Get a library card
A GVPL library card gives you access to thousands of books, digital items, and more. Signing up is easy, and we work hard to make sure as many people as possible can access our services.
Anyone who lives, works, studies, or owns property in Greater Victoria or in Indigenous Nations within our service areas can get a free library card. Check out more options for students, visitors, and people without a permanent address.
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Sign up online or in-person
You can sign up online or visit any branch to get a library card.
What counts as identification
We accept many types of government-issued identification. Expired ID is accepted for up to three years after the expiry date. Please bring original documents, if possible.
You can choose the name that appears on your library card. Staff will still need to confirm your identity using your identification documents.
Acceptable government ID
- BC Services Card
- Driver’s licence
- BC ID card
- BC CareCard
- Passport
- Birth certificate
- Status Card
- Any other government-issued identification
Acceptable proof of address
We accept printed documents, photos of documents, or PDF e-bills.
Examples include:
- Personal cheque
- Utility bills, such as BC Hydro
- Phone or cable bill, such as Telus or Rogers
- Government mail, like a tax notice or ICBC registration
- Tenancy or rental agreement
View the full list of acceptable ID.
Library cards for children
Children 13 and under can get a library card with a parent or guardian. These cards work like regular cards, but don’t allow access to age-restricted materials, such as certain films, TV shows, and video games. Parents or guardians are responsible for returning items and any replacement costs.
To sign up for a child’s library card, no ID is required if your child is present. If they are not present, bring a government-issued ID for your child and either your own ID or your GVPL card.
See also: Schools and classroom visits
Corporate library cards
Schools, daycares, nonprofits, businesses, and other organizations in the GVPL service area can apply for a corporate library card.
Apply in person and bring proof of your organization’s address. Organizations are responsible for all borrowed materials connected to the account.
Replacing and managing your card
Replacing a lost or stolen card
Please contact us right away if you’ve lost your library card or suspect it’s been stolen. We’ll help protect your account and issue a new one at no cost.
Renewing your card
Library cards are valid for three years. If your account has a current email address and is setup to receive email notifications, you will receive a “time to renew your library account” email 1 month before it expires. To renew, visit any branch with your ID.
Authorize someone else to help
If you are unable to make an in-person visit to a GVPL branch, you can have someone else create or renew a library card on your behalf. To authorize them, you’ll need to complete the Library Card Designate Authorization Form and have your designate bring it to any branch.
Getting a library card
GVPL library cards are free to anyone who lives or owns property in the following areas:
- Central Saanich
- Colwood
- Esquimalt
- Highlands
- Juan de Fuca Electoral District (eastern portion only, including the Malahat and Willis Point)
- Langford
- Metchosin
- Oak Bay
- Saanich
- Victoria
- View Royal
Our service area includes the following Indigenous Nations:
- Songhees Nation
- Xʷsepsəm (Esquimalt) Nation
- W̱JOȽEȽP (Tsartlip) First Nation
- SȾÁUTW̱ (Tsawout) First Nation
- SC’IȺNEW (Beecher Bay) First Nation
Business owners and shareholders of businesses operating within the GVPL service area also qualify for a library card.
Newcomers, exchange students, and refugees
We want everyone to be able to use the library, even if they are new to the area or do not yet have standard identification documents.
If you don’t have government-issued ID or proof of address, your host family or sponsor can complete our Address Verification Form. This will confirm you live within our service area.
Students
Kindergarten to Grade 12 students attending school in the GVPL service area can receive a free library card, even if they live elsewhere. Bring your student ID, such as a Go Card, to register.
See also: Schools and classroom visits
Members of another B.C. library
If you have a library card from another B.C. library, you may apply for a BC OneCard at any GVPL branch. Bring your current home library card and a valid ID showing your current address.
With a BC OneCard, you can:
- Borrow up to five books and CDs for 21 days
- Borrow up to five talking books after registering for assistive services
- Use public computers and Wi-Fi
- Access most digital platforms
- Return GVPL materials to any B.C. public library participating in the BC OneCard service
BC OneCard users cannot:
- Borrow Fastreads or Fastview items
- Borrow ebooks and digital items through Libby, Kanopy, or Hoopla
- Request an interlibrary loan
- Place holds
Visitor library cards
If you live outside GVPL’s service area and would like access to our collections and services, you can get a visitor card for a fee. These visitor cards include access to all library services. Visit any branch to sign up.
Visitor card pricing
- 12 months: $200
- 6 months: $100
- 3 months: $50
- 2 months: $35
- 1 month: $20
Schools and classroom visits
Teachers bringing students to the library can apply for library cards ahead of time using a class visit form. These class visit forms will ask for a parent or guardian’s information to list as the person responsible for the card.
Contact us for help with organizing a classroom visit to the library.
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