Books & Audiobooks
Explore the John M. Harper Branch
The John M. Harper Branch features soaring ceilings, dedicated study space (including 3 bookable study rooms) and a special room for families to explore and play together. The building is shared with the Stork Family YMCA making this a regular destination spot for community members in the Laurelwood neighbourhood and beyond.
Family reading in the Children's Area at the John M. Harper Branch
Children's Area
Enjoy a children's area with toys and activities to create a fun and educational space for young library visitors.
Explore Play Learn room for families at the John M. Harper Branch
Explore Play Learn Room for Families
A special space for families to read, explore, and play together.
The Joyce + Alan Rigby Courtyard
The Joyce + Alan Rigby Courtyard
Enjoy time outside with our courtyard equipped with planters, tables, and chairs (closed during the winter months).
Close up of a light therapy lamp
Light Therapy Lamp
Boost your mood while you read or study in the library with a high-quality light therapy lamp.
Unique Items at the John M. Harper Branch
In addition to a wide variety of books in English for readers of all ages, you can browse and borrow these unique collections at the John M. Harper Branch. Please note that many of these items can be placed on hold to be picked up at a different location.
DVDs for All Ages
CDs for All Ages
Books for Children in Other Languages
Chinese & French
Books for Adults in Other Languages
Chinese
John M. Harper Branch FAQ
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Where can I park? Is parking free?
Parking is free in the large lot that is shared with the YMCA. Please note you cannot park in the lot overnight.
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How do I get to the library by bus or ION?
The following bus routes stop near the John M. Harper Branch:
- Route 13 Laurelwood
- Route 201 iXpress (stop at Fischer-Hallman and Columbia)
There are no ION stops near the John M. Harper Branch.
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Where can I return my books?
During open hours, items can be returned in the returns slot in the library lobby or in the returns slot at the service desk. There is an exterior returns slot that can be accessed at all times, which is located to the right of the building using the drop-off roundabout.
You can return Waterloo Public Library books to ANY Waterloo Public Library location.
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Do you offer fax services?
No, we do not offer fax services. The nearest fax services are located at: The UPS Store (420 Erb Street West #5, Waterloo).
We do offer free scanning to email and paid printing services. Please visit our Wifi, Printing & Photocopying page for more details.
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Do you have a public pay phone?
No, there is not a public pay phone at this location.
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Is there somewhere I can charge my phone?
Yes! We have two charging stations available to use equipped with USB C, Micro B and Lightning (Apple) charging cables.
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Does my YMCA membership give me access to the library? Does my library card give me access to the YMCA?
No. The Waterloo Public Library and the YMCA are two separate organizations and you will require a membership for both places. Remember, getting a library card is free!
Need a library card?
Getting a library card is your passport to a world of learning and discovery. With just a simple online application process, you can access a treasure trove of books, digital resources, exciting services, and cool things to borrow.