Borrowing Materials
How to get your library card
You can get a Ottawa Public Library card if one of the following applies to you:
- You live in Ottawa
- Pay property tax to the City of Ottawa
- Have a Sm@rtLibrary membership
- You can register at any 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.
Do you live outside of Ottawa?
A person living outside of Ottawa can get a non-resident card for an annual fee of $50 ($100 for a family membership).
Just visiting?
- Register for a visitor’s membership valid for a maximum of three months at a cost of $5 a month.
- Bring identification with your permanent address, photo identification and proof of your temporary Ottawa address to get your card.
- You may borrow three items at any one time from our circulating collections and also get access to the Internet.
Using your library card
One library card gives you access to the entire Ottawa Public Library (OPL) collection including books, magazines, digital media, CDs, CD-ROMs, audiocassettes, videocassettes, DVDs, pedometers and watt meters.
- Borrow and return items from any of the 33 branches and the bookmobile.
- Access the Library’s online catalogue and its electronic databases through the OPL website from home or work 24 hours a day.
- Use your card and the Online Booking System (OBS) to reserve time at one of the OPL’s many computer stations.
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 fines or 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.
Loans and Renewals
Loan periods for items vary. Check this chart for the length of the loan period, item and renewal limits.
You can renew library materials:
- 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 Account.
- By touch-tone phone at 613-580-2535 (TeleCIRC).
- In person at any branch.
Library materials (except magazines) can be renewed unless:
- There is a request on the item.
- The maximum renewal limit on the item has been reached
(three times for books, one for audio-visual materials, one for Express Collection). - There is an outstanding balance on your account of $50 or more.
- Your library card has expired.
Overdue Notices and Bills
Late fines are charged for each day an item is overdue and are based on the type of material borrowed. You will be notified of overdue items by telephone or mail.
The Library uses a recovery agency to collect overdue items, charges and fees. Please be aware that this can affect your personal credit rating.
Click here for our complete list of fees and fines.
Some Helpful Hints
Keep Your Receipts
When you borrow library materials, you receive a printed list that tells you when each item must be returned. Keep this list as your date due reminder, until all items are returned. If you lose your list, you can see what items you have borrowed and when they are due back by checking My Account or by phoning TeleCIRC at 613-580-2535.
Check Your Own Library Account
Make it a habit to check My Account online from the library’s catalogue. This shows exactly what you have borrowed or placed on request, what is overdue, and lists any outstanding amounts owing.
Returns
You can return materials to any Ottawa Public Library branch or to the bookmobile. Always check your receipt to ensure that you return items by their due dates. Loan periods vary according to demand. Items in high demand, such as videos, DVDs, CDs, CD-ROMs and the Express Collection have a short loan period of seven days. Book drops are available at all branches except Greely, Metcalfe and Osgoode.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I do if my library card is lost or stolen?
A library card is like a credit card. If it is lost or stolen, report it right away. Anything signed out on your card is your responsibility until the card is reported missing. Replacement cards cost $5 for adults and $1 for young adults and children. Please bring identification when you come to replace it.
What if I a library item damages my equipment?
The Library is not responsible for damage caused by CDs, DVDs, videocassettes or other audio-visual materials borrowed from its collections. Borrowers use all audio-visual materials at their own risk and should use caution when playing such materials on their equipment.
How do I renew my library 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. Cards are renewed for one year.
Can I return items at any Ottawa Public Library branch?
Yes, library items may be returned to any OPL branch or the bookmobile. For your convenience, book drops are available at all branches.
Why are items I returned still showing on my account?
During busy times of the year and after statutory holidays, it can take up to three days to process the extra volume of returned items. These items are backdated to the day of return when they are checked in so that no overdue fines are charged if they are returned by the due date. If returned items remain on your record for more than three days, contact the branch where you returned the items.