Get a Card -

All residents of Timmins are entitled to and encouraged to have a library card. A valid Timmins Public Library card allows users full access to library collections, programs, services, e-resources as well as access to internet stations at both library branches. When registering for a card, cardholders agree to follow all rules and regulations of the Timmins Public Library.

Register Online now to get a temporary eLibrary Card number and get immediate access to Timmins Public Library’s Online Resources. If you already have a Timmins Public Library card, you do not need an eLibrary Card. Your current library card number can be used to access eResources and place holds. If you need help with your PIN#, please call us at 705-360-2623 or send us an email at refdesk@timmins.ca.

Note that eLibrary Cards will expire in 3 months if you don’t come in to verify your address in person.

Eligibility for regular memberships:

Residents

Library membership is free to:

Any resident of Timmins¹
Any person who works, goes to school, or owns property in Timmins²

¹The City of Timmins consists of 3,210 km² which includes Hoyle and Connaught

²For persons who work, go to school, or own property in Timmins, name and address identification is required, plus one of the following:

Current pay stub or other current, official proof of employment in Timmins, (ex. Letter of employment on official business stationery, employee photo ID card with employment address)
Current Timmins student card or a current report card from a local school
Current property deed, property tax assessment or other proof of property ownership in Timmins

2.0 Regular Memberships:

2.1 Adult Card:

Residents are required to present name and address identification when applying for an adult library card. Students aged 13 and over are entitled to an adult membership. If students do not have identification showing address, ID belonging to a parent/guardian who is present will be accepted. (See Schedule ‘A’ for IDs accepted)

2.2 Juvenile Card:

Children under 13 accompanied by a parent/guardian will be issued a juvenile membership. The application must be signed by a parent/guardian who accepts responsibility for fines and any fees for lost or damaged items. Identification showing name and date of birth of the child is required. Parent/Guardian ID is also required for address verification. (See Schedule ‘A’ for IDs accepted)

In keeping with the Ontario Library Association’s position on Children’s Rights in the Public Library, there are no restrictions on the material borrowed by children. While the library staff can advise children on reading interests, the material selected by the child is the responsibility of the parent or guardian. (See Schedule ‘B’)

3.0 Other Types of Membership:

3.1 Non-Resident Card:

Non-residents of Timmins have the option of paying a non-refundable fee to obtain a library card for access to library collections, programs, services, eResources and internet access. Items that cannot be accessed on this card include musical instruments, Ontario Parks passes, electronic equipment and Wi-Fi Hotspots. Name and address identification must be presented when the card is issued and each time it is renewed. Options include:

$5 per month, OR
$30 per year

3.2 Internet Access Card:

Those who are not eligible for a regular Timmins Public Library card and would like access to the Internet ONLY can apply for an Internet Access Card, which is free of charge.

To obtain an Internet Access Card, an application form must be filled out, and one piece of name identification is required. (See Schedule ‘A’) Address ID is not essential. This card allows access to library internet stations at both branches. A parent’s signature is required for anyone under 13 years of age. This card will expire one year after the date of registration.

3.3 Internet Guest Pass:

For those who are visiting Timmins for a short period of time, a guest pass will be issued daily to allow access to our public internet stations free of charge. (maximum 1 session per day) One piece of name identification is required and address ID is not essential. (See Schedule ‘A’)

3.4 Institutional Membership

Institutional memberships are for organizations such as daycares, classrooms, non-profits or long-term care homes whose principal or director agree to be responsible for the items borrowed. They are intended to provide staff members of local organizations with access to the Timmins Public Library’s collections, in support of their work. This card offers a check-out limit of 60 items at a time and an extended loan period of 4 weeks. No late fees will be charged; however, organizations will be charged for lost or damaged material. Items that cannot be accessed on this card include bestsellers, interlibrary loans and eResources (eBooks, eAudioBooks, eMagazines and databases which can be accessed with a regular membership).

3.5 Temporary Card (for people without a permanent address)

If a person is experiencing homelessness or is precariously housed, they are eligible for a library card valid for 6 months that will allow them to borrow up to 2 books and 2 DVDs (4 total) at a time as well as have access to library computers. Special collections are not available with this card. One piece of name identification is required. This card can be updated to a regular card once housing is established, where address identification will be verified.

3.6 eLibrary Card

eLibrary Cards can be obtained from the library website and are limited to three months. They are meant to give patrons immediate access to Timmins Public Library’s eResources. Patrons are expected to visit the library within 3 months of registering to update to a regular card, once acceptable name and address identification has been verified.

4.0 Expiration

Adult and Juvenile Cards expire every 2 years. Staff will confirm address information either verbally or by email at the time of renewal (no proof of ID is required)
Non-Resident Cards expire either monthly or annually, depending on option selected and must be renewed in person
Internet Access Cards expire annually
Internet Guest Passes expire daily
Institutional memberships expire on May 31 annually
Temporary Cards expire every 6 months. Staff will check with patrons to determine if their housing has been established, at which time name and address identification will be verified to update to a regular membership
eLibrary cards expire after 3 months

5.0 Card Replacement

Lost or damaged library cards will be replaced for a fee of $1.00 for Juvenile Cards and $2.00 for Adult Cards. Internet Access Cards and Temporary Cards can be replaced free of charge.

Motion: ____24-42_______ Chairperson:_______Cory Robin________________

Schedule ‘A’

Acceptable Name and Address Identification:

Preferred:

A valid Ontario Driver’s License (as a single document)
Ontario Photo Card (Ages 16 and up)

OR a combination of both Name identification AND Proof of Address

Acceptable Name Identification:

Citizenship card
Employer-issued photo ID card
Student ID card
Birth certificate
SIN card
Passport
Certification of Indian status (Status card)
First Nation or Band Member card
Ontario Health Card (Note: an applicant may voluntarily produce a valid Ontario Health Card, but by law, library staff we are not authorized to ask for it)

Acceptable Proof of Address

Current bill or invoice
Current Government benefit statement
Current lease or rent receipt
Current bank account statement
Current Utility bill (telephone, hydro, water, gas, cable TV)
Property tax assessment or bill
Insurance policy (property, auto, life)
Employer record (pay stub, or letter from employer)
Secondary School, College or University report card or transcript (current year or last semester taken in previous year)

Persons who are experiencing homelessness or are precariously housed and cannot produce acceptable proof of address are eligible for a Temporary Card requiring name identification only (see 3.5 Temporary Card).

*Any piece of ID presented must be valid (non-expired); photocopies will not be accepted; digital formats will be accepted.

Schedule ‘B’

OLA Position on Children’s Rights in the Public Library

Children in Public Libraries have the right to:

Intellectual freedom
Equal access to the full range of services and materials available to other users.
A full range of materials, services and programs specifically designed and developed to meet their needs.
Adequate funding for collections and services related to population, use and local community needs.
A library environment that complements their physical and developmental stages.
Trained and knowledgeable staff specializing in children’s services.
Welcoming, respectful, supportive service from birth through the transition to adult user.
An advocate who will speak on their behalf to the library administration, library board, municipal council and community to make people aware of the goals of children’s services.
Library policies written to include the needs of the child.

OLA= Ontario Library Association