Library Cards
With your RHPL card you can borrow books, movies, music and much more. Your card gives you access to online databases that support your academic studies, facilitate your curiosity, and inform your life choices. Your library card also gives you access to downloadable material such as ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, and newspapers.
How to get a library card
Card Membership Types
As of Sept. 1, 2021, we offer the following card types to eligible persons:
Adult Card (Full Membership)
Richmond Hill Public Library cards 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). Find full details on obtaining a full membership below.
Child Card (Full Membership)
Children 13 years of age and younger require signed permission of a parent or guardian to obtain a library card. Parents and guardians are responsible for the selection, usage and safe return of library materials borrowed by their children. Find full details on obtaining a full membership below.
Student Card (Full Membership)
A student/youth (14 -17) may apply for their own library card without signed consent of a parent or guardian, subject to verification of address. Parental responsibility for a youth’s penalties continues until the age of 18. Find full details on obtaining a full membership below.
Visitor Card (up to 6 Months Temporary Membership)
Customers who are residing in Richmond Hill temporarily without proof of a permanent address in Richmond Hill can obtain a Library card for a monthly $5 fee up to a total of six (6) months, after which the non-resident annual fee would apply. Proof of identity and permanent address are required as well as your temporary local address.
Non-Resident Card (Permanent Membership, renewable)
There is an annual per person fee per for all non-residents of Richmond Hill (exclusive of YRPLP member libraries) who wish a Library card for longer than six (6) months. Non-resident cards expire annually.
Ease of Access Card
Customers who are not able to provide proof of address may obtain a Library card that allows full access to RHPL’s e-resources and computers but limited physical materials. Up to 5 holds and 5 physical materials (with the exception of iPads and Chromebooks) may be borrowed at a time on this card. Further materials may be borrowed upon return of previously borrowed material. To obtain this card, please visit your nearest RHPL location to confirm your eligibility.
Digital Card (60 Day Temporary Membership)
A digital card is temporary and is obtained immediately upon successful completion of our online registration form. You can also call us during regular business hours to receive this card.
An RHPL digital card is ideal for someone who wishes to access our digital resources promptly. Your digital card is valid for sixty (60) days and becomes permanent by following instructions emailed to you upon registration. You must pick up your online card at your chosen library location seven (7) to sixty (60) days from the time of registering to continue accessing our resources.
You won't need a digital card if you already have a permanent card. You won't be able to put holds on physical items (books, DVDs, etc.) with a digital card.
Obtaining Your Full Membership Library Card
To receive your permanent, full membership card, you must provide current identification with your name and proof of address must be shown in paper or electronic copy (if you provide a non-photo ID, two items are required).
Children 13 years of age and younger require signed permission of a parent or guardian to obtain a library card. Parents and guardians are responsible for the selection, usage and safe return of library materials borrowed by their children.
To receive a free card, proof of current personal identification (ID) that provides name and address is required.
If ID without a photo is used, then two (2) pieces of ID are required. For those who work or go to school in York Region but do not live in the region, staff identification, a pay stub, student card or report card are examples of proof of eligibility. To obtain a library card for a child (age 0 – 13 years) a parent/guardian’s identification and proof of address, as well as the signature of the parent/guardian on the child’s library card, are required.
For adults (18 years of age and over) this includes:
- Driver's licence
- Staff identification card
- Current utility bill
- Personal cheque
- Mortgage, rental or lease agreement
- Any source of identification with name and current address (preferably photo ID)
Lost, Stolen or Expired Cards
With the exception of the additional cards previously noted, a customer’s library card expires biennially. At the time of renewal, the customer’s name, mailing address, email address (if any) and telephone number (if any) need to be verified online or in person. Students, children, and customers living outside York Region will need to renew in person. Biennially, all outstanding monies owing to the Library must be paid in full before the customer’s library card can be renewed.
Lost or stolen cards must be reported to the Library immediately to avoid the responsibility for items borrowed against your card without your approval. Replacement cards are issued at the cost of $2. Damaged or worn-out cards are replaced free of charge. Identification with proof of your address is required in order to replace a card.
Customers are responsible for all materials borrowed on their library card and for any charges that may result from late, lost or damaged 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 through clicking on My Account (top right corner of this page).
If you move or change your telephone number or email address, please notify the Library so that we can update your customer record.