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
You qualify for a free library card if any of the following apply to you:
- You live in the City of Toronto
- You work in the City of Toronto
- You go to school in the City of Toronto
- You own property in the City of Toronto
- You live on a First Nations reserve in Ontario
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
- Borrow books, music, movies and more
- Place holds through the website to reserve materials and have them sent to your nearest branch
- Download eBooks, digital magazines, movies and music
- Access eLearning resources and online homework help
- Use research databases to access magazine and newspaper archives, business directories, and other specialized content
- Reserve computer time at any branch
- Reserve a tpl:map pass for free access to Toronto museums and other venues
- Access cutting-edge technology and training at the Digital Innovation Hubs
Customer age categories
- Adult - age 18 and up
- Teen - age 13-17
- Child - age birth-12
Other 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 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, tpl:map passes, Ontario Parks passes and Wi-Fi Hotspots. Please note: this card type is not eligible for Persons with Disability or Talking Book status. 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 Policy.