Skip to Content

Live: Council Webcast

  • Emergency Police, Fire, Medical Call: 9-1-1
  • MED After-Hours: 867-920-2737
  • City After-Hours: 867-920-5699
  • A-Z Services

City of Yellowknife Logo City of Yellowknife Logo

Contact Us
  • Living Here
    • Animals
    • Applications, Forms, Licences and Permits
    • Arts, Culture, and Heritage
    • Business Directory
    • Career Opportunities
    • Click and Fix YK
    • Community Programs
    • Composting
    • Construction
    • Contact Directory
    • Education
    • Elections
    • Environment and Climate Change
    • Events Calendar
    • Garbage
    • Health Services
    • Homelessness
    • Indigenous Peoples
    • Life Events
    • Manage Utility Tax Accounts
    • Parking
    • Pay All Tickets
    • Places of Worship
    • PlaceSpeak - Public Engagement Platform
    • Programs
    • Property Search
    • Property Taxes and Assessments
    • Public Library
    • Public Safety
    • Recycling
    • Roads
    • Seniors
    • Slow Down Campaign
    • Snow Removal
    • Support and Wellness
    • Transit
    • Water and Sewer
    • Yellowknife Videos
    • Yellowknife Weather
    • Emergency Preparedness
  • Getting Active
    • Programs
    • Parks and Outdoors
    • Events
    • Facilities
  • Exploring Yellowknife
    • About Yellowknife
    • Arts, Culture, and Heritage
    • Aurora Forecast
    • Extraordinary Yellowknife
    • How to Get Here
    • GIS
    • Promotional Videos
    • Self Guided Tours
    • Shop Local Initiatives
    • Visitors Guide
    • Yellowknife Tourism Links
  • Doing Business
    • Applications, Forms, Licences and Permits
    • Available Properties
    • Bids and Tenders
    • BizPaL
    • Business Directory
    • Business Resources and Services
    • City Land for Sale
    • Design Standards
    • Development Incentives
    • Economic Development Initiatives
    • Filming
    • Open Data
    • Planning and Development Initiatives
    • Promotional Campaigns
    • Property Taxes
    • Public Engagement
    • Short Term Rental Accommodation
    • Tourist Accommodation Tax
    • Tourism Development
    • Trademarks
    • University
    • Water and Sewer
    • Why Yellowknife
  • City Government
    • About City of Yellowknife
    • Bids and Tenders
    • By-laws
    • Career Opportunities
    • City Budget
    • City Council and Mayor
    • City of Yellowknife Grants
    • Committees of Council
    • Community Organizations
    • Complaints
    • Contact Directory
    • Departments
    • Elections
    • Facility Hours and Locations
    • Media Room
    • Open Data
    • Policies
    • Public Notices
    • Reconciliation
    • Reports and Publications
    • Virtual City Hall
    • Volunteering
    • Webcast Video
    • Yellowknife 50th Anniversary
  • Newcomer
    • Education
    • Housing
    • Yellowknife Videos

FAQ

FAQ

HomeLiving HerePublic LibraryFAQ
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
How Can I Borrow Materials?
  • You must present your card each time you borrow material. Please consider using our easy-to-use self-checkout.
  • You may not check out material or use the public computers with someone else's card.
  • You are responsible for returning material on time, and for paying overdue fees.
  • Items can be renewed twice. Items with holds cannot be renewed.
  • Your account will be blocked if fines are over $10, if you have lost or damaged items,  or if you have 3 or more items overdue.
  • You are responsible for all material checked out on your card.

Loan Periods and Borrowing Limits

Loan Periods and Borrowing Limits Per Item
Item Adult & Teen Item Limit Child Item Limit Shelter, New to YK and Non-Resident's Limit Loan Period

Books

20

20

1

3 weeks

DVDs

5

5

1

1 week

Audiobooks/CDs

5

5

1

3 weeks

Kits

3

3

1

3 weeks

Magazines

5

5

1

1 week

Interlibrary Loans

3

3

No loan

Up to lending library

 Please check our Fees for the current charge

Lost and Damaged Items

  • You will not be able to borrow until payment is made or lost material is returned in good condition
  • Lost/damaged material is invoiced at replacement value + $5 processing fee. Items overdue for  more than 6 weeks  are considered lost.

