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 only have one 14-digit library card number, either provided through online registration or on a plastic library card you get at a branch.
If you once were a BPL member but haven't used your library card in five or more years, your old card number is no longer active. To continue enjoying our services, we kindly invite you to apply for a new library card.
Apply In Person
Come into your local library branch and bring 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 must sign the library card for their child up to and including age twelve.
For your convenience, you can download the library membership form to complete before you come in.
Apply Online
You can self-register for a library card at any time by completing the online application.
Once you successfully apply online, you will receive an email with your 14-digit library card number and important user 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, visit any BPL branch and bring your library card number and two pieces of identification. You only need to show your ID the first time you borrow from the physical collection. If you work, go to school, or own property in Burlington but don't live here, please bring proof of employment, enrolment, or property tax payment.
Types of Membership
If you don't live in Burlington, you can still become a member. Here are alternative membership options for those who wish to join.
Work, attend school, or own property here
If you work, go to school, or own property in Burlington but don't live here, bring proof of employment, enrolment, or property tax payment. You will have full borrowing privileges at BPL, including access to online resources.
Member of another local public library
If you are a member of a neighbouring library system in Hamilton, Oakville, Milton, or Halton Hills, you have full borrowing privileges at BPL except for online resources and Interlibrary Loan Service. Please visit any BPL branch in person and bring in your valid HPL, OPL, MPL, or HHPL card and photo ID with your current address. We will create a BPL account for you as a Reciprocal Borrower. You may borrow 75 physical items and place 100 holds. Read more about borrowing from BPL.
Live outside our city and want full membership
Non-resident members are welcome but must pay an annual fee of $63 to get a BPL card with full borrowing privileges, including access to online resources. This fee equals the yearly amount the City of Burlington contributes on behalf of each resident 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).