Borrow by Mail is a free service offered to residents in rural locations within the RMWB. Sign up for your free library card, place your hold requests, and choose your community as the pickup location. We'll mail your items directly to you.
When you're finished, return the materials to the book drop in your community (Fort Chipewyan, Anzac, Conklin) or contact us at bxm@wbrl.ca or 780-743-7800 to arrange a return (Fort McKay).
The loan period for rural residents is 6 weeks.
Many items will automatically renew up to 3 times, if another patron does not have a hold. You can also place renewal requests online by signing into your online account or calling 780-743-7800.
An invisible and odorless radioactive gas that fluctuates daily. Radon is naturally occurring and found everywhere, impacting air quality. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer for non-smokers. It claims approximately 6X more lives than house fires and carbon monoxide combined.
WBRL’s Radon Screening Kits are provided in partnership with the Alberta Lung association and provide portable, battery-operated digital radon detectors for patron use. These are highly accurate devices that are simple to use and easy to understand.
We currently have 2 kits in our collection.
It is important that the radon detectors only be used between the months of Oct 1 and May 1 as this is the time of year when readings will be most accurate; our kits will not be available outside of these months.
Insert the batteries into the radon detector. If batteries are already inserted, RESET is used to restart the instrument before each new measurement.
CAL will display while the device is calibrating.
Place the radon detector in a living area away from direct sunlight and moisture, at least 50cm above floor level, at least 150 cm away from the nearest door, window, or air vent. Do not move the device during measurement.
An initial calculation will be performed and radon levels will be displayed after 6 to 24 hours.
MODE is used to get information on the number of measurement days since the instrument started to gather data (this information is displayed on the lower half of the screen for 20 seconds before the screen returns to the ordinary display.)
It is recommended to keep the instrument continuously ON during measurement.
Remove the batteries once you are finished using the radon detector.
Please see the user guide included with the Radon Screening Kit for more detailed information.
The Yoto Mini is a simple audiobook player aimed toward kids offering screen-free, portable fun.
WBRL’s Yoto Mini kits let you try out a Yoto Mini and some starter cards. We are currently adding 4 identical kits, each with a starter pack of 5 cards.
No; our Yoto Mini Kits have their cards pre-loaded to the Mini Players so there is no download necessary and you can enjoy the audiobooks offline right away.
No; please do not use these bundled cards with other devices, or use other Yoto cards with these kits, as the included cards are pre-loaded for use with their assigned Yoto Mini Player and will play automatically when inserted.
No; cards can only be attached to one account at a time; if the Yoto Card was most recently played on another Yoto that is not part of the same family account, then it will be removed from your account.
A Wi-Fi connection is required for the initial download of the audio file, after which it can be played offline.
Our card packs can be used on your personal Yoto player or on the Yoto app on your smart device. Just insert the card into a player or tap it on your smartphone or smart device.
Our Yoto audio card packs are bundles of audio cards that can be used with a Yoto player or on the Yoto app.
No; please do not use any extra cards with our Yoto Mini Kits, as these kits have pre-loaded cards already synched with their devices. Please only use the cards provided in the kits.
The bat kits include a bat detector (EchoMeter Touch 2) that plugs into a USB-C device, a tablet, a Quick Start Guide, a Bat Basics Guide, a log book, and a reference book on bat acoustic identification.
Provided in partnership with Alberta Community Bat Program and Wood Buffalo Wildlife Research Institute, the Bat Detector Kits allow community members to observe bats and interact with nature as a way of inspiring interest in environmental conservation and raising awareness of conservation issues. The kits would also be helpful to those who are struggling to manage bats occupying their home or outbuildings.
You can sign up for a free library card by visiting WBRL in person. You will need photo ID that has your name and address in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo on it. If you are 12 and under, you'll need to bring a parent or guardian to sign you up.
You can also sign up for a 30-day trial library card online to place holds and try out online resources. Then come into the library and swap your online card for a resident card with photo ID and proof of RMWB address.
Yes, you can sign up for a card online!
It may take up to 2 business days to receive your card information.
If you sign up for your card online, your card will expire after one month. Come into the library and swap your online card for a resident card. We will need to verify your address; please bring photo ID and proof of address in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. If you are 12 and under, you'll need to bring a parent or guardian with you.
