Get a Library Card


Oshawa Public Libraries cards are free to anyone who:  

  • lives in Durham Region 
  • works in Durham Region 
  • goes to school in Durham Region 
  • or owns property in Durham Region

To get a full-access library card that allows you to borrow and place holds on all physical and digital materials, please visit a branch near you with valid and current name and address identification.  

Identification 

Acceptable forms of identification may include but are not limited to: 

  • Driver’s license 
  • Ontario ID 
  • utility bill 
  • tax bill 
  • credit card 
  • current mortgage, rental, or lease agreement 
  • any government statement with address 
  • school report card or transcript *
  • proof of employment in Durham Region
  • title/deed for land owned in Durham Region

Library cards expire every two (2) years. If your card has expired, visit any OPL branch with valid and current name and address identification, and we'll be happy to update your membership. All outstanding fines, fees, and charges must be cleared at the time of renewal.

* Teens without proof of address may apply in person with a parent who can provide proof of address or use our postcard mailing option. When the postcard is mailed to and received by the teen, they can return to any branch with it and a piece of ID matching the same name on the postcard. 

Digital Card 

A Digital Card is a library membership that provides immediate access to OPL’s Online Library, the Library’s digital resources and services, including: 

  • eBooks and eAudiobooks 
  • digital video and music 
  • digital magazines 
  • digital newspapers 
  • research databases 
  • eLearning resources 
  • use of an in-library computer

Digital Card customers will not be issued a physical card. You will be emailed a library card number to access the Library’s digital resources and services.   

Please note: Digital Cards expire one year from the date of issue. When your card expires, contact the Library at (905) 579-6111 to renew your card. 

Current Digital Card members who would like to borrow or place holds on physical materials or place requests for Interlibrary Loans will need to visit any OPL branch with identification, including proof of address, to have their Digital Card converted to a full-service library card. 

If your information cannot be fully validated online, please call the Library for assistance at (905) 579-6111.  

For more information about the Digital Card, please see our FAQs

Register for a Digital Card now!, opens a new window

Non-Residents

If you do not live, work, go to school, or own property in Durham Region, you can get a physical non-resident card. This card will give you access to digital library resources and most physical materials, with some exceptions including museum passes, Ontario Parks passes, and wi-fi hotspots. You can register in person at any OPL branch with the required identification. The fee for non-residents is $40.00. Non-resident cards expire after one (1) year from registration date. 

Need additional help or have questions? Contact us at (905) 579-6111 or email us. 


Members agree to the Library Use Guidelines and the use and disclosure of your personal information in accordance with our privacy policy. For more information please refer to our policies:

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