Your Library Card

To get a library card that allows you to borrow and place holds on both physical and digital materials, you will need to visit open library branches with valid and current name and address identification.

Toronto residents who are 13 years or older who wish to use our digital resources and services only can sign up online for a Digital Access Card.

How to get a library card

To be eligible for a library card you need to:

Check the list of identification requirements before going to a branch to register.

Library cards expire once a year. You may renew your card online (if eligible) or visit a library branch in person to renew your card.

What you can do with a library card

Customer age categories

Library card types

Corporate

Corporations located in Toronto including businesses, day cares and group homes can apply for a library card valid for 12 months to access to the physical collection only. Teachers and other school employees are not eligible. Name and address identification from authorized individual with signing authority is required.

Digital Access Card

Adults and teens (13+) who live in Toronto can register for a Digital Access Card that provides full access to digital resources and services, except those limited to in-branch use. This card will be valid for 12 months and can be renewed online.

Non-Residents

If you do not live, work, go to school, live on a First Nations reserve or own property in Toronto, you can get a non-resident card. This card will allow you to access library resources and borrow materials, with some exceptions including musical instruments, museum & arts passes, Ontario Parks passes and Wi-Fi Hotspots. You can register in person at any branch with the required identification. The fee for non-residents is $50.00 for 3 months or $150.00 for 12 months.

When the 3 or 12 months is over and you would like to renew your card, you must do so in person at any branch.

People without a permanent address

If you are experiencing homelessness or are precariously housed, you are eligible for a library card valid for 12 months that will allow you to borrow up to 5 items at a time as well as have access to library computers. Name identification must be provided.

Persons with Disabilities Status

If you have difficulty returning and picking up library materials on time due to a disability, you can apply to change your library card to Persons with Disabilities Status. Complete the Application for Persons with Disabilities Status online or in a branch.

Persons with print disabilities

If you have a print disability that prevents you from reading works in their original format, you can apply to change your library card to Talking Books Status. Complete the Talking Book Status Application online or in a branch.

Visitors

If you are visiting Toronto, you can register for a library card that allows you access to in-library services including computers, print/copy services, and select online resources. This card will be valid for 12 months.

For more information, please refer to the Membership, Circulation and Collection Use Policy.

Help and more information