Close Alert Banner
Skip to Content

Township of Muskoka Lakes Logo

Contact Us Main menu icon
Contact UsCareersProperty TaxesReport a Concern
  • Our Community
    • By-law Enforcement
    • Cemeteries
    • Community Calendar
    • Community and Support Services
    • Clean Muskoka Together
    • Engage Muskoka Lakes
    • Environment and Natural Resources
    • Fire and Emergency Services
    • Garbage and Recycling
    • Health Hub
    • Heritage and History
    • Internet Connectivity
    • Library
    • Parking
    • Property Taxes
    • Roads and Sidewalks
    • Water and Sewer Services
    • Winter Safety
    • Covid-19
    View our Enage Muskoka Lakes page
    Engage Muskoka Lakes
    View our Alert Muskoka page
    Alert Muskoka
  • Recreation & Leisure
    • Arenas
    • Community Calendar
    • Community Centres
    • Docks and Boat Launches
    • Hike the Lakes Scavenger Hunt
    • Library
    • Parks, Beaches and Picnic Areas
    • Port Carling Wall
    • Rent a Facility
    • Swimming
    • Trails and Hiking
    • View the Lakes Chair Tour
    • Visiting Muskoka Lakes
    • Winter Fun Muskoka Lakes
    View our Visiting Muskoka Lakes page
    Visiting Muskoka Lakes
  • Business & Property Development
    • Attainable Housing Rebate Program
    • Available Lands and Buildings
    • Business Licences and Permits
    • Business Support and Resources
    • Community Improvement Plan (CIP)
    • Community Profile
    • Doing Business Here
    • Maps
    • Official Plan Review
    • Official Plan
    • Property Development
    View our Inspections page
    Book an Inspection
    View our Property Development page
    Property Development
  • Township Hall
    • A to Z Services
    • Accessibility
    • Accountability and Transparency
    • Applications, Licences and Permits
    • Bids and Tenders
    • Budget and Financial Statements
    • By-laws and Policies
    • Careers
    • Contact Us
    • Council and Committees
    • Departments
    • Fees and Charges
    • Municipal Grants
    • News and Notices
    • Office of the Mayor
    • Plans, Reports and Studies
    • Property Taxes
    • Report a Concern
    View our Municipal Elections page
    2022 Municipal Election
    View our Report a Concern page
    Report a Concern
people boating on a lake

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Home...LibraryAboutAnswers to Frequently Asked Questions
  • Open new window to share this page via Facebook Facebook
  • Open new window to share this page via Twitter Twitter
  • Open new window to share this page via LinkedIn Pinterest
  • Open new window to share this page via LinkedIn LinkedIn
  • Email this page Email
  • Library
    Toggle Section Library Menu
    • About
      Toggle Section About Menu
      • Accreditation
      • Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
      • Board and Staff
      • History of the library in Bala
      • History of the library in Port Carling
      • Library Accessibility
      • Library Newsletters
      • Support the Library
    • Borrowing
      Toggle Section Borrowing Menu
      • Membership Form
      • Suggest a Purchase
      • Search the Catalogue
    • e-Resources
    • Programs
    • Services
      Toggle Section Services Menu
      • Exam Invigilation
      • Ontario Parks day-use permit lending
      • Room Rental
      • TackleShare Program
    • Arenas
    • Community Calendar
    • Community Centres
    • Docks and Boat Launches
    • Hike the Lakes Scavenger Hunt
    • Parks, Beaches and Picnic Areas
    • Port Carling Wall
    • Rent a Facility
    • Swimming
    • Trails and Hiking
    • View the Lakes Chair Tour
    • Visiting Muskoka Lakes
      Toggle Section Visiting Muskoka Lakes Menu
      • Visitor Information Centre
      • View the Lakes Chair Tour
    • Winter Fun Muskoka Lakes

outside of the Port Carling branch library

How do I get a library card?

You can apply for a Muskoka Lakes Public Library membership by completing the online membership form. You will need to meet the residency requirements to get a library card for free. If you are a visitor to the area, there is an option to pay a fee for a six-month membership to the library. If you are having difficulty with the process, you may call the library for help. Visit the web page about borrowing for full details and to access the link to the online membership form.

How do I use the library during the Covid pandemic?

  • Port Carling  and Bala branches offer inside browsing, check outs, and returns
  • use of the library will follow current Ontario health regulations
  • pre-ordered items are available for pick up inside the libraries during regularly scheduled hours 

  • place holds for items through the online catalogue or by phone if you cannot access your account online

  • you will receive an email when your items are available for pick up or a phone call if you don't have email

  • holds placed on items that show a status of 'on shelf' in the catalogue are often available the same business day if your request is made early in the day

  • WiFi access codes are available 24/7 at the upper level front window of the Port Carling branch

  • WiFi usage outside and inside 
  • library item return box is always open at both the upper and the lower level in Port Carling and Bala

  • do not use cleaners of any kind on library items at home

  • please do not request library items or come to the library if you or anyone in your household is sick

  • wash your hands before enjoying your library items

  • we are accepting donations of items published within the last two years at this time, by appointment

How do I search for items in the online catalogue?

