Books & Audiobooks
Sign Up for a Library Card
Signing up for a WPL card is free and easy! With your library card you can access premium resources like LinkedIn Learning, Simply Analytics and Gale Courses. We have so much available to help you on your journey through school.
How to Get a Card
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Sign Up In Person
To sign up for a library card in person:
- Visit any WPL location.
- Show us your current student card with proof of your local address or your permanent address if you live on campus or commute from outside of Waterloo Region.
- That’s it! You will receive a physical library card that will be valid for one year, and will need to be renewed after this time.
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Sign Up Online
To sign up for a library card online:
- Visit our Membership page.
- Click the Register Online button.
- Fill in the registration form and click Submit.
- You will receive a barcode for a temporary digital library card that will be valid for 90 days.
- After 90 days, your card will need to be renewed in person at any WPL location and you will receive a regular (i.e. physical) library card that will be valid for one year and will need to be renewed annually.
FAQs
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Does it matter where I go to school?
Nope! If you are living in Waterloo Region and can show us a current student ID from a local post-secondary institution, you are able to sign up for a library card.
Students in high school can register for a library card by showing proof of their local permanent address.
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How long is my library card valid?
Regular (i.e. physical) library cards must be renewed once per year. If you signed-up for a card online, you will receive a temporary digital library card, which will be valid for 90 days, and will need to be renewed after this time.
To renew your library card:
- Visit any Waterloo Public Library location
- Phone: 519-886-1310
- Email: askus@wpl.ca
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If I don't have proof of my local address, can I still sign up for a library card?
Yes! Visit any WPL location with your student card and proof of your permanent address (even if it’s outside of Waterloo Region) and we will issue you a library card.
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What if I move to another place in Waterloo Region?
No problem! When you come into a library location, let a staff member know that your local address has changed.
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If I commute, can I sign up for a library card?
Yes! Visit any WPL location with your student card and proof of your permanent address (even if it’s outside of Waterloo Region) and we will issue you a library card.
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If I live on campus, can I sign up for a library card?
Yes! Visit any WPL location with your student card and proof of your permanent address (even if it’s outside of Waterloo Region) and we will issue you a library card.
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What happens if my card is lost or stolen?
Notify the library immediately if your card is lost or stolen. You must show identification and proof of address to get a replacement library card. Replacement library cards cost $3.00.
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What types of ID do you accept?
Acceptable forms of ID include:
- Driver’s License
- Health Card
- Ontario Photo Card
- Student ID Card
- Passport
- Credit Card
Acceptable forms of address verification:
- Driver’s License
- Ontario Photo Card
- Recent utility bill
- Recent rental agreement
- Recent tax bill
Online Resources
Discover a world of online entertainment and learning, with a wide range of eBooks, movies, TV shows, language learning resources, educational tools and more.
Gale Power Search
Explore and access reliable information across dozens of Gale research databases with Power Search. Use Topic Finder to find related ideas for any search, or the Subject Guide to break down your query. Results from magazines, peer reviewed journals, videos and newspapers are available.
LinkedIn Learning
Unlock a world of knowledge with LinkedIn Learning. Learn a little or a lot about creative pursuits like how to play guitar, or technical skills like SQL or Python coding. With over 6,000 videos and learning pathways taught by industry experts, there’s something for everyone.
O’Reilly Media
O’Reilly media offers resources for computer programmers, business professionals, makers and gamers. Browse the high-end tech eBooks, eAudiobooks, and learning pathways designed for professionals, or those beginning to learn STEM.
Gale Courses
What do you dream of learning? Gale Courses offers hundreds of instructor-led courses on everything from photography, to computer skills, accounting, and ESL courses, with certificates available upon completion.
Gale Literature Resource Centre
This comprehensive online resource offers a rich collection of critical analyses, author biographies, reviews, and multimedia content, providing an immersive experience for literature enthusiasts and academic researchers alike.
Career Cruising
An online career guidance and planning tool for people of all ages. Career Cruising is a dynamic platform designed to help you navigate your professional path with insightful assessments, comprehensive resources, and tailored guidance.
Transparent Language
Learn a new language with options for adults and kids, conversational learning, and full fluency pathways. Accessible online or through a convenient app.
Kanopy
Enjoy Hollywood Blockbusters, Documentaries, and Kids content on your smart TV or device – streaming made simple. Explore multilingual options for a diverse and inclusive viewing experience. Available as an app for smart TVs and devices.
CBC Corner
Enjoy your favourite CBC and Radio-Canada content in one place. Featuring a diverse range of TV and radio programs, news, podcasts and more, with fresh additions daily for an ever-enriching experience
downloadLibrary & Libby
Browse and borrow from our extensive collection of eBooks, eAudiobooks and eMagazines through downloadLibrary. Access on your computer via downloadLibrary, or use the Libby app for easy reading on your smart devices.
Setting Up the Libby App (PDF)
Reading on a Web Browser or eReader (PDF)
Road to IELTS Academic
Road to IELTS Academic guides students in building essential skills for success in the IELTS exam, covering vocabulary, reading, writing, listening, and speaking through simple, effective exercises.
