Sign up online to get a library card today. You can get an Ottawa Public Library card if you qualify for one or more of the following :
- You live in Ottawa
- Pay property tax to the City of Ottawa
- Have a SmartLibrary membership
You can also register in person at any open Library branch for a free library card.
- You will need to bring photo identification and proof of address, such as a utility bill or bank statement.
- Children aged 15 or under need the signature of a parent to get a card.
When you get a Library card, you are agreeing to:
- Follow the rules and regulations of the OPL.
- Care for all of the materials you borrow.
- Pay outstanding fees.
- Pay for all lost or damaged materials.
- Tell us if your card is lost or stolen because the cardholder is responsible for any use of this card.
- Tell us if your name, address or phone number changes.
Do you live outside of Ottawa?
A person living outside of Ottawa can get a non-resident card for an annual fee of $90 ($180 for a family membership).
Just visiting?
- Register for a visitor’s membership valid for a maximum of three months at a cost of $10 a month or $25 for three months.
- Bring identification with your permanent address and photo identification and proof of your temporary Ottawa address to get your card.
- You may borrow 10 items at any one time from our circulating collections and also get access to the Internet.
Your online account
To access your online account, simply login with your Library card number or username and PIN. If its your first time logging in you'll need to complete a short registration form where you'll choose an easy to remember username.
Forgot your PIN?
To change your personal information:
- Access the Settings area of the catalogue and login to your account.
- You can change your username, update your email address, change your branch and create a new PIN.
- If you need to update your postal address or telephone number, visit your local Library branch. Staff will be happy to do that for you; a proof of new postal address will be required.
Check the status of your account:
- Visit the My OPL section of the catalogue to see your items checked out, holds, fees and recently returned.
Renewing Materials
You can renew Library materials in these ways:
- By using our online catalogue. Access your account to renew items, see what’s out on your card or monitor your requests by clicking on My Borrowing.
- By touch-tone phone at 613-580-2535 (TeleCIRC).
- In person at any branch.
- Calling our central line at 613-580-2940
Library materials can be renewed except in the following circumstances:
- There is a request on the item.
- The maximum renewal limit on the item has been reached
- There is an outstanding balance on your account of $25 or more.
- Your Library card has expired.
Renewing Your Card
You can renew your library card by visiting any library branch. You will need to show your library card and pay any outstanding charges on your account before it can be renewed.
If your Library account is in good standing at the time of renewal (you owe less than $1 in fees), and you have used your card at one of 33 branches in the last 12 months, your card will be automatically renewed in our system, and you will not need to visit a branch.