Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I get a library card?
• Can you explain what is an autobiography and what is a biography?
• Why can't I borrow or place a hold on some videos?
• What do the coloured labels on the spines of paperbacks mean?
• How do I find a book from a series?
• What is the difference between fiction and non-fiction?
• How many items can I take out on one card?
• How long can I borrow DVDs?
• Help! The library is closed but I need an encyclopedia article about whales.
• Are people allowed to eat or drink in the library?
• Do you have any children's magazines?
• What should I do if I have overdue books, videos or CDs but I don't have the money to pay the service charges?

How can I get a library card?

To get a library card you must live in the Town of Markham or go to school here.

If you are under 12 years of age you need your parent or guardian's permission. Come to any branch of Markham Public Library with your parent or guardian and valid identification showing your name and address to apply for a library card.

If you don't live in Markham you need to bring proof that you are a student in Markham.

Can you explain what is an autobiography and what is a biography?

A biography is a person's life story written by someone else, such as Wayne Gretsky The Great One by Gerry Redmond. An autobiography is a person's life story written by them. Author Jean Little wrote her own autobiography. The title is Little By Little.

Why can't I borrow or place a hold on some DVDs?

Anyone who has or uses a child's card is unable to place a hold or take out a DVD from our Adult collection. Some adult movies are not appropriate for children to watch.

The message you will see if you try to place a hold on an Adult movie is: "Your request cannot be filled because no requestable items exist for this title."

If your parent gives you permission to place a hold on or take out an Adult video, you can ask him or her to place the hold or take out the video for you.

What do the coloured labels on the spines of paperbacks mean?

The coloured labels tell you the type (or genre) of a book.

A yellow sticker indicates a general fiction book, orange is adventure, purple is for mysteries, silver is horror, blue is for historical books, and green is science fiction or fantasy.

The letters on the sticker are the call number (the number that helps you locate the item) of the book. The J stands for Juvenile and the next letter is the first letter of the author's last name.

For example, if you search the catalogue for the book Holes by Louis Sachar you'll see the collection is "Juvenile General Fic pb" (paperback) and the call number is J-S. The title will be found in the children's paperback section and will have a yellow sticker with J - S on it.

How do I find a book from a series?

All our branches shelve popular series in a separate area to make them easier for you to find. The staff at your library will be happy to show you where they are.

You can search for a series at home through the Library's online catalogue by clicking on the "Choose an index to search" field and scrolling down to "Series Browse", then entering the name of the series in the next field.

When you're at the Library, click on the Library Catalogue icon at one of the Public Access Computers, click on the Additional Searches button, then enter the name of the series in the Series Keyword field.

What is the difference between fiction and non-fiction?

Non-fiction books have facts and information about a subject like dinosaurs or volcanoes.

Fiction books are stories that are made up from someone's imagination, such as Beezus and Ramona by Beverly Cleary.

How many items can I take out on one card?

You can take out 100 items per card.

How long can I borrow DVDs?

DVDs can be borrowed for one week. If there are holds on the item, it cannot be renewed.

Help! The library is closed but I need an encyclopedia article about whales.

You can use our Remote Access Databases from home. You will need Internet access and your library card.

Go to www.markhampubliclibrary.ca, click Online Databases. You will be asked for your library card number to log in.

Ebscohost will have the information you need on whales.

Are people allowed to eat or drink in the library?

Yes, you are allowed to eat and drink in the library, but we ask that you not eat or drink near the computer terminals. We also ask that you remember to put your garbage in the garbage bins provided when you are finished eating or drinking. For more information check out our food & drink policy.

Do you have any children's magazines?

All branches of Markham Public Library have children's magazines that are located in the Children's Department. If you know the name of the magazine you are looking for, you can type it in the Title Browse line of the Catalogue to find out which branches subscribe to the magazine. Children's magazines can be taken out for one week. You cannot put holds on magazines.

What should I do if I have overdue books, DVDs or CDs but I don't have the money to pay the overdue service charges?

Return the materials as soon as possible to stop the service charges from growing and allow others to use the books or other materials. You can pay the fine later. If necessary you can also arrange to pay the fine in small payments over several weeks.