Membership and Borrowing

How to get a library card

Fill out a library membership registration form  and bring identification (ID) to the library to pick up your card. Your ID should show your name and address. For children under 14, a parent or guardian must show their ID and sign for the card.

ID accepted

You need one piece of government-issued valid ID showing your name and current address, such as: 

• Ontario Driver's Licence
• Ontario Photo ID Card

 Otherwise, you need one piece of valid ID with your name, plus a document with your address. You must have one item from each list:

Proof of name includes: 

• Birth certificate
• Passport
• Social Insurance Number
• Student ID Card

Proof of address must be dated within the last 6 months and includes: 

• Utility or property tax bill
• Mortgage or rental agreement
• Financial or government benefits statement
• Letter from a long term care facility or group home 
• Addressed letter from a recognized institution
• Ontario Motor Vehicle Permit (not expired)

E-access membership 

You can get an e-access membership without ID. An e-access card allows use of our library computers and our Online Library. Send us an e-mail with your name, address, phone number, and age (if under 18) and we will mail you an e-access card or you can pick it up at the library. 

Lost or stolen library card

Please report lost or stolen cards immediately by contacting us by email, phone or coming in to the library in person. You are responsible for all items borrowed on your library card before reporting it lost or stolen. Once reported, you can get a replacement card for $2.

Library cards for school trips or group visits

If your class or group will visit the library and you would like everyone in your group to get cards, please contact us, so we can prepare the cards before your visit and have them ready for you when you arrive.

Borrowing and managing your items

Viewing your account

You can log in with your library card number and PIN to view your account in the online catalogue. You can renew your items, place holds, and create book lists. You can also maintain your reading history to keep track of books you've read.

Borrowing periods

Most loans are for three weeks. Some high-demand items may be for a shorter period of time. You must bring your card every time you borrow an item at the library.

Renewing an item

Renew an item in person, by phone or renew an item online. You will need your library card number and 4-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN) to renew by phone or online.  Some items cannot be renewed if the item has been placed on hold.

Returning

Return your items by 12 a.m. on the due date to avoid fines. There is a 24-hour return slot outside the library. There is also a return box at Upper Canada Mall near the Yonge St. entrance. Items are not picked up from the return box every day, but they are always credited to the date of the last pickup.

Placing holds

You can reserve an item in the online catalogue, in person or by phone. You will be notified by phone or e-mail when it is ready for pick up. Items must be picked up within one week of being notified. If you are going away, you can suspend your holds in the online catalogue or by phone.

Overdue fines

Adult material

• 20 cents per day per item
• $5 maximum per item
• Borrowing privilege suspended at $10

Teen material

• 10 cents per day per item
• $1 maximum per item
• Borrowing privilege suspended at $10

Kid's material

• 5 cents per day per item
• $1 maximum per item
• No fines if cardholder is 12 years of age or younger
• Borrowing privilege suspended at $10

Movies and video games

• $1 per day per item
• $10 maximum per item 

Other special items

• Fines are noted on special items, such as eReaders and laptop computers.

Exceptions

• There are no fines for seniors 65 and older, except for inter-library loans, eReaders and laptop computers.

Other fees and replacement costs

When an item is five weeks overdue, we send a bill for the cost of the item plus a $5 non-refundable processing fee.  If you return the item, you do not owe the replacement cost.  If we must send your account to a collection agency, we add a $15 non-refundable fee.