Renewals

  • 2 renewals allowed except when another patron wants the material or if it is an Interlibrary Loan
  • Online renewal is available via the catalogue page. Please visit the online catalogue:
  1. click on the Catalogue tab (menu bar on the left)
  2. select catalogue and then my account
  3. renew my materials
  4. enter your library card and pin number
  5. Note: only material that is not overdue can be renewed this way.
  • Email the library requesting a renewal
  • Phone the library to renew
  • Renew with our self-check computer

Claims Returned

Feel you have returned an item and are getting overdue notices?

  • Please take one more look at home for it
  • Contact the library to have us search for it here
  • If we find the item, we will check back in and remove the fines for item
  • If we don't find the item, we will be in touch

Can I Donate Materials?

The Library welcomes good quality donations. If donated items meet collection standards they will be added; if not, your donations will be placed on the free rack or contributed to the book sale. Please no more than 25 items per household per drop-off.

Due to limited space we do not accept

  • Nonfiction published prior to 2020.
  • Magazines, specialized journals, newspapers, catalogues, colouring or workbooks.
  • Encyclopedias, abridged books, textbooks or Reader's Digest condensed books.
  • Books with broken bindings or missing pages.
  • Books marked with highlighter pen or containing handwritten notes or gifting dedications.
  • Books with yellowed or brittle pages.
  • Smoke or mildew affected materials.
  • Cassettes, VHS tapes.
  • Computer software.
  • Scratched CDs and DVDs.
  • Federal and territorial government reports.
  • Travel books older than 2023.
  • Books written in any non-official language of the Northwest Territories

Types of items that will be accepted

  • Fiction or non-fiction books in all genres in good condition and on timely or popular topics.
  • Children's books in good condition.
  • Young adult books in good condition.
  • Large print books in good condition.
  • Local history materials and works by local and Canadian authors.
  • DVDs, CDs, recorded books, and language kits in good condition.

Donation Delivery

Your donations may be delivered to the library during regular hours. Items must be in boxes marked as donation for the Library.

Tax Receipts

We do not issue tax receipts for donated material.

What Computing and Printing Services Do You Offer?

Computers

  • 8 public access stations
  • Your library card gives you access to one hour of free Internet use per day
  • You may purchase additional time provided there is no one waiting.
  • The computers connect to a black and white printer. Please check our Fees for the current charge

Wireless

  • The Circulation desk will provide you with a username and password
  • You will get access to two hours of free wireless per day. 
  • You may purchase additional time. Please check our Fees for the current charge
  • The network is called YPLNet and a username and password is required

Photocopier

  • The library has a black and white photocopier

  • Please check our Fees for the current charge
Do You Offer Exam Invigilation?

 

  • Invigilation (proctoring) of both online and handwritten exams during library hours
  • Check our Fees for the current charge
  • For online exams, ensure you test that our/your computer will access the site you require beforehand
  • Check that your learning institution recognizes the library as a provider of this service
How Can I Borrow Materials From Other Libraries?

You can't find what you are looking for at our library? Saw it in the catalogue but in another community? Did not see it in the catalogue? Try requesting an interlibrary loan.

 

Northern Interlibrary Loans

  • Need a library card to make a request
  • Libraries will lend books, DVDs, and CDs
  • Lending library may so no to the request due to popularity at their library
  • No fee for the loan but late charges will be applied if not returned on time.  Please check our Fees for the current charges

Southern Interlibrary Loans

  • Need a library card to request
  • Library will lend books, microfilm
  • Will not lend CDs and DVDs
  • Lending library may not fill the request due to popularity at their library
  • If library charges a fee, we will pass on that fee to you to pay and late charges will be applied if not returned on time. Check our Fess for the current charges
How Do I Get a Library Card?

