collection, stop by the Downtown, Dawe, or Timberlands location. This is generally done when a child reaches age 12, but can be done sooner at the parent's discretion.

    Let us know right away so that we can block your card to ensure that no one else is using your card. You are responsible for the use of your card until it is reported lost or stolen.

    Then, at your earliest convenience, stop by the Downtown, Dawe, or Timberlands location with photo ID to get a replacement card. Please note that a $2 card replacement fee will apply.

    For Red Deer residents (all ages): Library memberships are free for all Red Deer residents!

    For non-residents: (those living outside of Red Deer City limits), the annual membership fee is $40. Please note that if you live outside of Red Deer, you won't be able to access many of our digital resources, including eBooks and eAudiobooks. Please contact Parkland Regional Library at LibraryServices@prl.ab.ca to find out what your regional library has to offer!

    Fines for overdue, lost, or damaged items may apply. 

    Call us at 403-346-4576, email inquiries@rdpl.org, stop by the Downtown, Dawe, or Timberlands location, or check your wallet card – we may have written the expiry date on the back!

  • Logging In

    To access your online account, where you can place holds, renew items, view your checkouts and due dates, rate and review items, and more, click Log In / My RDPL in the top right corner of the screen. Enter your barcode and PIN or password (see below for details). If you haven’t registered before, you’ll be taken to the registration page. Registration is a one-time process that allows you to create an easy-to-remember login name, or username, that you can use instead of your barcode to check your account.

    Barcode. Your barcode is located on the back of your library card. If you registered for a card online, your barcode number will come in an email from the library. This is only your temporary barcode number -- when you stop in to upgrade to a full membership, your new barcode number will be located on the back of your physical card. When entering your barcode number to access your account or any online resources, be sure to enter all fourteen numbers and no spaces. 

    Pin. By default, we set your PIN to the last four digits of your phone number. If that doesn't work, call us at 403-346-4576, send us an email to inquiries@rdpl.org, or visit us in person and we'll look it up for you!

    Your barcode is located on the back of your library card. If you registered for a card online, your barcode number will come in an email from the library. This is only your temporary barcode number -- when you stop in to upgrade to a full membership, your new barcode number will be located on the back of your physical card.

    When entering your barcode number to access your account or any online resources, be sure to enter all fourteen numbers and no spaces. 

    By default, we set your PIN to the last four digits of your phone number. If that doesn't work, call us at 403-346-4576, send us an email to inquiries@rdpl.org, or visit us in person and we'll look it up for you!

    Log into your online account at https://rdpl.bibliocommons.com/account, click on your username in the top right hand corner, go to "Settings," and under "Account Information" --> "Password," click to 'change' your account password. 

  • Borrowing

    Yes! If you live in the city of Red Deer and are unable to come into the library for three months or more due to an illness, poor mobility, or a physical or visual disability, you can access the free Home Service program! Visit rdpl.org/home-service for information.

    • Most library items, including books, magazines, CDs, audiobooks, games & toys, etc. - 21 days
    • "Hot Picks" items (in-demand books and movies labelled as Hot Picks) - 7 days (no renewals)
    • DVDs and Video Games - 14 days
    • eBooks - You can choose a loan period of either 7, 14, or 21 days. You can also specify your preferred loan period. Digital items will be automatically returned at the end of the loan period (unless you renew the item, if no one else is waiting!). You can also return your digital items early, opens a new window, which your fellow readers very much appreciate!
    • Adult Literacy Collection (adult literacy tutors and students only) – 60 days
    • The Great Courses - 6 weeks
    • Interlibrary Loans (items borrowed from another library) - 4 weeks (no renewals)

    The borrowing limit is 50 physical items per card (i.e. print books, DVDs, CDs, etc.). 

    In addition to physical items, you may borrow up to 10 eBooks/eAudiobooks at a time through the Libby/OverDrive App.

     

    The library does not keep records of your borrowing without your permission. However, when you enable the Borrowing History feature, the system will start building a list of all the titles you borrow.

    You can turn on the Borrowing History feature in the registration process and start saving your titles immediately, or do so later.

    To enable or disable Borrowing History

    1. Log in to your account.
    2. On the menu, click My Settings.
    3. On the My Settings page, under the Account Preferences heading, find your Borrowing History setting.
    4. Click Change.
    5. On the Borrowing History page, click the current setting to change it.
    6. Click Save Changes.
    7. You’ll see the message “Your new information has been saved.”

    To view your Borrowing History

    1. Log in to your account.
    2. On the menu, click My Library Dashboard.
    3. Under the My Borrowing summary on the left of the page, click Borrowing History. On a tablet or smartphone, tap the My Borrowing button first to display the My Borrowing summary.
    4. The page displays your recently returned items. Click the View all Borrowing History link to see the complete list.

