Your library card allows you to borrow items from the library. Your card also allows you to use library computers, read e-books, listen to audiobooks, stream movies, download music and more.

Kitchener Public Library cards are free to all people who live in the city of Kitchener or within the Regional Municipality of Waterloo.

Reciprocal Borrowing allows customers who live within the Regional Municipality of Waterloo to obtain free library cards at all public libraries within the Region, including Kitchener Public Library, Waterloo Public Library, Region of Waterloo Libraries, and IdeaExchange.

If you live outside the Region, you may obtain a Kitchener Public Library card for $44 per year, or $22 for six months. Visitors staying in the Region of Waterloo may obtain a six-week library card for $5.

How to Get a Library Card

There are three ways to obtain a library card:

1. Visit any Kitchener Public Library location and fill out an application form

2. Print and complete the library card registration form and bring it to any Kitchener Public Library location

3. Register online

Adults and teens must provide personal identification and proof of address. Applications for children under the age of 12 must be signed by the child’s parent or legal guardian.

If you are a new resident and / or do not yet have identification, please call any library location to find out what you need to obtain a library card.

Acceptable identification and proof of address includes:

• Driver’s License or Ontario Photo Card
• Health Card *
• Passport
• Birth Certificate *
• Social Insurance Card *
• Credit Card *
• Utility bill or personal mail with current postmark (no more than two weeks old)
• Tax or lease receipt
• Rental agreement
• Report card or Student ID card

*  A document showing your current address is also required.

Your Account

Sign in to your library account to view your current checkouts, due dates, and items on hold. You may also check your reading history, and manage custom lists and reviews.

Access to your account may not be available during scheduled system maintenance from 11:00 pm - 12:00 am Monday to Thursday, and 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Friday to Sunday.

Digital Library Card

Stocard is an app that will store loyalty and reward cards so you don't have to remember to carry them. You can store your library card on it, too!

Download for Apple or Android devices:

Install the app and open it. Search for and select Kitchener Public Library. Use your device to scan the barcode on your library card.

Once you have scanned your library card into Stocard, the app will act as a digital library card. When checking out books, open the app and have it display your library card. Library staff (as well as our self-checkout machines) can scan it just like a physical card.

Keeping Your Account Up-to-Date

Your library card must be renewed every year. You may renew at any Kitchener Public Library location, or online using our Account Update form. You may also use this form to update your contact information.

Lost or Stolen Cards

If your library card is lost or stolen, report it immediately to any Kitchener Public Library location. You are responsible for any items borrowed on your library card. To receive a replacement, you must provide identification. Replacement cards are free of charge.

Gift Memberships

Library cards may be given as gifts to friends or relatives. The person giving the gift must arrange for the membership with the library, at which time they will receive a gift flyer to present to the gift recipient. The gift recipient will receive their library card upon bringing the flyer to any Kitchener Public Library location.

Key Tags

For a small fee, you can opt for the convenience of obtaining a key tag along with your library card. The key tag will have the same barcode as your library card and can be used in its place.

To obtain your key tag, please ask at the circulation desk at any Kitchener Public Library location.

School and Corporate Cards

An education institution or business may apply for up to three library cards to be issued in the school or corporation’s name.

Application for School or Corporate Card

To apply, please deliver the completed application form to any Kitchener Public Library location.

Application forms may also be mailed or faxed to:

Kitchener Public Library
85 Queen St N
Kitchener ON N2H 2H1

Questions? Please call us at 519-743-0271 x 260 or email registration@kpl.org.