Library cards are free to Yellowknifers and can be used in any library in the NT. There is a replacement charge for lost or damaged cards. Check our Fees for the current charge

Types of membership:

What you need to bring to get a card:

 Adult & Teen (14 and up)

  • One piece of valid photo ID with your current Yellowknife address, or
  • One piece of ID and a bill that has your current Yellowknife Address

 Child (13 and under)

  • A Parent or guardian must be a member of the library
  • Parent or guardian must fill out a member card for the child and sign that they are responsible for any materials borrowed

 Shelter Residents

  • Current contact information
  • Letter from your shelter or temporary housing

Please note card is good for 3 months and may be renewed if needed. Card is limited to five items.

 Internet User

ID - photo or no photo

Please note this card is for using the computer only. No borrowing on this card.

 CELA users

Card is for those borrowing audiobooks provided by the CELA Library. This card is for patrons who have a print disability only.

Report lost or stolen cards right away. You are responsible for any materials borrowed on your card.

 New to Yellowknife and Visitors to the Northwest Territories

For residents who have not yet acquired proof of address yet or are visiting the Northwest Territories, all we need is your name and address information. You can borrow one item for one week.  Also this card can be upgraded to full access card with proof of residency. Residents from other Northwest Territories communities can use their community library cards.
Do You Have Rooms for Rent?

Meeting Room

  • Our meeting room's capacity is 130. It is 1310.75 sq. ft.
  • Rental of the room includes access to kitchen, wireless (one hour), tables (12) and chairs (65).
  • Profit groups are required to pay to use the room. Please check our Fees for the rental rates.
  • Non-profit groups may use the room free of charge.
  • We only book three months in advance.
  • Audiovisual and coffee making equipment are NOT available.
  • Library reserves the right to refuse or cancel bookings based on availability and scheduling of Library or City programs and events.
  • To book the meeting room please email library@yellowknife.ca or phone 920-5642
Can You Help With My Research Project?

 General Reference

  • EBSCO Host - Canadian Reference Center - offers online access to the largest collection of full-text Regional Canadian and International content including Maclean's, Canadian Geographic, the Toronto Star, La Presse Canadienne, and many more. 
  • Canadian Oxford Dictionary
  • Reference books (in-library use only) including dictionaries, multi-language dictionaries, thesauri, almanacs, manuals, themed encyclopedias, and more. These are complemented by our extensive non-fiction collection which can be borrowed.
  • 8 public computers and free wifi for online research and printing
  • Stop by our information desk where our friendly and informative staff would love to assist in all your research and school assignment inquiries

 News

Current northern newspapers from regions across all three territories.

 Northern Interest Publications

  • Up Here
  • Above & Beyond
  • The Circle
  • We also have a large reference collection of northern themed books that may be useful to your local and northern research needs
What Services and Resources Do You Offer to People Who Are Brand New to Yellowknife?

Yellowknife Public Library welcomes all newcomers to Yellowknife, whether you are a short term visitor or potentially making the city your new home. We can set you up with a "New to Yellowknife" membership card to tie you over until you have a permanent residency or issue a visitor's card (see Membership). Plus, our programs are a great way to meet new people with a common interest (see Programs).

 

For other services and information that is especially helpful to newcomers (including assistance applying for health care cards, access to counseling for culture shock, help with housing applications, enrollment in schools, and more), we recommend the following:

Aurora College Integration Office

Northern Frontier Visitors Centre

And, of course, the City of Yellowknife website has a special section just for newcomers (see the Newcomers tab at the top of this page). 

 

Are You Looking For Volunteers?

Would you like to help out at the library? Volunteers are asked to sign up at the front desk of the library from there the librarian will be in touch if we require help.

 

Are you, or do you know an Indigenous Elder that would like to volunteer to share their wisdom, stories, skills, or history with our community?

Contact us to become involved in the Elders' Circle program and share your knowledge.

 

Do you have a unique travelling experience or skillset you'd like to share with the community? 

Contact us to become involved in our Travel Talks program and inspire your fellow globetrotters with ideas for their next adventures!

I Have A Great Idea For A Program. Will You Help?

