Your library card opens the door to a world of information, imagination, and entertainment. And it's the best deal in town! The library is free to join if you live, work, go to school, or pay property taxes in Burlington—and parking is free at all our locations.
How to Get a FREE Library Card
As a member, you can have one 14-digit library card number only, either provided through online registration or on a plastic library card that you get at a branch.
Apply In Person
Come into your local library branch and bring along your Ontario driver's licence or two pieces of identification. Please provide ID that shows your Burlington address and photo.
- Teens may use one of the following for ID: student card, YMCA card, birth certificate, current report card, Social Insurance Number (SIN) or Ontario driver's licence. Photo ID is not required.
- A parent or legal guardian needs to sign the library card for their child up to and including age 12.
For your convenience, you can download the library membership form to complete before you come in.
Apply Online
You can self-register any time for a library card by completing the online application.
Once you have successfully applied online you will receive an email with your 14-digit library card number and important use information. If you do not receive the email, please check your spam folder. This electronic card number is for your personal use only.
When you want to borrow items from the physical collection, please visit any BPL branch and bring along your library card number and two pieces of identification. You only need to show ID the first time you borrow from the physical collection.
Types of Membership
If you work, go to school, or own property in Burlington but don't live here:
- Bring proof of employment, enrollment, or property tax payment. You will have full borrowing privileges at BPL including access to online resources.
If you're a member of Hamilton, Halton Hills, Milton, or Oakville Public Library:
- If you are currently a member of a neighbouring library system, you have full borrowing privileges at BPL except online resources and Interlibrary Loan Service. Please visit any BPL branch in-person and bring in your valid HPL, HHPL, MPL, or OPL card and photo ID with your current address. We will create a BPL account for you.
If you live or work outside of Burlington and want full membership benefits:
- Non-resident members are welcome but must pay an annual fee of $57 to get a BPL card with full borrowing privileges including access to online resources. This fee is equal to the annual per capita amount the City of Burlington contributes to support the Library's annual operating budget.
If you are new to Canada:
- If you don't have identification with your Burlington address, you can get a library card with full borrowing privileges including online resources. Please show us your passport and one of the following items: Work or Student Visa; Refugee Claimant (no decision); Convention Refugee (protected person); Land Document IMM 1000; Permanent Resident Card; Canadian Citizenship Card; Denied Refugee (under appeal); or, Sponsored Person (immigrant)
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