Library rules and policies

Browsing

The Library welcomes everyone to visit, browse, read and/or consult the catalog or the librarians. However borrowing privileges are restricted to members.

Borrowing terms

• Individual, students and senior members may borrow a total of five items for two weeks.
• These items may be renewed (if not in the meantime reserved) once only, by telephone, by e-mail or in person, for an additional 2 weeks.
• Family members may borrow a total of 15 items on the same terms.
• Institutional members may borrow a total of 20 items, for a 4 weeks period, with the possibility of one renewal.
• Libraries may borrow books for a three months period (no renewal).
• Late/lost fees apply. See below.

Location of books, and children's materials

Most books are located on the second floor and are divided into three sections:

• In the main Reading Room and the three connecting Marlborough St. rooms are the Non-fiction collection, arranged by Dewey Decimal classification numbers, according to subject. Outlines of the Dewey system are posted.
• Children's materials including books, magazines, CDs and bandes dessinées for children are to the right of the Reading Room, down the little staircase.
• Biography, fiction, bandes dessinées and mysteries for adults, are in the room beyond the children's area . Biography is arranged alphabetically by subject ; all others are in alphabetical order by author.
• In the main Reading Room, use the online catalog for assistance in finding the item you are looking for.

Magazines and newspapers are located on the first floor in the Periodical Room. Although newspapers and the current issues of magazines do not circulate, recent back issues of periodicals may be borrowed. If you are looking for an issue not on the shelves, please ask a librarian.

Audio media and non-book materials

• Audio cassettes are color-coded by label and arranged by subject (e.g. French courses, red ; folklore, brown ; theatre, green) and within subjects, by number. They are located in drawers in the reading room.
• Albums (tape and book combinations) are located on top of the cassette drawers.
• CD jewel boxes are displayed in the reading Room, documentary videos and cdroms cases are shelved in the non-fiction room. Take your selections to a librarian who will retrieve the appropriate materials from their storage location.

Collection Rosenfeld: Books on CD

One to three CDs may be borrowed for two weeks at a time from our collection of over 250 titles for adults and children. To borrow from this collection, a $50 deposit will be required.

Video/DVD Club

Two DVDs or Videos may be borrowed for one week at a time from our collection of over 1,000 feature films for adults and children. Enrollment in the Video Club requires:

• A signed form available at the library
• A $50 deposit

Reference service and help from the librarian

The Library has many resources for information about France and Francophone countries and cultures. You are encouraged to make use of the librarian in person or by phone. If there is no one at the circulation desk when you arrive, please ask the receptionist downstairs.

Photocopying

Photocopying may be done for 10¢ per page. Ask a librarian for assistance, if necessary.

Change of address

It is extremely helpful for members to let us know of any changes of address and/or phone numbers promptly. Please include both the old and the new address and contact us here.

Pique Nique en Ville

An hour of free-flowing conversation moderated by our French Librarian. Every Wednesday at 12.30 (from September to June.) See the event calendar for upcoming sessions...

Brown Bag Lunch

An informal group meets here Fridays at noon to share their (brown bag) lunch and conversation in French.

Late-return charges and lost material fees

• 10¢ a day per item is charged for overdue materials with a maximum fine of $5 per item.
• Lost item fees are $20 for books, cassettes or CDs and $5 for magazines.
• Video/DVD Club: a fine of $1 per video per day is charged for late returns.

Returning materials

There is a return box in the Center's vestibule where items may be returned when the Library is closed.