Library Services
Become a Member

Become an RHPL Member Today

If you live, work or go to school in York Region, it's free to get a library membership. Discover so many great reasons to get a library card:

  • Borrow and download thousands of ebooks and audiobooks

  • Explore digital resources for homework help and career development

  • Access free online programs and in-person classes

  • Discover art and culture through free experience passes 

  • Perfect your language skills or learn new ones  

  • Learn and play with popular items in our collections

  • Read newspapers and magazines in your language

  • Stream your favourite music and movies 

  • Discover safe spaces to study, work, and connect

  • Get free WiFi and borrow technology

Introducing New Educator Library Memberships

Starting Tuesday, Sept. 23, Richmond Hill Public Library will offer a new type of membership for educators. This allows for longer loan periods on select items and exclusive access to kits developed for classroom use. 

This includes: 

  • 6 week loan period for select items (not applicable to Express Books, iPads, Interlibrary loans, and book club sets); Library of Things items also not available with this type of membership. 

  • New Educator Kits 
     

Eligibility

All types of educators are eligible for this card, including K–12 classroom teachers, early childhood educators, educational assistants, licensed daycare workers, before- and after-school program providers, homeschool educators, and individuals in these roles from surrounding Indigenous communities. 
 

How to Apply

Applicants must provide personal identification along with proof of educator status, which could include: employee ID, business card, recent pay stub, membership card from a recognized educational organization, or a copy of a homeschool notice submitted to a school board. Educator cards expire August 31 of the current school year.  

Discover Our Catalogue and Learn About Borrowing Basics

Your library membership includes access to collections, digital resources, technology, programs, and more. Explore our catalogue to search for items and learn more on borrowing basics.  

Discover Catalogue Borrowing Basics

Types of Memberships

Becoming a member is easy! Visit one of our branch locations and one of our team members will be happy to help you get started. Read below for types of memberships available. 

Adult Membership

Richmond Hill Public Library memberships are free to all adults (18+) who live, work or attend school in Richmond Hill, Aurora, East Gwillimbury, Georgina, King Township, Newmarket, Markham, Vaughan and Whitchurch-Stouffville (York Region Public Libraries Partnership). You'll need to provide photo ID with proof of address, or two forms of identification. 

Child and Youth Memberships

Child memberships are available for those aged 13 years and under. Parental proof of address and identification are required, as well as parent signature. Please Note: parents and guardians are responsible for the selection, usage, and safe return of our library materials borrowed by children. 
 

Youth memberships are available for those aged 14 -17 years and does not require the signed consent of a parent or guardian, but does require proof of address. Please note: parents and guardians are still responsible for the safe return of materials borrowed by persons under the age of 18. 

Visitors (Temporary Membership - Up to 6 months)

This membership is for persons who are residing in Richmond Hill temporarily without proof of a permanent address. It can be obtained for a $5.00 monthly fee for up to a total of six months. After this period, you’d have the option of switching your membership to another type, after which, the non-resident fee would apply. Note: proof of identity and permanent address are required as well as your temporary local address.

Non-Residents (Permanent Membership - Renewable) 

This membership is for non-residents of York Region who want a membership with RHPL for longer than six months. The annual non-resident membership fee is $60.00 per person.

Ease of Access Cards

For those who cannot provide proof of address, you can still become a member. The Ease of Access card is a free membership that provides full access to the Library’s eResources and computers, but has limited opportunities to borrow physical materials. Up to five holds and five physical materials (with the exception of iPads and Chromebooks) may be borrowed at one time. 

Digital Cards

We're improving your experience with our digital membership. As a result, we've temporarily paused the creation of digital cards. Please visit your nearest RHPL branch to get an RHPL membership.

 

Membership Renewals

Your RHPL membership card expires every two years and all outstanding monies owing to the Library must be paid in full before your membership is renewed. You should receive notice approximately 30 days prior to your membership expiring. Visit your nearest RHPL branch to renew your membership. Be sure to bring I.D. with you for the renewal.

If you are unable to visit your nearest RHPL branch, connect with library staff over the phone to renew your membership. You'll need to verify information such as: address, contact information, and email. If there has been any change in your address, visit your nearest RHPL branch with a proof of address.

Lost or Damaged Cards

Please notify the library as soon as possible if your card is lost or stolen. Members are responsible for all materials borrowed on their library card and for any charges that may result from late, lost or damaged materials.

Members can replace lost or stolen cards for a charge of $2.00. Damaged or worn-out cards are replaced free of charge. Identification with proof of your address is required in order to replace a card. 

Fines for Overdue Materials

Confidentiality

The information contained in your customer record is confidential. Upon presentation and verification of your library card, you can access only your own record or that of your minor children or wards.

Access information on your borrowed items, loans, holds and fines is available when you sign in to your account.

If you move or change your telephone number or email address, please notify the Library so that we can update your customer record.