    Yes! Most items* can be extended for your vacation. Just make this request prior to your checkout and the staff will arrange it. The maximum amount of time is double the standard loan period for that item. 

    *Interlibrary loan items or items with holds cannot be extended. 

  • Returns & Renewals

    We are now fine free! There are no overdue fines on materials borrowed from Red Deer Public Library's owned collections. However, borrowing privileges may be suspended until overdue items are returned or paid for. 

    Interlibrary loans (items borrowed from other libraries) DO have overdue fees, which are $0.25 per day per item up to a maximum of $6.25 per item on material borrowed via Interlibrary Loan. Interlibrary loans can only be borrowed for 4 weeks, and renewals are not permitted, so please return your Interlibrary Loans on time! 

    Most RDPL materials can be renewed in person, by phone, or online by logging into your account. 

    Only two renewals per item are allowed unless another copy is available. You will have to contact the library to renew beyond two times, as your online account will, by default, not permit this. 

    If another member has requested the item, it cannot be renewed.

    Renewals may not be possible if there are unpaid fines or charges on the card.

    Materials (other than interlibrary loans) can be renewed twice as long as no one else has requested it. If you need a third renewal contact us directly and if another copy of that same item is available on the shelf we may be able to renew it for you.

    Your item may be on hold by another customer or perhaps you have maxed out your renewal limit for that particular item.

    With the exception of toys, games, and certain specialized kits, members may return library materials to any branch of RDPL.

    The exterior book drops at all library locations are open 24/7, so you can return your materials at any time. The Collicutt book drop is located inside the building, and is therefore only available during their operating hours. 

  • Holds

    You can place holds online, by phone, or in person at any library branch.

    When using your online account, you can place holds on items you want to borrow from search results, or from a title’s details page. If you want to pick up the item at a specific location, you can see which branches currently have the item, as well as the circulation status of all available copies.

    To place a hold from search results

    1. Log in to your account.
    2. Enter some keywords and run your search.
    3. Find the title you want.
    4. Titles with at least one copy in the library show Available. To see the current status of all copies of the item, click the availability details link.
    5. Click the Place a Hold button.
    6. In the Place a Hold popup, select the branch where you’d like to pick up the title. The default location is your home branch, or the one you specified on your Preferences page as your preferred location. (If your library has only one location, or you’ve enabled single-click holds, you won’t see this option.)
    7. Click the Confirm Hold button.

    To place a hold from a title’s details page

    1. Log in to your account.
    2. Find the title you’d like to place a hold on by searching or browsing the catalog. Go to its details page by clicking its title.
    3. The details page shows all the formats of the title held by the library. To see the location and current status of each available copy of your selected format, click the Availability by Location link.
    4. Click the Place a Hold button.
    5. Select the branch where you’d like to pick up the title. The default location is your home branch, or the one you specified on your Preferences page as your preferred location. (If your library has only one location, you won’t see this option.)
    6. Click the Confirm Hold button.

    Your requested title will now appear on your On Hold page.

    When placing a hold online, by phone, or in person, you can choose the pickup location that best suits your needs, and this is where your items will be sent for pick up.

    If you are placing your holds online, the default location is your home branch, or the one you specified on your Preferences page as your preferred location. You can change your home location at any time, or select another branch from the dropdown menu when placing your hold.

    You will be notified by email or phone when your item is ready for pickup. We do encourage you to sign up for email notifications, as doing so will also provide you with notifications when items are coming close to their due dates and when items are 14 days overdue, so receiving notices via email can help to ensure that your items are returned or renewed on time! You can sign up for email notifications by registering for an online account with your preferred email address, or contacting us by phone or in person to add an email address to your account.

    You can have 50 active holds at one time. This does not include holds on digital items.

    Yes, if you need to change your pick up location you can contact staff to make that change for you. Call 403-346-4576 or email inquiries@rdpl.org.

    Holds can be suspended while you are away, holding your place in line until you return. You can do this in your online account by selecting ‘Pause Hold.’ If your hold is already available for pick up, though, you will need to contact staff to manage this one for you.

  • Fines & Fees

    We are now fine free! There are no overdue fines on materials borrowed from Red Deer Public Library's owned collections. However, borrowing privileges may be suspended until overdue items are returned or paid for. 

    Interlibrary loans (items borrowed from other libraries) DO have overdue fees, which are $0.25 per day per item up to a maximum of $6.25 per item on material borrowed via Interlibrary Loan. Interlibrary loans can only be borrowed for 4 weeks, and renewals are not permitted, so please return your Interlibrary Loans on time! 