If you are new to the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo and haven't updated your ID, WBRL can help! Bring in a piece of mail or a bill that shows your name and address in the RMWB, along with your ID. If you don't have anything with your RMWB address, we can temporarily sign you up for an Access card so you can check out up to 2 items and access online resources.
If you are visiting the RMWB and have a card at your home library in Alberta, sign up for ME Libraries to check out items from our collection. (No online resource access).
We also have a non-resident card for people who are not eligible for a resident, ME Libraries, or TAL card. A $15 non-resident fee applies. (No online resource access).
Stop by the library to chat with us and we'll find an option that works for you!
WBRL library cards are free for residents of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, First Nations Reserves, and Métis Settlements.
For non-residents, the annual card fee is $15.
Contact WBRL at 780-743-7800 right away so we can block your card. You are responsible for all materials borrowed on your card until you report it lost.
Then, stop by the library with photo ID to get a new card. A $2 replacement fee will apply.
In most cases, WBRL library cards don't expire!
If your card has expired, stop by the library to renew.
Online Cards
If you signed up for your card online, your card will expire after one month. Come into the library and we will set you up with a resident card that doesn't expire. We will need to verify your address; please bring photo ID and proof of address.
To access your account, click "Log In/My WBRL" in the top right corner of the screen, then "Login/Register". Enter your barcode and PIN.
If you haven't used your online account before on WBRL's new website, you'll be taken to the registration page. This is a one-time process that allows you to create a username. Once complete, you can use the username or your barcode to check your account online.
Accessing your online account allows you to view your checkouts and holds, sign up for email notifications, place holds, and more!
WBRL sets your PIN to the last 4 digits of the phone number you provided when you signed up for your card. If this doesn't work, call us at 780-743-7800, send an email to servicedesk@wbrl.ca, or visit us in person.
Your barcode is located on the back of your library card. If you registered online, WBRL will send your barcode in an email. Confirmation of online card sign up may take up to 2 business days.
You can also call 780-743-7800, email servicedesk@wbrl.ca, or visit us in person for assistance with your PIN.
When you create an online account on the WBRL website, information is collected and used according to the BiblioCommons' Terms of Use and Privacy Statement. We ask patrons who are registering for an account to read over this privacy information.
When you create Shared Content in your online account such as ratings or reviews for books, movies, music, etc. or lists, it is usually public. However, you may make portions of your Shared Content private by using your account's Privacy Settings.
If you are uncomfortable with the idea of sharing content with others, you may decide not to use My Shelves or contribute ratings, comments, guides, or other types of Shared Content. You do not need to create Shared Content in order to use WBRL's catalogue.
You can sign up for email notifications by logging in to your online account and adding your email address. You can also call 780-743-7800 or visit WBRL in person and we can add your email.
You will receive email notifications for holds ready for pick up, renewals on borrowed items, pre-overdue reminders, and overdue and lost items.
| Print Items (Books, Magazines) | 21 days |
| Media Items (DVDs, Blu-Rays, Video Games, CDs) | 21 days |
| Kits and Fun Boxes | 21 days |
| Equipment | 21 days |
| MIP Go Pass | 7 days |
Patrons in rural communities receive a 6 week loan period.
Many items will automatically renew up to 3 times, if another patron does not have a hold.
Online Resources
There are no limits on print items (books, magazines, etc.) and movies. You can borrow as many as you like!
| Video Games | 10 items at a time per card |
| Fun boxes and kits | 2 items at a time per card |
| Equipment (e.g. laptops, iPads, etc.) | 1 item at a time per card |
| MIP Go Pass | 1 item at a time per card |
Online Resources
WBRL does not keep records of your borrowing without your permission. However, you can enable the Borrowing History feature through your online account.
To enable or disable Borrowing History
Your history starts with the first item you borrow after turning on the Borrowing History feature.
To view your Borrowing History
You can place a hold online yourself or WBRL staff are happy to assist you by phone or in person.
To place a hold online:
When placing a hold you can choose the pick up location that best meets your needs.
Pick up locations include:
If you pick up from Fort McMurray, you will need to check your items out before leaving. At rural pick up locations, your items have already been checked out for you.
WBRL will send you an email if you are signed up for email notifications. You can add your email in person at WBRL or through your online account.
Yes, pausing a hold is an easy way to ensure your items do not get set aside for you when you are away or unable to pick them up. In your online account click "Pause Hold" by any item you wish to delay.
