Register in person for a library card
Use your Vancouver Public Library card to enjoy millions of books, graphic novels, DVDs, magazines, newspapers, and much more.
Looking for digital content? Use your VPL card to explore thousands of ebooks, eaudiobooks, movies, music, online courses and more through our Digital Library.
Eligibility
- You live or own property in the City of Vancouver.
- You live in a municipality near Vancouver, in the Fraser Valley or on the Sunshine Coast that is served by one of these member library systems.
- You live on UBC Endowment Lands, in UBC family housing or in other specific locations at UBC. (Read the Library Card FAQ for more details on qualifying areas).
- You live in British Columbia outside of Lower Mainland / Fraser Valley / Sunshine Coast area.
Don’t fall into any of the categories above? Read our Library Card FAQ for other card options.
How to get your card:
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Step 1 - Gather necessary identificationMake sure that you have the necessary identification to apply for a library card. Once you’re ready, you can visit a nearby branch to get your card. |
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Step 2 - Visit a nearby branchFind out which library location is closest to you by checking out our Hours & Locations page. |
Things to know
What services are available with a library card?
Your library card gives you access to:
(Please note that some resources and services are restricted to Vancouver residents only)
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Books, newspapers and magazines |
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Computers and internet |
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Accessible Services |
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Musical instruments |
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Interlibrary Loans |
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Creation spaces and software |
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Research databases and journals |
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Online video tutorials |
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Audiobooks and digital music |
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Streaming videos and films |
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Ebooks and digital magazines |
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Holds on physical items |
Lost and expired cards
Please report your lost card immediately by calling or visiting any VPL branch. Until you do so, anything checked out on your card is your responsibility. When you tell us your card is missing we will make a note in the computer so that no one can use it.
You can replace your card at any VPL branch.
What to bring when you register in person
All identification must be original documents.
Preferred personal identification
- Adult & Youth (14-18 years): Bring one of the following with your name, signature and current B.C. address:
- B.C. Driver's licence
- B.C. Services Card
- B.C. ID
- (For Youth) You can also bring your student I.D. card issued by B.C. high schools.
- Children (0-13 years)
- Bring your parent or legal guardian – they will need to sign your card.
- Or bring an Application Form that your parent or legal guardian has completed and signed.
- Or your parent or legal guardian can come in and get your card for you.
If you do not have one of the above preferred personal identification cards you will need to bring two pieces of ID, one from each of these lists:
List 1: Government-issued identification by Government of Canada or other province/territory, for example:
- Passport
- Driver’s licence
- Medical card
- Birth Certificate
- Social Insurance card
- Status Indian card
- Citizenship card
- Permanent Resident Card or Confirmation of Permanent Residence (CoPR)
- Canadian visa or work permit issued for 6 months or more
List 2: Proof of residential address:
- Rental agreement (officially signed)
- Bank statement or personalized cheque
- Utility bill*
- Personal mail with current postmark*
- Hotel receipt(s)*
- Home stay information letter (complete address & student’s name must be in letter)
- Bank account or utility bills opened on your personal electronic device are accepted (photographs of documents are not)
*mailed items or receipts must be dated and no more than one month old.
NOTE
If you have proof of residential address but don’t yet have a Canadian-issued identification card, you may get a library card by showing a Canadian visa/work permit that has been issued for 6 months or more.