Notice: The online temporary library card registration form is currently unavailable due to system maintenance. We apologize for this inconvenience. In the meantime, you can sign up for a library card by visiting any of our branches. Our staff will be happy to assist you in person. Thank you for your understanding and patience.
Get a Library Card
To sign up for a full-service account, please visit us in one of our 12 branches. You will need ID verifying your identity and current address in our service area.
A Full-Service Account provides you free access to GVPL's diverse collections available for you to read, listen, watch, learn and discover. Access collections digitally or browse and borrow from any branch location. Your library account also provides you with access to library computers in branches.
Library Card for kids ages 0-13.
The parent/guardian of a child (age 0-13) must present identification and sign the child's card. Alternatively, a class visit form is used to obtain a full-service card for K-8 students during a school field trip to the library.
In signing the card, the parent/guardian accepts responsibility for the selection of library material, use, and return of all materials borrowed, and for charges on items that are lost or damaged.
Library Cards for age 14+
Individuals can apply for a library card without parent/guardian consent.
If you are eligible for GVPL service and unable to sign up or renew in person, we have options to help you.
The Library Card Designate Authorization Form authorizes someone else to renew or create a GVPL account on your behalf. Instructions are included on this printable form.
If this option does not work for you, please contact us.
Library Cards for Special Circumstances
If you live outside GVPL’s service area but would like to access the library’s services and collections, we have a few card options for you. And, if you’re a refugee or a student without proof of a local address, we have an option for you, too. Take a look at the options below.
Residents of BC – BC OneCard
With a BC OneCard, you can access services and borrow items from GVPL and any participating public library in BC, even if you don’t live in that library’s service area. A BC OneCard will grant you access to borrow items and use the facilities and services at the library for one year.
How to Get One
Visit a GVPL branch (or a branch of any participating public library), and show the following:
- A public library card issued by your home library in B.C.
- ID with proof of your current address.
What You Can Do
- With your BC OneCard, you can do the following at GVPL:
- Borrow up to 5 books (excludes Fastreads) and CDs for 21 days
- Borrow up to 5 talking books (only for registered print disabled patrons)
- Renew books two times, as long as there are no holds on the items
- Use public computers and connect to Wi-Fi
- Use the features in your online account, including renewing books
- Use limited e-resources (digital collections like OverDrive, Kanopy and Hoopla are excluded).
Please Note: BC OneCard holders cannot place holds or request Interlibrary loans.
Returning Materials
You can return materials to any BC public library participating in the BC OneCard service.
Fees
BC OneCard users are responsible for any fees for lost or damaged items. Standard GVPL charges apply and can be paid in person at any GVPL branch or online.
Refugees & Non-Resident Students
Refugees and students who reside in the GVPL service area but do not have identification that shows a current address can use the Address Verification Form (pdf) to have their address confirmed by sponsor groups or families.
Visitors and Non-Residents
GVPL library cards are available for a fee to visitors. Youth who attend school (K-12) in the GVPL service area but do not live within its boundaries can receive a library card without paying the visitor/non-resident fee.
The visitor library card gives patrons full borrowing privileges at GVPL. Please visit a GVPL branch to sign up.
Fees:
- 12 months: $200.00
- 6 months: $100.00
- 3 months: $50.00
- 2 months: $35.00
- 1 month: $20.00
Businesses, Agencies, Groups & Organizations
A corporate library card is available to any business, government agency, school, community organization, group home, day-care or preschool located in GVPL’s service area. It is intended for use by employees who require library materials for their work. To apply for a corporate library card, visit any GVPL branch.
Property Owners and Business Property Renters
Patrons who reside outside the GVPL service area but own personal or business property (and therefore pay taxes) inside the service area, or, patrons who reside outside the service area but rent premises for a business within the service area (this includes shareholders in a business that is renting property), qualify for a regular GVPL library card. Visit any GVPL branch.
Class Visits
Field trips to the library provide an enjoyable and rewarding experience and introduce students to reading material, borrowing, and library services. Teachers can arrange in advance for their students to get library cards out using the library card application for PreK-8 students (pdf). Completed forms can be dropped off at any branch up to a week before the date of your visit. New cards are distributed during the class visit.
If you’d like to arrange to visit the library with your class, please email us at [email protected] or call GVPL customer service at 250-940-4875.
Learn more about library cards and borrowing here.
