Get a Library Card
Signing up for a library card or ecard is absolutely free.
Use your library card to borrow books, magazines, graphic novels, DVDs, CDs, and much more! Also use your library card or ecard to log into our online resources to enjoy ebooks and audiobooks, digital newspapers and magazines, streaming video, tutorials and courses, and much more!
See below for more information on each of our cards to help you choose the right one for you.
Who is this for?
- Metro Vancouver residents.
- Age 13+.
How do I apply?
- Come to the library in person. See our Hours & Locations to help plan your visit.
- Provide proof of your name and address*.
- Sign application form.
*Examples of proof of your name and address include:
- BC Driver’s Licence
- BC Services Card
- BCID card
Examples of proof of your name include:
- Passport
- Birth certificate
- Social Insurance card
- Citizenship card
- PR card
Examples of proof of your address include:
- Recent bill (for example, from New West Electical Utility)
- Bank statement
- Personal cheque
- Lease agreement
Additional Information
Why get an adult library card?
The benefits of getting a library card include:
- freedom to borrow books, magazines, graphic novels, DVDs, CDs, and much more.
- access to online resources such as ebooks, audiobooks, digital newspapers and magazines, streaming video, and much more. (Please note, however, that most online resources are available to residents of New Westminster only — even if you have a library card.)
How much does it cost?
Free!
What if I live outside Metro Vancouver?
Look at our non-resident card options to see if there is one that is right for you.
What if I am younger than 13 years old?
Children 0-12 years old can apply for a Children’s Library Card.
What if I can’t visit in-person?
If you are a New Westminster resident you may want sign up for an ecard in order to access online resources only or explore our Accessible Services options.
What if I can’t provide proof of name and address?
A temporary library card will be issued to anyone who is unable to provide adequate proof of name and address at the time of their application.
I still have questions. Can I talk to someone?
Call the library at 604-527-4660, email askus@nwpl.ca or message us.
Who is this for?
- Metro Vancouver residents.
- Ages 0-12 years.
How do I apply?
- Come to the library in person, with or without your child. See our Hours & Locations to help plan your visit.
- Sign application form on behalf of your child. Proof of your guardianship may be requested.
Additional Information
Why get a children’s library card?
The benefits of getting a library card include:
- freedom to borrow books, magazines, graphic novels, DVDs, CDs, and much more.
- access to online resources such as ebooks, audiobooks, digital newspapers and magazines, streaming video, and much more. (Please note, however, that most online resources are available to residents of New Westminster only — even if you have a library card.)
How much does it cost?
Free!
What if my child lives outside Metro Vancouver?
Look at our non-resident card options to see if there is one that is right for you.
What if my child is older than 12 years old?
Youth 13 years and up can apply for their own Adult Library Card.
What if I can’t visit in-person to sign my child up for a library card?
A child can bring a library card application home for their parent or guardian to complete and sign. The child will be issued a library card when they return the completed form to the library.
Are there any restrictions on what children can borrow?
- Children’s library cardholders are restricted from borrowing R-rated DVDs, Chromebooks, and Launchpads.
- We encourage parents and caregivers to discuss other borrowing decisions together.
I still have questions. Can I talk to someone?
Call the library at 604-527-4660, email askus@nwpl.ca or message us.
Who is this for?
- New Westminster residents, of all ages, who want access to online resources only.
How do I apply?
- Complete and submit the form below. We ask that you provide both an email address and phone number as means for us to contact you.
- Allow us up to 1 week to review your submission. When we approve it, we will reach out to you with all the details related to your new ecard. We don’t issue you an actual physical card so the graphic representation of an ecard we’ve included above is simply for a bit of fun!
Get an eCard
Complete and submit this online form in order to receive an ecard. An ecard grants you access to our online resources only; if you would also like to borrow physical materials such as books, then come visit us in person to sign up for a library card instead. You must be a resident of New Westminster to receive an ecard. Please do not request an ecard if you already have a New Westminster Public Library card — you don't need it!
Additional Information
Why get an eCard?
The benefits of getting an ecard include:
- access to online resources such as ebooks, audiobooks, digital newspapers and magazines, streaming video, online tutorials and courses, and much more. Please note, however, that most of our online resources are available to New Westminster residents only — even if you have an NWPL library card.
How much does it cost?
Free!
What if I want to borrow physical items from a library branch?
Your ecard only provides you access to online resources, so you will need to visit one of our locations in-person to convert your ecard to an Adult Library Card or Children’s Library Card.
What if I am not a New Westminster resident?
Most of our online resources can only be accessed by New Westminster residents due to restrictions placed on our online resource subscriptions. Most public libraries provide access to similar types of online resources. Please visit the library in your home municipality to gain access to their online resources.
I still have questions. Can I talk to someone?
Call the library at 604-527-4660, email askus@nwpl.ca or message us.
Questions? Contact us.