    Unfortunately, we are currently unable to accept payments online. To pay your fees, please visit our Downtown, Dawe, or Timberlands Branch in person.

    If you misplace an item you will be charged for the item. We suggest giving it a bit of time to show up before paying for the item. Lost items will incur a charge for both the item and a processing fee. 

    If you damage an item and we do not feel it can be returned to the shelf there will be a charge incurred for the cost of the item as well as a processing fee. 

    Call us at 403-346-4576, email inquiries@rdpl.org, stop by the Downtown, Dawe, or Timberlands branch with the information about which item(s) you are concerned about. We will check all locations to see if the item has made its way to library shelves. We may ask you to take an extra look around your house and in your vehicles as well. If the item(s) cannot be located, you will have the option of filling out a Fines and/or Charges Appeal Form. 

    If you would like to appeal your late fees, fines, or changes on your Red Deer Pubic Library account, you may fill out and submit a Fines and/or Charges Appeal Form, which you can pick up at any of our three library locations.

    Appeals may not be granted under the following conditions:

    • lack of awareness of library policies.
    • unaware of, or forgot, the due date of items.
    • did not renew items on time.
    • did not receive the reminder emails or overdue notices.
    • unable to renew items online.
    • did not renew items due to being out of the country.

    The Appeal Process:

    To appeal the fines/charges on your account, fill out the Appeal Form completely, stating the charges you are appealing and the reasons why you feel the charges should be adjusted or cancelled. Sign and return the form to the Member Services desk at any branch. You may be asked to provide further documentation such as a doctor's note for illness-related appeals. Decisions are final and will be sent to the email address or residential address provided. 

     

    For Red Deer residents (all ages): Library memberships are free for all Red Deer residents!

    For non-residents: (those living outside of Red Deer City limits), the annual membership fee is $40. Please note that if you live outside of Red Deer, you won't be able to access many of our digital resources, including eBooks and eAudiobooks. Please contact Parkland Regional Library at LibraryServices@prl.ab.ca to find out what your regional library has to offer!

    Fines for overdue, lost, or damaged items may apply. 

  • Notifications

    If you add your email address to your account you will receive email notifications of items ready for pick up, a reminder 2 days prior to the item due dates as well as any notices for overdue materials or lost/damaged items.  If you prefer to not use an email address you will be phoned when items are ready for pick up and sent a standard letter for overdue or lost/damaged items.

    *Please note that the 2 day due date reminders are only available through email.

  • Interlibrary Loans

    Interlibrary Loan is a service through which you may obtain items that are not found in the Red Deer Public Library collection. Interlibrary loan staff will search other libraries across the province and beyond for the materials that you need, and have the items sent to Red Deer Public Library for you to pick up and use!

    Interlibrary loan requests are accepted from all customers whose home library is Red Deer Public Library and whose card is in good standing. ME Card, TAL Card, and E-card users are not eligible for Interlibrary Loans.

    Please note that this does not mean that we will be able to bring in every item that you request, but we will do our best! 

    The process of requesting an Interlibrary Loan is as follows:

    1. Before you request an item through Interlibrary Loan, please check the RDPL Library catalog to see if the Library already owns the item. Please note that new items or soon-to-be-released items may not currently appear in our catalogue. Please speak to a staff member to request these items. 
    2. If the item you are looking for is not available at Red Deer Public Library, use the Relais D2D Alberta Public Library Resource Sharing System to request an item from another library in Alberta using the Request this Item button.
    3. If you are unable to locate the item via Relais, please Contact Us and we will do our best to track down the item for you! Please include as much information as possible, and include your library card number in the main text area (if you have one). 
    4. To request a copy of a newspaper, magazine, or journal article, please Contact Us directly. Again, please include as much information as possible.

    It may take 3 weeks or longer to obtain the materials. If you haven’t seen any change in the status of your request for 3-4 weeks, contact us to inquire about your ILL request. There are a number of factors that can impact the amount time that it can take to receive your Interlibrary Loan.

    If you placed your hold through Relais D2D, you can cancel requests on the My Accounts page. Click on the request you would like to cancel, and then click “Cancel” in the bottom right corner.

    • Materials borrowed may only be used under the terms and conditions determined by the lending library.
    • Renewals may not be available on Interlibrary Loans.
    • Overdue fines apply to Interlibrary Loans - $.25 per day/per item
    • Items lost, damaged, or returned 6 or more weeks overdue will be charged $150.
    • Audiovisual items, including DVDs, CDs, videos and audio-cassettes, may not be available through this service. It is up to the lending libraries to determine whether or not they are willing to loan these items out.