Frequently Asked Questions

Library cards are free.   CBRM and Victoria County residents can apply for a library card online.

You can also get a card at any of our library branches.

You can check your account by clicking on Login/Register on the top right corner of this website (www.cbrl.ca). You will need your library card number and PIN to sign-in. By default the PIN is the last four digits of your phone number.

Most library items can be borrowed for 3 weeks.

For a complete list of borrowing terms please read our Library Membership information

The Library is no longer charging overdue fines for late books. However, if items are long overdue and not returned a replacement cost will be charged to your library account. If you have more than $30 owing on your library account, you will not be able to borrow books or use other library services.

To replace a lost card visit your local library branch.  There is a $1 replacement fee for lost cards.

Yes.   You can log in to your account online and place a hold on a book from any Same Page library.  You can also phone your local library branch to request books.

If you cannot find the book in our catalogue we may be able to order through Interlibrary loan.

Upcoming programs and events for all ages are listed on our Events page.

Some branches have ongoing programs such as book clubs, knitting groups or chess clubs.  For more information on these programs please contact your local library branch.

Library staff can offer basic assistance with common computer tasks such as printing and scanning.

Some library branches offer more in-depth training by appointment.    Please phone your local library for more information.

If you have questions about using ebooks or other online Digital Library services, please view the tutorials on our Digital Library page or contact your local library branch for assistance.

Cape Breton Regional Library is accepting limited donations of gently used books for our Book Sale Collection.  In order to have the adequate space for quarantining items before they are made available for purchase, please consider small donations of recent best-sellers, paperbacks, and DVDs. The library is also interested in books which may have historical value especially books pertaining to local history.

Please note that we do not accept textbooks, encyclopaedias, Reader’s Digest Condensed Books, VHS or cassette tapes, or any item that is in poor condition or damaged.

Our curbside “Library Take-Out” service is available by request during regular open hours.  To select new books, you will need to login to the Library Catalogue and place holds on the material you wish to borrow.   You can also phone your local library branch and a member of staff will be able to assist you.

After receiving notification that your items are available, you can proceed to pick them up during regular open hours.  Please phone your library branch upon arrival at the library to request curbside pick-up.

Yes, if you have available holds you can have another family member or friend pick them up for you.

Yes.  All library branches offer public access computers and printing/scanning services.  Printing costs $0.20 a page (cash only).

Wi-Fi is also available at all branches.

If you have lost/misplaced your library card you can send an e-mail to info@cbrl.ca or visit your local library branch to connect with a staff member for assistance.

Click here to fill out an online application form. * Please note that it can take up to 2-3 days to process your application form.

Call your local branch or email us at info@cbrl.ca and a staff member will get back to you