The library is looking for Yellowknifers and Yellowknife non-profit groups who may want to partner with the library on a program. The library will consider partnering on programs that are educational in nature and/or have a literacy focus or those that seek to grow, strengthen, or unite communities. Some of the programs we have done are:

  • Been There, Done That Narrated Traveler Slideshows 
  • Local author events
  • Opera Screenings
  • Family Violence Awareness Week Display and Film Night
  • Ptarmicon Display and Giveaway
  • Zine writing
  • PRIDE Week display and picture book resources
  • International Literacy Day Breakfast

 

What are the benefits of partnering?

  • Venue
  • Cross-promotion
  • Reach
  • Resources

 

If you have a partnership idea, contact John at (867) 669-3452 or email jmutford@yellowknife.ca 

Do You Have Any Fees or Charges?

Most resources and services at Yellowknife Public Library are free with the following exceptions:

 

Meeting Room & Writer's Room 

Meeting Room

Registered non-profit groups may use the room free of charge. 

 

Public Library Room Rental Fees
Meeting roomFee Effective September 1, 2024
Non-profit group

No charge

For-profit group

$547.00/day

$273.50/half day

$68.25/hour

Adult $27.75/hour 
Adult/Youth $20.75/hour 
Youth $14.25/hour
Writer's Room - For Profit User $14.75/hour

 

 

Writer's Room

Tutors (that are charging their clients) and Profit Groups will be charged for using the room.

 

Public Library Writer's Room Fee
Writer's RoomFee Effective September 1, 2024
For Profit User $14.75/hour

 

Non-profit and individual students/writers are able to use free of charge

Others

 

Overdue Book Fines
Overdue Book FinesFee Effective September 1, 2024
Yellowknife Public Library books No Charge
Inter-Library Loans $1.00/day
Videos/DVDs No Charge
Other Library Fees
OthersFee Effective September 1, 2024

Internet use

  • City computer for use in excess of 1 hour
  • Mobile devices for use in excess of 2 hours

$7.00

$6.75

Membership card No Charge
Replacement card $1.00
Photocopying (black and white) $0.25/copy
Computer printing (black and white) $0.25/black and white copy
Lost materials Replacement Cost + $5.25
Exam invigilation $57.25

 

