Get a Library Card

Register Online

Get your Library Card online now or visit any HPL branch and fill out an application form (also available in French, Arabic, Chinese, Portuguese, Polish, Spanish, Italian, Ukrainian, Karen-Sgaw, Urdu, Hindi and Somali).

Use your Post-Secondary email address and a local Hamilton-area address when registering for an HPL eCard to qualify for this service.

Post-Secondary Students and Staff from the following can place holds, and pick-up at these locations:

• McMaster University- Mills Memorial Library 
• Mohawk College- Cummings Library 
• Redeemer University- Peter Turkstra Library 

When registering at a branch, please bring identification and proof of your current address. Acceptable forms of identification are:

• A valid driver's licence (permanent or temporary)
• Ontario Photo card
• Two pieces of current identification (one should include your current address)

Types of Library cards:

Discovery Cards

• Full borrowing privileges for those who live, work, attend school or own property in Hamilton and have appropriate identification.
• Youth Discovery Cards: In keeping with the Library’s The Rights of Children and Teens in the Public Library Policy, there is no restriction on material borrowed by children. Parents and/or caregivers are responsible for the selection, use and safe return of borrowed materials , with the exception of films rated 'R' or '18A' by the Ontario Film Review Board; and games rated 'M' by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (age 18 and older).
• Discovery cards are also available to any person who has a Six Nations address in Ontario.

Inspire Cards

• For those with limited identification. Borrowing privileges for physical items are limited but you have full access to digital resources.

Non-Resident Cards

• Non-residents must pay a $100 annual fee.
• Cardholders must verify their address and phone number.
• Non-resident cards have the same privileges as Discover cards (HPL's standard resident Library card) to access collections and physical resources. Sorry, Extended Access is not included with the Non-resident card.

Reciprocal Borrowing Cards

Anyone with a Library card from the neighbouring municipalities listed below, can also borrow items from Hamilton Public Library. (Additional identification with your name and address is also required.) 

• Burlington Public Library
• Cambridge Public Library
• County of Brant Library System
• Grimsby Public Library
• Haldimand Public Library
• Milton Public Library
• Region of Waterloo Library
• Waterloo Public Library
• Wellington County Public Library

Hamilton Public Library cards are free to anyone living, working or studying in Hamilton only.

Community Cards

Staff of Hamilton daycare centres, institutions, schools, corporations, businesses, government agencies, associations, charitable and non-profit organizations or group homes can apply for a Community Card.

A Community Card application requires the signature of an executive, administrator or any staff member who has received authorization from the organization to create a Community Card.

Service Fees

The Library collects fees for lost or damaged library materials, digital equipment or Interlibrary loans. Please see the Service Fees Policy for a list of other pay-per-use services. Items not returned within 28 days of the due date (on Oct 1 or later) will be charged a replacement fee until they are returned.

Lost Cards

If you lose your card, please call 905-546-3200.

Change of Contact Information or Address

If you need to change your address or contact information, visit any branch or call 905-546-3200.