Get a library card
Learn how easy it is to become a member and some of the borrowing parameters.
The Region of Waterloo Library serves the Townships of North Dumfries, Wellesley, Wilmot and Woolwich in the Regional Municipality of Waterloo.
Choose our eMembership option and register online or choose our Regular Membership by visiting a branch!
Has your library card expired or is it about to expire? Complete the Renew a Library Card form to continue accessing library resources.
eMembership
eMembership is free and enables you to obtain a library card number and PIN to access RWL eLibrary services like eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines, download/stream music and stream TV shows and movies.
In order to obtain an eMembership the following criteria must apply:
- you live, work, attend school or own property in any of the Townships of Wellesley, Wilmot, Woolwich and North Dumfries, and
- you do not already have an existing library card (eMembership is for new memberships only and cannot be used to renew existing cards), and
- you are NOT a Region of Waterloo employee (employees should email Library Headquarters for registration assistance).
Have you met the criteria?
Yes! Register for your new eMembership by completing a short online form. After completing the form, please allow a few minutes for your library card number and PIN to arrive by email. If you need assistance registering, please contact libhq@regionofwaterloo.ca.
If you do not meet these criteria, please review our Regular Membership option.
Upgrade to a Regular Membership
Want to access library materials in a branch? No problem! Upgrade to a Regular Membership by bringing photo I.D. with current address or two pieces of identification with your current address to any one of our ten branches.
Regular Membership
In order to obtain a free Regular Membership the following criteria must apply:
- you live, work, attend school or own property in the Townships of Wellesley, Wilmot, Woolwich and North Dumfries, or
- you are a temporary visitor(s) to the townships for three weeks or longer, or
- you are a member of a neighbouring library(s) with reciprocal borrowing arrangements. See Borrowing from other libraries below.
Have you met the criteria?
Yes! Now follow these next few steps:
- Visit any RWL branch to fill out a membership application form.
- Children under 16 years must have their parent/legal guardian sign their form.
- Bring any library cards you may have from neighbouring library systems.
- You must provide photo I.D. with your current address or two pieces of identification with your current address.
If you do not meet these criteria, you may buy a Regular Membership for $40 per year. Simply visit a branch nearest you.
| Borrowing from other libraries | ||||||||||||
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The Region of Waterloo Library (RWL) has reciprocal borrowing agreements with other local library systems that allow our members to borrow their materials and resources for free. In turn, their library members can use our materials and resources. You must be a taxpayer of one of the four townships (North Dumfries, Wellesley, Wilmot, Woolwich) in order to benefit from reciprocal borrowing through the RWL. Do I use my existing library card? All patrons from reciprocal library systems will be issued new Region of Waterloo Library card to use at RWL What materials can I borrow? Reciprocal borrowers are RWL are given the same access and privileges as resident members. Other library systems may have different rules for visiting RWL members. RWL has agreements with these library systems:
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| Digital Library Card | ||||||||||||
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Stocard is an app that stores loyalty and reward cards, including your library card, so you don't have to carry them! Download for Apple or Android devices: Apple Store or Google Play Install the app and open it. Search for and select Region of Waterloo Library. Use your device to scan the barcode on your library card. Once set up the app will act as your digital library card. When checking out books, open the app to display your library card. Library staff can scan it just like a physical card. |
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| Your Library Card Safety | ||||||||||||
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Keep it current
PIN Your default PIN is usually the last four digits of your phone number. You are strongly encouraged to change your PIN to something only you will know. If you need to reset your PIN and require assistance, please contact us. Lost or stolen cards
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| Library Catalogue | ||||||||||||
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Need help navigating the library catalogue? View our library catalogue brochure for answers. |
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| Loan Period | ||||||||||||
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These are the standard loan periods for all RWL items. Ask staff if you need a longer loan period.
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| Overdue Fees | ||||||||||||
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Overdue fines will be applied to all late materials. downloadLibrary eBooks/eAudiobooks are returned automatically - no fines!
A courtesy reminder will be emailed three days before the due date to those patrons who have provided a valid email address. A first overdue notice will be issued after seven days either by email or phone call from the branch. A second overdue notice will be issued by mailed letter after 21 days. At this point if items are not returned, patrons will be billed for the full replacement cost, plus a $5 processing fee per item. A final overdue notice will be issued by mailed letter after 45 days indicating that items are now classified as lost and if payment is not received their account will be sent to a Collection Agency. Library privileges are suspended at $20 for both adult and child borrowers. Returning the item cancels the replacement chargers but maximum fines will still apply. Outstanding fines must be paid before a membership is renewed. Payment of fines can be done at any branch by cash or cheque. Collection Agency All patrons owing $25 or more for more than 60 days will be referred to a Collection Agency. If payment is still not received, this may affect credit ratings. If needed, please contact your library branch to discuss a payment plan. Lost or Damaged Books Patrons must pay for each lost or damaged library book. There is a $5 administration fee charged for each lost item. The cost of lost items found and returned within 12 months will be refunded with proof of payment. Administration fees and overdue charges will not be refunded. |
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| Renew Materials | ||||||||||||
| Returning Materials
Items may be returned to the drop box at any RWL branch. eBranch and eAudiobooks expire automatically and the files can simply be deleted. Reserving Materials (Placing a Hold) Log on to the online catalogue to place a hold. You will be notified when the item arrives and will have one week to pick up the item. Holds cannot be placed on Express Collection items. Renew Materials Renew items using the My Account feature of the online catalogue, by phone or email. Items may be renewed up to three times. Items with holds placed by other borrowers and Express Collection items can not be renewed. |
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