Types of Memberships

In accordance with the Library Act, R.S.O. 1990, chapter 44, section 23 all residents are eligible to apply for a FREE Library Card. A resident card is available to anyone who lives, works, or attends post-secondary education in Norfolk County, Ontario.

There are three types of Resident Library Memberships:

• Adult - Individuals aged 18 and older can access the Library’s complete in-house collection, Digital Library, and Online Resources. Adults must provide identification with proof of residence.
• Youth/Young Adult - Individuals aged 14 to 17 can access the Library’s complete in-house collection, Digital Library, and Online Resources. Proof of age may be requested, and proof of residence is required; however, a parent’s signature is not needed to obtain the card.
• Child/Juvenile - Children under 14 may apply for a Library Card with a parent or guardian’s signature. The parent or guardian must present ID to verify residence and should sign the card only if they are willing to take responsibility for the child’s selection and use of Library materials and resources..

Please visit your local Branch with supporting documents to get your resident card during regular hours of operation!

NCPL encourages Library users to have individual Library Cards. However, sometimes an organization would like to have one card for the entire organization or group. 

Cards are available to individuals serving organizations who wish to sign out books for multiple people.

NCPL encourages patrons to have individual library cards. However, sometimes an organization would like to have one card for the entire organization or group. An Organization library card has been created to fulfill this need.

A day care centre, home schooling group, senior’s facility, assisted living residence, hospital, church, school teacher, or instructor for example may apply for and receive an organization library card. With this card comes an extended loan period of 42 days (6 weeks). Borrowing privileges include up to 50 items per library card, the same as a regular library card, which means only 3 non-fiction items on the same subject or 3 high demand items such as seasonal and holiday materials. No fines are accumulated on a Partnership library card however, lost and/or damaged fees will apply as usual. The high demand loan period of 14 days still applies. This library card cannot be used for interlibrary loan services.

Proof of address for the person responsible for the library card is required and proof that the person is part of the organization is required, such as a business card or swipe card.

Download Organisation Card Application Form

Virtual Cards can be issued to folks who do not have a residential address. 

A Virtual Library Card can be granted to anyone living in Norfolk County who may not have a home address, so they can access our Online Resources, Digital Library, and other services. A Virtual Card may be upgraded to a full Membership if the applicant brings identification with their name and Norfolk County Address to their local Library Branch.

A Home Access Membership is available to any Norfolk County resident who is unable to visit a Library Branch because of age, disability, illness, mobility limitations, or residency in an assisted living or long-term care facility.

Home Access members receive extended six-week loan periods and can designate up to two individuals to pick up Library materials on their behalf. Overdue fines are waived, and memberships are valid for one year and renewed annually.

Home Access can be arranged on a short-term, long-term, or seasonal basis.

Click here for more information or to download the Home Access Membership Application.