Membership Policy

OVERVIEW 

The branches of the Oshawa Public Libraries (“the Library”) are free and open to the public. The membership policy applies to all users of Oshawa Public Libraries and covers activities relating to the registration of Library users and the borrowing and use of library collections and services. The Library reserves the right to charge fees on late items and items not returned or damaged in accordance with the Public Libraries Act, R.S.O. 1990, Chapter P44, section 23. Members are responsible for all items taken out on their account and any associated fees and fines.   

Membership at the Library is a prerequisite for borrowing privileges. Additionally:  
  • Any person who lives, works, attends school or owns property in Oshawa or the Regional Municipality of Durham is eligible for membership privileges without charge, upon representation of acceptable identification.
  • Non-residents who do not qualify may purchase a membership at an amount determined by the CEO.
  • Eligible customers who do not currently have an Oshawa Public Libraries membership and wish to use the Library’s digital services only can register for a Digital Access Card on the Oshawa Public Libraries’ website. Digital Access Cards provide access to all of the Library's digital services, except those limited to in-Library use.
  • Customers who have a Digital Access Card and wish to obtain access to all Library services, including the physical collection, may receive a full access card upon presentation of acceptable identification at any branch of the Oshawa Public Libraries.
  • Application for membership constitutes agreement to comply with the policies and regulations of the Library.   
  • The Library is committed to gathering and using the personal information of our customers in a respectful manner. Personal information is collected under the authority of the Public Libraries Act, R.S.O. 1990, Chapter P44, section 23, subsection 4. 
  • The collection of personal information is regulated by the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA). Through MFIPPA standards for the collection, use, disclosure, retention and disposal of personal information are legislated to protect the privacy of individuals.  
  • Membership information and transactions made on Library cards are confidential and are protected under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA).
Requirements for Application for Membership   

An applicant for membership must provide a valid Driver’s Licence or Ontario Identification card, or two pieces of ID with at least one piece showing the applicant’s current address. We accept e-statements and e-invoices, either printed or shown on a mobile device. Bills, leases, and legal documents must have been issued within the last two months of the date of registration or renewal.

Other acceptable forms of identification may include but are not limited to:

  • utility bill
  • tax bill
  • birth certificate
  • credit card
  • pay stub
  • current mortgage, rental, or lease agreement
  • any benefit statement issued by the Government of Canada
  • insurance policy
  • school report card or transcript
  • proof of employment in Durham Region municipality
  • title/deed for land owned in Durham Region municipality

Members are responsible for keeping their account information up-to-date (e.g. name, address, phone number, etc.) and notifying Oshawa Public Libraries of any changes.  

Children 12 and under require the permission of a parent/legal guardian to become a member of the Library. “Legal guardian” includes an authorized representative of a legal entity which has custody of a minor child.

Membership Responsibilities  
  • A Library card holder, or their parent/legal guardian, has financial responsibility for lost, damaged, or overdue materials.   
  • An individual may have one valid Library card at a time.  
  • Members must abide by the Library Use Guidelines. 
  • Membership is active for the duration of activity by the member. Membership must be renewed every two (2) years with confirmation of their contact information and home address. All outstanding fines, fees, and charges must be cleared at the time of renewal. Lost or damaged Library cards will be replaced at a nominal cost to the Library member.
  • Customers age 13 and over must sign the physical card upon registration unless unable to do so due to a disability.
  • The parent/guardian of a child (from birth up to and including age 12) must present identification to register the child for a library membership and sign the child’s card.
  • A customer must check material out properly, treat it with care, and return it on time so that material will be available to other customers.
  • A library membership is not transferable (i.e. library privileges apply to individuals only and may not be transferred from one individual to another).
  • Customers are entitled to one card only. A second library card may be issued for children of divorced/separated parents, a separate card for use with each parent/guardian.  Change of name, address, phone number or email address must be reported immediately.

 

 Revision Date: May 2023

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