Get a Card
There are three ways to sign up for a Library card.
Option 1: Apply for an eService card online using the form.
This option will get you signed up for an eService card, which will let you use our online resources right away.
- This option is limited to residents of Thunder Bay and municipalities participating in a service agreement.
- If you already have a Library membership, once you fill out this online form, you will receive an email with a reminder of your card number. If you do not remember your PIN, please contact the Library at 807-345-8275, comments@tbpl.ca, or visit us in person.
- If you don't already have a Library membership, you will receive an email with your new card number and PIN.
- You can update your eService card to a Full Service card anytime by visiting any Library branch with current identification. Learn more about this below.
Option 2: Apply for or upgrade to a Full-Service Library Card in person at any Library location.
- Click here, opens a new window to print a membership application form in pdf format.
- Please bring ID to confirm your address. Library cards are free for people who live in Thunder Bay and municipalities participating in service agreements.
- Non-resident Library Card fees are listed below., opens a new window
Option 3: Apply by email for an eService card.
You may also apply for a Library Card by emailing comments@tbpl.ca with your name, address, date of birth, and phone number and we will issue you an eService card. You can update your eService card to a Full Service card anytime by visiting any Library branch with current identification.
Call us at (807) 345-8275 during hours of operation and we would be happy to assist you.
No More Late Fees!
As of January 2020 there are no late fees for overdue items.
Online Library Card Form
Who Can Use the Library?
Library cards are free for people who live in Thunder Bay. Non-residents not covered by a service agreement may purchase Library Cards on an annual basis.
Through service agreements with other municipal governments, cards are also free for residents of Fort William First Nation, Shuniah and Lappe.
Your Library is committed to helping students succeed.
No matter where you live in the Thunder Bay area, all students attending elementary, secondary and post secondary school are eligible for free Library Cards.
To make the sign up process easier, students no longer need to provide proof of a Thunder Bay address to get a library card - your home address will be fine!
We also have student membership packages for local schools. If you’re a teacher or school administrator who wants more information about library membership for your students, please contact us for details.
Non-Resident Card Fees
Family Membership (same address, no card limit)
$60.00 / year
*Individual Membership (one library card)
$40.00 / year
*Monthly Individual Membership
$7.00 / month
Members of Fort William First Nation
Free.
*Senior Membership (60+)
$25.00 / year
*2 Seniors, same address
$45.00 / year
*Monthly Senior Membership
$4.00 / month
*Juvenile / Youth Membership (18 & under)
Free.
*Student Membership (18+, August 31 expiry)
Free.
* Card is non-transferable.
Residents of the City of Thunder Bay pay for public library service in their property taxes.
Most people who don’t live in the City of Thunder Bay, or do not pay taxes to the municipality, must pay an annual fee for a library card. There are some exceptions, as noted above; in addition, business owners who pay property taxes within the City and who live outside City limits, are not subject to non-resident fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Borrowing FAQs
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We loan books, board games, passes to local attractions, garden tools, and "Other Things" for three (3) weeks, unless another person has requested them. Items from these categories that have been requested by another person must be returned after one (1) week.
DVDs are loaned for one (1) week, unless another patron has requested them. If there are requests for the item, the loan period is three (3) days. DVD series sets have a three (3) week loan period. If these items are requested by another person, the loan period is one (1) week.
Be sure to return your items on time so other members of our community can enjoy them as well!
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Please be prepared to show proof of your address when applying for or renewing your Card.
Sign Up
There are three ways to sign up for a Library Card; learn about them here.
Renew
You can renew your card by
- sending us an email at comments@tbpl.ca - please include your full name, address, date of birth, and phone number
- coming into a branch in person
- by calling us at (807) 345-8275
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eServices are not free for everyone. To use Thunder Bay Public Library's eServices, you must hold a valid Library Card by:
- being a resident of Thunder Bay
- being a non-resident covered by a service agreement through your municipal government, or
- purchasing a Library Card on an annual basis.
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Residents of the City of Thunder Bay pay for Public Library service in their property taxes; Membership is free of charge.
Non-residents not covered by a service agreement may purchase Library Cards on an annual basis.
Through service agreements with other municipal governments, Cards are also free for residents of certain communities; visit our Get a Card page for details.
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TBPL has turned on automatic renewals! If a book you have signed out isn't required by another person it will automatically renew up to 2 times.
Extended borrowing periods may be arranged for special circumstances such as hospital stays or vacations. Please contact your library branch for more information on extended borrowing periods.
We acknowledge that the City of Thunder Bay has been built on the traditional territory of Fort William First Nation, signatory to the Robinson Superior Treaty of 1850. We also recognize the contributions made to our community by the Métis people.