Many WBRL items can be renewed up to 3 times, if another member does not have a hold. WBRL automatically renews eligible items that haven't been returned by the due date. If the item is not able to be renewed, you will receive a date due notice via email.
You can return items at WBRL or at convenient drop-off boxes throughout the region.
Rural
If the drop-off box is full, please don't leave items outside. You are responsible for the items you borrow until they are checked in.
Great news! WBRL does not charge extended use fees on items returned late. However, we greatly appreciate it when you return your items on time so we can pass it on to the next patron.
If you are signed up for email notices, we will email you notification three days before the item is due and three times after it is overdue. Once an item is 28 days overdue, you will be charged for the replacement fee of the item.
Great news! WBRL does not charge extended use fees on items returned late. However, we greatly appreciate it when you return your items on time so we can pass it on to the next patron.
We will email you notification three days before the item is due and three times after it is overdue. Once an item is 28 days overdue, you will be charged for the replacement fee of the item.
If you lose an item, you will be charged for the replacement cost of the item and a processing fee. WBRL assumes items 28 days past due are lost and you will be charged for the replacement and processing fees. However, there's still time to return and have the fees waived, even after you've been charged.
If it's been longer than six months since you were charged, please don't put the item in the return bin; we may not be able to trace it back to your account to determine if the fees can be waived. Instead, talk with a staff member at the Service Desk and they'll be happy to take a look at your account.
If you damage an item and WBRL deems it unusable, you will be charged for the replacement cost of the item and a processing fee. The damaged fee is added after the item is reviewed and checked in by WBRL staff.
WBRL is happy to work with patrons on a case-by-case basis. We have payment plan options. Please reach out if you have any questions about fees and payment options so we can find a solution.
At this time, WBRL does not offer online payment. To pay fees, please visit us in person.
WBRL may take up to four days to check in items, depending on the amount of returns we are receiving. Items returned to external book drops in Fort McMurray or rural communities or on a holiday or library closure will take longer to check in.
If you returned the item more than four days ago, call us at 780-743-7800, email servicedesk@wbrl.ca, or visit us in-person with the information about the item. We will search the library and ask you to double check your house, vehicle, etc.
After three months, if the item hasn’t been located, we consider it lost. The replacement fee will be added to your account and we will give you a call to discuss next steps.
The WBRL Board eliminated extended use fees in January 2022. Extended use fees (or overdue/late fees) disproportionately affect low-income individuals and families, who may not be able to pay their fees and regain their ability to borrow our materials. Research conducted by public libraries, including Edmonton and Calgary, show that accounts suspended due to extended use fees are higher at branches that serve lower-income populations. By eliminating extended use fees, we have reduced barriers to library access.
WBRL continues to charge lost fees (the full replacement cost) for items that are not returned within 28 days of their due date.
WBRL understands that occasionally items are returned late. We provide a 28 day grace period past the due date before assuming the item won't be returned. At this time, you will be charged the replacement cost of the item (a "lost" fee). If you're signed up for email notifications, we will email you notification three days before the item is due and three times after it is overdue.
We encourage and greatly appreciate returning items on time so we can pass them along to the next patron.
Interlibrary loan (ILL) service allows WBRL members to obtain items we don't have from other libraries. Once you make an interlibrary loan request, we seek that item from another library and have the item sent to WBRL for you to pick up.
To request an interlibrary loan (ILL):
There are no fees for borrowing items. Fees for damaged or lost interlibrary loans are at the discretion of the lending library and may exceed the value of the item borrowed.
Yes, to check the status of an interlibrary loan (ILL) visit the Relais website and login with your barcode and PIN to check the status.
You can request a renewal of an interlibrary loan (ILL) through your account on Relais. Your request is then sent directly to the lending library. You can also email ills@wbrl.ca and WBRL staff will request the renewal for you.
Renewals are granted at the discretion of the lending library and some renewal requests may not be approved.
While many items are available for interlibrary loan (ILL), some restrictions apply, including equipment and online resources (e.g. eBooks, eAudiobooks, etc.).
Items are loaned to WBRL members at the discretion of the lending library.
An interlibrary loan (ILL) usually arrives within 2 to 8 weeks. However, WBRL can't guarantee receipt of an interlibrary loan item by a certain date.
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