Your library card allows you to borrow and place holds on both physical and digital materials. A Peterborough Public Library membership is free if you 

  • live in the City of Peterborough
  • go to school in the City of Peterborough
  • own property in the City of Peterborough
  • or live on a First Nations reserve in Ontario

If you live outside of Peterborough we have Out of Town Membership options available. 

Get a Library Card

You can sign up for a library card in-person or online. If you apply in person, please bring in proof of address and identification to our Main Check-out Desk.
Sign up for a library card online Sign your child up for a membership

Children's Membership

Children can get their very own library card!

Please visit the Children's Check-out Desk and bring something that has the child's name and address on it. Children without identification may use a parent or guardian's ID as proof of address.

Children under 13 must have a parent or guardian sign the back of their card, which assumes responsibility for all material and charges on the child's card.

Register your child for a library card

Student Membership

Students who do not have a permanent Peterborough address will need to bring their student card and identification with your name and address to the Main Check-out Desk. 

Out of Town Memberships

Bring documentation with your name and current address to the Library to register for a library card.

Fees for out of town memberships are:

  • 3 month membership $25.00 
  • 6 month membership $35.00
  • 9 month membership $45.00
  • 1 year membership $55.00
  • 1 year membership - 65 years or older $35.00
  • 2 year membership $110.00
  • 2 year membership - 65 years or older $70.00
People Without a Permanent Address

If you are experiencing homelessness or are precariously housed, you are eligible for a library card valid for 3 months that will allow you to borrow up to 3 items at a time. Name identification must be provided.

Reciprocal Borrowing

If you are a member of the Cavan Monaghan, Douro-Dummer, Kawartha Lakes, Otonabee-South Monaghan, Selwyn, or Trent Lakes Public Libraries you can use your local library card to borrow physical items from the Ptbo Library - this also means you can now use your Ptbo Library card at these locations too.  

Please note: Your local library card can only be used to borrow physical items. If you would like to access our Digital Collection you will need to purchase an Out of Town Membership.

Before you can use your card, please bring your photo ID and library card to the Check-Out Desk so we can register your home library card in our system.  

We are working on agreements with other Libraries in our region and will update our website when more partnerships are finalized. Please let us know if your library would be interested in a reciprocal borrowing agreement with us!

Library Account

You will need your account number and your PIN to access My Account online, to borrow items, place holds, and use our digital resources. 

Your account number is found below the barcode on your library card. Your PIN is a 4 digit number that was created when you registered for a Library membership, usually the last 4 digits of your phone number.

Renew your Membership

Your library card will expire after 2 years. To renew, please visit the library with proof of address.

Lost or Damaged Cards

Please notify the library as soon as possible if your card is lost or stolen.

Members can replace lost or stolen cards for a charge of $3.50. The member is responsible for any items borrowed on the card until the Library has been notified of the loss/theft.

Allowing Another Person to use your Library Card

A library card may only be used by the person who signs up for it.

If you wish to grant permission for another person to use and/or renew your library card, you must complete a Consent to Disclose Personal Information form which you can do online or in person.