WELLINGTON COUNTY – The Wellington County Library is making changes to who can access its digital collection as demand from non-resident users continues to rise.
Library officials say reciprocal borrowing agreements with neighbouring systems allow residents to borrow materials across several nearby libraries, helping expand the range of available resources.
Those agreements currently include partnerships with:
- Cambridge Libraries and Galleries
- Guelph Public Library
- Halton Hills Public Library
- Hamilton Public Library
- Huron County Library
- Milton Public Library
- Perth County Information Network
- Region of Waterloo Public Library system
However, staff reviewing the agreements say the number of non-residents signing up for Wellington County library cards—many of them only using the system’s digital services through apps like Libby—has been increasing rapidly.
Officials say the rising use is becoming difficult to sustain because eBooks and eAudiobooks cost significantly more than physical materials. Without changes, the library says it would either need to spend more of its budget on digital resources or risk longer wait times for Wellington County residents.
As a result, the library will begin limiting access to its digital collection to Wellington County residents. Non-residents will still be able to access those materials by purchasing an annual membership for $240.
Reciprocal borrowing agreements will continue for physical items, library buildings, computers and programming, but digital collections will no longer be included.
The change will be introduced gradually, with digital access for non-residents expected to be phased out by the end of 2026.
