Sign Up for a Library Card
Signing up for a WPL card is free and easy! With your library card you can access premium resources like LinkedIn Learning, Simply Analytics and Gale Courses. We have so much available to help you on your journey through school.
How to Get a Card
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Sign Up In Person
To sign up for a library card in person:
- Visit any WPL location.
- Show us your current student card with proof of your local address or your permanent address if you live on campus or commute from outside of Waterloo Region.
- That’s it! You will receive a physical library card that will be valid for one year, and will need to be renewed after this time.
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Sign Up Online
To sign up for a library card online:
- Visit our Membership page.
- Click the Register Online button.
- Fill in the registration form and click Submit.
- You will receive a barcode for a temporary digital library card that will be valid for 90 days.
- After 90 days, your card will need to be renewed in person at any WPL location and you will receive a regular (i.e. physical) library card that will be valid for one year and will need to be renewed annually.
FAQs
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Does it matter where I go to school?
Nope! If you are going to school in Waterloo Region and can show us a current student ID from a local post-secondary institution, you are able to sign up for a library card.
Students in high school can register for a library card by showing proof of their local permanent address.
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How long is my library card valid?
Regular (i.e. physical) library cards must be renewed once per year. If you signed-up for a card online, you will receive a temporary digital library card, which will be valid for 90 days, and will need to be renewed after this time.
To renew your library card:
- Visit any Waterloo Public Library location
- Phone: 519-886-1310
- Email: askus@wpl.ca
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If I don't have proof of my local address, can I still sign up for a library card?
Yes! Visit any WPL location with your student card and proof of your permanent address (even if it’s outside of Waterloo Region) and we will issue you a library card.
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What if I move to another place in Waterloo Region?
No problem! When you come into a library location, let a staff member know that your local address has changed.
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If I commute, can I sign up for a library card?
Yes! Visit any WPL location with your student card and proof of your permanent address (even if it’s outside of Waterloo Region) and we will issue you a library card.
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If I live on campus, can I sign up for a library card?
Yes! Visit any WPL location with your student card and proof of your permanent address (even if it’s outside of Waterloo Region) and we will issue you a library card.
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What happens if my card is lost or stolen?
Notify the library immediately if your card is lost or stolen. You must show identification and proof of address to get a replacement library card. Replacement library cards cost $3.00.
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What types of ID do you accept?
Acceptable forms of ID include:
- Driver’s License
- Health Card
- Ontario Photo Card
- Student ID Card
- Passport
- Credit Card
Acceptable forms of address verification:
- Driver’s License
- Ontario Photo Card
- Recent utility bill
- Recent rental agreement
- Recent tax bill
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Gale Literature Resource Centre
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Career Cruising
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