  • Public Library
    Toggle Section Public Library Menu
    • Catalogue and Collection
    • FAQ
    • Library Hours and Location
    • Library Calendar
    • Online Resources
      Toggle Section Online Resources Menu
      • Audio and e-Books
      • Linkedin Library
    • Programs
      Toggle Section Programs Menu
      • Summer Reading Club
  • View Full Living Here Menu
    Toggle Section
    • Animals
      Toggle Section Animals Menu
      • Animal Control
      • Animal Search
      • Dog Licensing
      • Lost Pets
      • Off-leash Dog areas
      • Scoop the Poop
      • Wildlife
    • Applications, Forms, Licences and Permits
    • Arts, Culture, and Heritage
    • Business Directory
    • Career Opportunities
    • Click and Fix YK
    • Community Programs
      Toggle Section Community Programs Menu
      • Access for All
      • Adopt-A-Street
      • Spring Clean-Up
      • Volunteering
    • Composting
      Toggle Section Composting Menu
      • Backyard Composting
      • Centralized Composting Program
      • Worm Composting
    • Construction
    • Contact Directory
    • Education
    • Elections
    • Environment and Climate Change
      Toggle Section Environment and Climate Change Menu
      • Adapting to Climate Change
      • Climate Action
      • Current Environmental Hazards
      • Energy Use and Emissions
      • Local Food Production
    • Events Calendar
    • Garbage
      Toggle Section Garbage Menu
      • Amnesty
      • Animal Waste
      • Fees
      • Hours of Operation (Solid Waste Facility)
      • Household Hazardous Waste
      • Large Item Pick-up
      • New Baling Facility Account
      • Organic Yard Waste
      • Recycling
      • Spring Clean-Up
    • Health Services
    • Homelessness
    • Indigenous Peoples
    • Life Events
      Toggle Section Life Events Menu
      • Birth Certificate
      • Death Certificate
      • Lakeview Cemetery
        Toggle Section Lakeview Cemetery Menu
        • Cemetery Fees
      • Marriage Licence
    • Manage Utility Tax Accounts
    • Parking
    • Pay All Tickets
    • Places of Worship
    • PlaceSpeak - Public Engagement Platform
    • Programs
    • Property Search
    • Property Taxes and Assessments
      Toggle Section Property Taxes and Assessments Menu
      • A Guide to Property Taxes
      • Assessment Appeals
      • Assessment and Taxation Forms
      • Change of Home Ownership
      • Frequently Asked Questions
      • Historical Assessment and Taxation Data
      • Paying Taxes
      • Property Assessment
      • Property Tax Arrears List
      • Property Tax Calculator
      • Property Tax Rate Benchmark Report 2021
      • School Support
      • Seniors
    • Public Safety
      Toggle Section Public Safety Menu
      • Yellowknife Fire Division
        Toggle Section Yellowknife Fire Division Menu
        • Fire Division
          Toggle Section Fire Division Menu
          • Our Mission, Our Motto
          • Fire Division Fees
          • Fire Division Statistics
          • Join our team
      • Municipal Enforcement Division
        Toggle Section Municipal Enforcement Division Menu
        • Licences and Permits
          Toggle Section Licences and Permits Menu
          • Dog Licensing
          • Event Applications
          • Parking
            Toggle Section Parking Menu
            • Administrative Monetary Penalty System
            • Parking Permits
          • Snowmobiles
        • Reporting and Enforcement
          Toggle Section Reporting and Enforcement Menu
          • Animal Control
          • Noise Complaints
          • Traffic and Parking Enforcement
          • Downtown
          • Tickets
        • Updates and Alerts
        • Who We Are
      • Dispatch Services
      • General Emergency Information
      • Wildfire Information
        Toggle Section Wildfire Information Menu
        • Wildfire Updates
        • Prevention and Mitigation
        • Preparing for an Evacuation
        • Evacuation Information
        • Health and Safety Tips
      • Ice Safety Information
    • Recycling
      Toggle Section Recycling Menu
      • Beverage Container Program
      • Blue Bin Stations
    • Roads
      Toggle Section Roads Menu
      • Parking
      • Road and Transportation Permits
      • Road Maintenance
        Toggle Section Road Maintenance Menu
        • Sidewalk Cleaning
        • Snow Removal
    • Seniors
    • Slow Down Campaign
    • Snow Removal
    • Support and Wellness
      Toggle Section Support and Wellness Menu
      • Homelessness
      • Housing and Shelter Support
      • Support, Assistance and Services
    • Transit
      Toggle Section Transit Menu
      • Routes and Schedules
      • New Routes
      • Fares
      • Transit Etiquette
      • Advertising
      • Accessible Transit
        Toggle Section Accessible Transit Menu
        • Application
        • Cancellations
        • Rights and Responsibilities
        • Trip Booking
        • Warnings
    • Water and Sewer
      Toggle Section Water and Sewer Menu
      • Sewage System
      • Stormwater
      • Submarine Water Pipeline Replacement Project
      • Water Treatment Plant
      • Water Licence
      • Water
        Toggle Section Water Menu
        • Billing
        • Water Meter Requirements
    • Yellowknife Videos
    • Yellowknife Weather
    • Emergency Preparedness

Contact Us

Subscribe to page updates

City of Yellowknife Footer logo

4807 - 52 Street, P.O. Box 580,
Yellowknife, NT, X1A 2N4
Tel: 867-920-5600

  • Living Here
  • Getting Active
  • Exploring Yellowknife
  • Doing Business
  • City Government
  • Newcomer
twitter:00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000

© 2022 City of Yellowknife

PrivacySitemapFeedbackContact UsCareersSubscribeHours of Operation
By GHD Digital
Follow Us: View our Twitter Page View our Instagram Page View our Facebook Page View our YouTube Page

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.