Get a Library Card

No matter your age, you can become a library cardholder at Oakville Public Library. Library cards are free for people who live, work, attend school or own property in Oakville.

• If you are a resident of Oakville over 12 years of age, you can register for a library card using our online form or in-person at any of our branches.

• If you or your child is 12 years of age and under, or you live outside of Oakville, you can register for a library card in-person at any of our branches.

Register for a library card online

The online registration form is for first time cardholders only. Each person may only have one active library card. See below for information on how to replace a lost card. Cards registered online have limited access to OPL services and collections.

1. Complete our online form

2. After submitting the form, you will be given a temporary library card number. This account will expire in 60 days unless validated.  

3. To validate and receive your permanent card, visit staff at any of our branches. You will be required to provide a piece of identification that includes your name and current address. 

Register for a library card in-person

Visit your local branch to register for an Oakville Public Library card in-person. You will be asked to provide the following forms of identification. 

For Oakville residents: 

• A piece of ID that includes your name and current address or; 

• A piece of ID and a secondary proof of address.  

If you work or go to school but do not live in Oakville: 

• Proof of employment or; 

• Proof of school enrollment;  

and 

• A piece of ID that includes your name and current address or;  

• A piece of ID and a secondary proof of address 

For teenagers (ages 13 to 17):

• A piece of ID that includes your name

For children 12 years of age and under: 

• A piece of ID that includes the name and current address of their parent or legal guardian  

If you're new to Canada and don't currently have identification with your Canadian address: 

• A piece of ID that includes your name; and 

• A document with proof of address  

If you live, work, or attend school elsewhere in Halton Region: 

• A piece of ID that includes your name and current address; and 

• Your Burlington, Halton Hills, or Milton library card 

Non-residents will be welcome to register for a card but must pay an annual fee of $55 to receive full borrowing privileges. If you live outside of Halton Region: 

• A piece of ID that includes your name and current address; or 

• A piece of ID and a secondary proof of address 

Acceptable forms of identification

• Birth Certificate
• Corrections Services Canada Identification Card
• Driver’s License 
• Employee Identity Card
• Ontario Health Card
• Passport
• Permanent Resident Card
• Recreation Card with Photo (YMCA, YWCA, or Town of Oakville)
• ​Refugee Status Document
• Secure Certificate of Indian Status
• Student ID

Acceptable forms of proof of address

• Government cheque
• Hospital card
• Insurance document 
• Legal document (including rental agreements)
• Pay stub
• Personally addressed mail
• Rent receipt with landlord signature and stamp
• Report card with address
• Utility or Property Tax bill 

Note: Identification documents must not be expired. Address documents must be dated within 6 months of current date and include current address. Digital copies are acceptable. 

How to replace a lost library card

If your card has been lost or stolen, contact your local branch by phone or in person. 

You will need to bring acceptable identification with you on your next visit to the library and pay the replacement card fee. 

If you find your card after reporting it lost and have not yet been issued a new card, contact library staff to have them reinstate the original card for you. 

Cardholder responsibilities

Cardholders are responsible for any items borrowed on their library card and for any charges that may result from lost or damaged materials. For more information, please see our policies. 

Library Card Renewal

Library cards expire and must be renewed on a yearly basis. In-person renewal is required every 2 years and online renewal is permitted on alternate years with the exception of certain borrower types (ex: non-resident card holders). Cardholders will receive a notification via email within two weeks of their card expiry. To renew a library card in person, visit a library branch with your library card and a valid piece of identification