You can search for items in the catalogue by title, author, or subject. You can narrow your search to items within the library or digital resources in OverDrive. The library user manual has many tips and visuals to help you refine your search. Our YouTube channel also is a source of help. You may also find the information about the catalogue on the system supplier's website helpful.

 How do I search for movies?

Using the drop down arrow to the right of the first field titled 'Everything', choose 'Library Search'. Leave the 'All Fields' as it is.

In the search box type 'dvd' or 'bluray' or 'Blu-ray'. Click 'Search'. There will be thousands of results. You can limit the amount of results in many ways.

If there is a particular movie title or a starring performer or director that you are searching for, you can add that word in the search field along with the word 'dvd' or 'bluray'.

You can filter the results in many ways using the filters found on the left side of the results page.

An image of a catalogue search result highlighting the different filters available. 

When I sort search results in the catalogue, it limits my results to 300. Why?

For performance reasons, our catalogue only sorts 300 records at a time. Sorting more than 300 can slow down the delivery of results.

In general, if you've searched using keywords (e.g. "Stephen King"), the first 300 titles displayed will be the most relevant (i.e. the ones that match your keywords the best), so if you choose a sort option, you'll get pretty much exactly what you expect to see. 

However, if you've done a very broad search, like "DVD" or "Blu-Ray", in which all results are pretty much equal in relevance, choosing to sort by Publication Date (Newest First), Title, or Author will NOT give you what you expect. The items in your list will be in fairly random order, and sorting by any of these options will take the top 300 titles in your results list and sort them according to your sorting choice. 

Using the filters, as described in the "How do I search for movies' FAQ can help to narrow your search results to below 300 results and then sort options will display what you'd expect to see.

Is it possible to only search for items that are checked in?

No. Not at this time. The catalogue has an option button that says 'Only show Available' but it does not work.

How do I request library material?

  • login to your account by clicking on the words 'Log in' or 'My account'
  • search for items and then click on 'Place hold'
  • learn tips and tricks for searching in the library user manual
  • you can phone the library at 705-765-5650 if you have difficulty placing holds online

Can I let someone else use my library account?

Yes you can let another person use your account, however, you remain responsible for items borrowed on your account. Your library card must be presented to check out or pick up items. 

Why won't the system let me request items?

Your library membership may need to be renewed. The system is set up to block accounts at set intervals to confirm that user information is accurate.

Can I pay for fines or used books with debit or credit?

No. We accept cash only.

Can I use a library card from another library system?

No. You must have a Muskoka Lakes Public Library card to borrow items. View the membership requirements. 

Where is the library located?

The Muskoka Lakes Public Library has two branches. The main branch is located at 69 Joseph Street in Port Carling. The Bala branch is located within the community centre at 1008 Maple Avenue. 

Who is Norma and Miller Alloway?

The Port Carling branch was named The Norma and Miller Alloway Muskoka Lakes Library in recognition of a considerable donation given in 2001 to the Library by Graham and Kara Alloway to honour Graham's parents, Norma and Miller Alloway.

Miller Alloway began a lifelong involvement with printing and publishing while working at the Oshawa Times, owned by his father. He then went on to build a name for himself in the world of printing, publishing and graphic arts throughout North America.

Norma Alloway was an author, as well as a contributor to many newspapers and magazines. She was also a member of the antique and Classic Boat Society, the Muskoka Lakes Golf and Country Club and a board member of the Port Carling Pioneer Museum.

Both Norma and Miller dedicated much of their time and energy to numerous Christian causes. They also felt very passionately about education and learning.

“It is in recognition of my parents' Christian philanthropic heritage that we have gladly contributed to the funding of the library,” said son Graham Alloway.

Contact Us

subscribe light icon subscribe dark icon Subscribe to this Page

© 2019 Township of Muskoka Lakes, 1 Bailey St., P.O. Box 129, Port Carling, ON, P0B 1J0, T: 705-765-3156 F: 705-765-6755

DisclaimerAccessibilitySitemapWebsite Feedback

I Want To...

Apply or Register icon

Apply or Register

  • Bids and Tenders
  • Building Permits
  • Change Address Form
Report or Contact icon

Report or Contact

  • Book an Inspection
  • Contact Us
  • Report a Concern
Learn About icon

Learn About

  • Engage Muskoka Lakes
  • Fire Rating
  • Garbage and Recycling
  • Property Taxes
Online Payments icon

Online Payments

  • Property Taxes
Close Old Browser Notification
Browser Compatibility Notification
It appears you are trying to access this site using an outdated browser. As a result, parts of the site may not function properly for you. We recommend updating your browser to its most recent version at your earliest convenience.