Library Membership

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.

1.0  Eligibility:

1.1  Residents

Library membership is free to:

  • Any resident of Timmins*
  • Any person who works, goes to school, or owns property in Timmins*

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

For 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  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 full access to library collections, programs, services, e-resources and internet access.  Name and address identification must be presented when the card is issued and each time it is renewed.  Options include:

  • $5 per month, OR
  • $25 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.  Address ID is not essential.  (See Schedule ‘A’)  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 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.

4.0 Expiration

  • Adult and Juvenile Cards expire every 2 years. Staff will confirm address information verbally at the time of renewal (no proof of ID is required)
  • Non-Resident Cards expire either monthly or annually, depending on option selected
  • Internet Access Cards expire annually
  • Internet Guest Passes expire daily

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 and Internet Access Cards.

Schedule ‘A’

Acceptable Name and Address Identification:

Preferred:

A valid Ontario Driver’s License (as a single document)
Ontario Photo ID 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
OAS (seniors’ card)
Passport
Certification of Indian status
BYID (Age of Majority from the LCBO)
Ontario Health Card (Note: an applicant may voluntarily produce a valid Ontario Health Card, but by law, 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

For persons temporarily residing in an area shelter, photo ID with a letter from the shelter confirming residency will be accepted.

*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:

  1. Intellectual freedom
  2. Equal access to the full range of services and materials available to other users.
  3. A full range of materials, services and programs specifically designed and developed to meet their needs.
  4. Adequate funding for collections and services related to population, use and local community needs.
  5. A library environment that complements their physical and developmental stages.
  6. Trained and knowledgeable staff specializing in children’s services.
  7. Welcoming, respectful, supportive service from birth through the transition to adult user.
  8. 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.
  9. Library policies written to include the needs of the child.