Using The Teen Lounge
Getting a Library Card
If you want to borrow stuff from the library, you need to get a library card. If you're 16 or under and live in Whistler, it's super easy to do.
Teens who live in Whistler just need to fill out a simple form with their full name, address, phone number and birth date. That's all there is to it.
Teens who live in other British Columbia towns need to bring:
- a library card from their home town library
- photo ID
- proof of address
- then fill out a simple registration form
Don't worry, you can ask your parents or guardian to provide the photo ID and proof of address!
Download Registration Form -
Whistler Residents
Download
Registration Form - Non Whistler Residents
If you don't live in British Columbia, ask us about our visitor's cards.
Once you have a library card, you should always bring it with you when you visit the library. If you bring your card, you can use the self-checkout station, and you can log onto the computers in the Teen Lounge.
Borrowing limits and fines
With a library card, you can check out up to 20 items at a time. DVDs and Cds are limited to 5, and video games are limited to 2 at a time.
Books, magazines and audiobooks are loaned for 3 weeks. But DVDs and video games are only loaned for 1 week. It's important to pay attention to the date when the item is due back at the library.
If you always return your stuff on time, and in good condition, using the library won't cost you anything. But if you lose things, or damage them, or turn them in late, you will be fined. Once your fines reach $5, you won't be able to check out anything else until the fines are paid.
More information about Borrowing Periods and Fines
Privacy and Freedom of Access to Information
All members of Whistler Public Library have the same rights to privacy and freedom of access to information, no matter if they are 5 years old, or 50 years old.
This means that we will not give out information about your borrowing activity to anyone other than you, unless you have authorized a release of information. It also means that if you reserve a book using your library card, we will not check it out on your parent's card, unless you authorize it. Authorization can be done either verbally over the phone, or when you come into the library.
Freedom of access to information means that you can use anything in the library collection, as long as it isn't against the law. At this time, the only items we have that are prohibited for use by teens are a few 18A rated movies.
Behavior In The Library
As much as we love having teens at the Library, we require them to behave in ways that don't disturb other library users, or damage Library property.
Running, being rowdy, being real noisy, or hitting are not permitted.
Use the blackboard to be creative, but not vulgar or cruel.
Eating in the Library is not permitted because it makes a big mess and can be a danger for kids who have allergies.
The Marmot Meadows & Burrow seating is reserved for use by children under 11 years old, and their guardians. You can go to the Meadows to pick out materials, but should not use the seating in that area. Teens are free to use the seating anywhere else in the Library.
Computers with internet access are a valuable way to get information for homework or just for fun, and teens can use the computers in either the Teen Lounge or in the Digital Learning Center (the computer room). Teens, and everyone else, are expected to use appropriate public behavior, and not disturb other users. More information on Using Computers in the Library.
We want the Library to be a safe and comfortable place for everyone. If you are ever uncomfortable because of the way someone else is behaving, please talk about it with any Library staff person.
Remember, if you need help getting a library card, using the computers or finding what you need, just ask us. We want you to feel comfortable and it's our pleasure to help you find your way around the library.