Knowing this information will help make your library experience exceptional.
When you become a library member or visit any of our branches, you agree to follow the rules, regulations, and policies of Burlington Public Library. Visit our policy library, which covers everything from fees and charges to Internet use.
Your Library Card Number
You need your library card number every time you borrow items, use a library computer, or pick up items on hold. If your card is lost or stolen, please contact us immediately so we can protect your account.
You are responsible for items borrowed on your account, even when a library card is loaned to a friend or becomes lost or stolen. We presume the cardholder has permission to use the card number whenever it is used.
To keep our library membership records current, we will ask you to verify your address every two years by visiting any branch with your BPL card number and identification. Accounts are closed after five or more years of inactivity. If your account closes due to inactivity, we can create a new one for you at no charge if you still live, work, go to school, or pay property taxes in Burlington.
Privacy & Security
Your privacy is our priority. Only the cardholder may make changes (for example, a name or address change) to their library account. To borrow items without your library card or ID, staff will require you to confirm your personal information before accessing your account to check out items.
When picking up a hold item for someone else, you must present the library card number of the person who placed the hold. You may not borrow their item using your library card. Read our Protection of Customer Privacy Policy.
Four branches—Central, Aldershot, New Appleby, and Tansley Woods—monitor areas by video surveillance for the safety and security of all visitors. Personal information is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act 2001 to promote public safety and crime prevention. Please contact the Library's Privacy Officer at privacy@bpl.on.ca or 905.639.3611 if you have any questions about the collection of personal information.
Replacement Cards
If you need to replace a broken or missing card, visit any BPL branch and bring accepted identification.
When you apply online and receive a digital card number by email, no plastic card exists with your unique card number—and you don’t need one to use the library. The card number is the only number you need to access resources online and borrow items from the physical collection. If you want a plastic card, visit any BPL branch and bring accepted identification. Staff will give you a replacement card and update your account. The number on the plastic card will replace your digital card number.
Using the Library
We want your library experience to be great. The library should be welcoming, comfortable, and safe for everyone. In return, we expect our visitors to respect our collection, our spaces, and everyone who uses them.
Accessibility and Inclusion
We aim to meet your needs by providing accessible services, resources, and technology so that you can easily use the library. Please tell us how we can best help you. Service animals are welcome, and all locations have accessible parking spaces.
We welcome everyone at our branches and expect all customers and staff to treat one another with respect. We do not tolerate hateful or disruptive behaviour.
Behaviour in the Library
While you’re here, it's okay to socialize at an appropriate volume—we don’t expect you to whisper. And feel free to bring in a lidded beverage or small snack to enjoy; just be tidy about it. Meals are not permitted.
Caring for Library Materials
We value fair access to library materials for all our customers. The timely return of borrowed items makes this possible. We do not charge a daily overdue fine, but we do charge a replacement fee for long overdue, missing, or damaged items. In addition, you can no longer borrow physical items (such as hard or softcover books, magazines, or DVDs) if you have any items on your library account that are 30 days past their due date. Read about library fees and charges.