My First Library Card
Getting your first library card is an exciting milestone! There’s something special about having a card with your name on it that belongs just to you. It’s your ticket to stories, games, movies, activities, and so much more.
At Burlington Public Library, we want to make that first library card memorable and help families discover everything that comes with it.
Is My Child Ready for a Card?
We often get asked how old a child needs to be to get their own library card. The answer? There’s no minimum age!
Any young person who lives or goes to school in Burlington can have a BPL card. Even newborns can get one—it’s never too early to start enjoying everything the library has to offer.
Getting Their First Library Card
For children 12 and under, a parent or guardian needs to be present to get a library card. If you live at the same address, simply bring in your driver's licence or government-issued ID showing a Burlington address. If your child isn’t with you, bring identification for them as well.
Teens ages 13–17 can use a student card, YMCA card, birth certificate, current report card, Social Insurance Number (SIN) or Ontario driver's licence. Photo ID is not required.
My First Library Card Storytime
Make the experience of your little one’s first library card even more special by joining us for My First Library Card Storytime at your local branch in September. Come for stories and crafts, get your child's new card, and learn more about the library.
What Can Kids Borrow?
Your child can borrow up to 75 items at a time on their library card. This might seem like a lot, but once you see everything available at the library, you'll understand why. Visit the Parents section of our website for a closer look at collections and resources especially for kids.
Books for Every Reader
Whether your child is just beginning to explore books or is already devouring chapter books, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Find board books for babies, picture books and Early Readers for growing readers, and chapter books, graphic novels, and non-fiction for kids ready to discover more. Not sure what to choose? Grab a book kit—Picture Book Bag, Junior Series Starter, Box Set In a Bag for teens—each including a variety of books selected by our librarians, ready to borrow and go!
Kids can also listen to audiobooks on CD or digitally, borrow a Yoto player and cards, or download eBooks to read on a device or computer.
Early Literacy & Accessibility Resources
The library has lots of resources designed specifically to help young children develop early literacy skills and become confident readers.
- Preschool Read & Play Kits: Books, activities, props, and puppets for literacy-based play.
- Early Literacy Support Collections: Bob Books, Little Leveled Readers, Wonderbooks (with audio), and VOX Books (with audio) help children practice and build their reading skills.
- Accessible books: Braille books for children and decodable books that children can enjoy independently or with family members.
Movies, Video Games & More
The library isn't just about books! Your child's library card can also open the door to plenty of entertainment.
Borrow movies and TV shows on DVD and Blu-ray or stream with Hoopla and Kanopy Kids. Children can also borrow video games for PlayStations, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, Nintendo 3DS, and Wii U.
Youth cards cannot be used to borrow age-restricted movies or video games.
Things to Play, Explore & Create
Sometimes the best way to learn isn't by reading a book. BPL also has materials that encourage children to play, experiment, build, and try.
- Puzzles and Board Games: Find options for different ages and interests, from simple puzzles for young children to games the whole family can enjoy.
- Mindfulness & Grief Kits: Books and activities help caregivers support children as they navigate anxiety, worry, grief, and loss.
- Sensory Support Kits: Resources help autistic and other neurodivergent library users relax, focus, and feel more comfortable while visiting the library.
- Early Years Engineering Kits: Books and hands-on toys encourage children ages 3+ to build, experiment, solve problems, and experience STEM concepts.
And that’s just a sample! Visit our website to find even more resources available to borrow with a library card.
A young reader browsing children's picture books at Central Branch.
Let Them Choose!
One of the best things about having a library card is choosing what you want to read, watch, play, and learn.
Let your child wander through the shelves. Let them pick a book because they love the cover, choose a graphic novel because their friend recommended it, or bring home a puzzle they've never tried before. They don't have to choose the “right” book or read something educational every time. The library is a place to follow their curiosity.
Getting their own card can also be a small step toward independence. Encourage your child to carry their card, choose their own materials, keep track of what they've borrowed, and ask library staff for recommendations. These little experiences can help children become confident library users and, hopefully, lifelong readers.
What About Late Fees?
We understand that borrowing books is a big responsibility, and sometimes it takes a little practice to remember due dates. The good news is that BPL has no daily late fines on materials.
We ask that you do your best to return items on time as a courtesy to other library users waiting to enjoy them. If you need a little extra time, many items can also be renewed.
Your Library Adventure Starts Here
A first board book, a new favourite graphic novel, a video game to try, a puzzle to solve—there’s always something waiting for your child at BPL.
Ready to get started? Bring your child to your neighbourhood library branch, sign up for their first card, and see where it takes them!
