Eligible borrowers
Individuals residing in British Columbia in the following categories may borrow circulating material from any of the courthouse libraries:
1. Members of the Law Society of British Columbia who are:
- Current members in good standing
- Registered non-practicing lawyers
- Registered retired lawyers
- Holders of a Practitioners of Foreign Law permit
- Holders of an Interjurisdictional Practice permit
2. Articled students
3. British Columbia Judges and Masters
4. Retired Canadian Judges
5. Retired BC Masters
6. Judges' clerks
7. Law librarians
8. Judicial Justices of the Peace
9. Members of the Society of Notaries Public of BC
Borrowing books in person, online or by phone
In addition to borrowing in person from your local branch library, you can:
The library catalogue lists all the books in the courthouse libraries throughout the province but currently only shows the availability of items held in the Vancouver, Victoria, Kamloops, Kelowna, New Westminster, Prince George and Nanaimo Courthouse Libraries. Only books with cards may be signed out; materials marked “For Reference” or “Library Use Only” may not be removed from the library.
Returning books
Whenever possible, please return books to the branch library they were borrowed from. This will ensure that books are available for other borrowers more quickly. Books from the regional libraries may be returned to the secure book drops.
Books requested over the website can be returned by mail using the packaging provided. Please note, we mail books free of charge but borrowers are responsible for the cost of return mail.
Loan limits
The maximum number of items that may be checked out at one time is 15.
Responsibilities
The registered card holder is responsible for the library card and any material borrowed on that card. Library card holders are requested to inform library staff of any change in their status or work address or if their library card is lost or stolen.
Lost or damaged items
Borrowers are charged the full replacement cost, plus a processing fee of $25, for any material that is damaged or lost while checked out to them.
Confidentiality of records
Due to the nature of the circulation process in branch libraries, confidentiality of borrower records cannot be guaranteed.