Membership
A Brantford Public Library membership allows you to borrow items, download audiobooks and eBooks, use our computers, stream movies, and so much more! Find out how to:
There are several types of Brantford Public Library memberships. The memberships listed below are free, except for Non-Resident memberships.
- Full Membership
Brantford Public Library full memberships are available for free to any person who lives, works, attends school, owns property, or owns a business within Brantford. Additionally, Indigenous members of neighbouring communities are eligible for full library membership.
This membership type provides the widest access to facilities, materials, training, technologies, and equipment.
- Digital Membership
Digital membership allows immediate access to online collections and databases. Digital membership are temporary because they are intended to be a convenient first step toward full membership registration. To maintain ongoing access, verification of eligibility for full membership is required through an in person visit to any Brantford Public Library branch.
- Reciprocal Borrowing Membership
The Brantford Public Library maintains reciprocal borrowing agreements with neighbouring library systems, including the County of Brant, Six Nations, and Cambridge public libraries, allowing residents of those communities to obtain a Brantford Public Library card free of charge, and vice versa.
Reciprocal borrowers have free and full access to Brantford Public Library’s physical collections and Brantford Public Library’s Overdrive/Libby collections. Remote access to Brantford Public Library’s other digital resources is excluded for reciprocal borrowing members.
- Internet Membership
Internet cards are available to any member of the public and give access to in-library Internet services only, with no borrowing privileges.
- Temporary Membership
Temporary cards are available for individuals that have limited identification, including individuals awaiting updated identification documents, individuals new to Canada or the area, or individuals living in Brantford for a short period of time. Often, temporary memberships are arranged in partnership with local social service agencies, who can assist with identity verification for temporary card holders. These memberships are temporary to encourage individuals to register for full membership when the required identification is available. Temporary membership allows access to limited borrowing of four items from the Library’s regular physical collections, such as a book or DVD. Special collections and high-value items are excluded.
- Access Membership
Access cards are available for individuals without a permanent address or formal identification. Access membership allows limited borrowing of one item from the Library’s regular physical collections, such as a book or DVD. Special collections and high-value items are excluded.
- Non-Resident Membership
Non-residents are individuals living outside the areas or agreements specified above who choose to purchase an annual membership for a fee of $40.00 per year. Non-residents who are employed or attend school in Brantford are exempt from the annual membership fee and are eligible for free membership upon verification of local employment or local school enrollment.
- Institution Membership
Institution cards are available to organizations that serve the community of Brantford and are intended to provide their staff members with access to the Brantford Public Library’s resources and collections. The registered institution assumes responsibility for all borrowed items.
Examples of organizations in Brantford that may be eligible for an institution membership include: licensed day cares and preschools; elementary and secondary schools; rest homes; hospitals; churches; and non-profit organizations.
- Home Delivery Membership
The Home Delivery Service is available to Brantford residents with health and mobility restrictions that prevent them from visiting the Library. This service requires registration and may have different conditions than a regular member.
Library Membership FAQs
How often do I have to renew or update my membership?
Most Library cards expire every two years. Visit either Library location to renew your card.
Bring the following items with you when renewing your card:
- Your library card
- ID with your current address
Non-resident cards expire every year. Visit either Library location to renew a Non-resident card. Bring the following items with you:
- Your Library card
- ID with your current address
- Your payment method for the $40 fee. We accept cash, debit, credit, and cheques. Cheques can be made out to Brantford Public Library
Institution cards expire annually at the end of September. Renewal notifications with instructions for renewing will be sent out to Designated Officers in August.
Notify the library anytime your contact information changes. This includes when you have a:
- New address
- New phone number
- New email address
- Change of name
What if I lose my card?
Notify the Library as soon as possible if your card has been lost or stolen.
Visit either Library location to get a replacement card. Bring the following items with you:
- Current ID
- Replacement fee
Replacement fees:
- Adult card - $2
- Children's card - $1
What ID should I bring when I pick up my card?
Acceptable ID to confirm address include:
- Driver's Licence
- Ontario Photo Card
- Current Utility or Telephone Bill
- Car Ownership
- Car Insurance
- Government Cheque or Tax Bill
- Rent Receipt
- School Report Card
Acceptable ID to confirm identity include:
- Employee Card
- Student Card
- Current Pay Stub
- Birth Certificate
- Passport
- Indian Status Card
- Credit Card
What responsibilities come with a Library membership?
Treat your library card like you would any important piece of personal identification (Health Card, Driver's License, etc.). Immediately report a lost or stolen card to the Library. You are responsible for all materials borrowed on your card. Do not lend your card or any library materials that you borrow. Each family member should have an individual card. Parents or legal guardians are responsible for children and assume full responsibility in the choice of material borrowed from the Library.
Cards for all borrowers, infants up to and including age 15, must be signed by a parent or legal guardian. Individuals aged 16-years and older sign their own card and are responsible for all materials borrowed.
Library borrowing privileges can be suspended when overdue fines and/or replacement charges reach $20 or more. See our fines and fees page for more information.