Library Card FAQs

  • Get A Library Card

    Markham Public Library (MPL) membership is free to anyone who lives, works, goes to school or owns property in Markham or York Region.

    Non-residents may purchase an MPL card for $60/year. Visitors to Markham also have the option of a temporary card with limited access.

    Yes. MPL provides visitors with a temporary card that allows them to checkout up to three print items and will expire after three weeks. Customers will need to provide a valid ID with proof of address in order to obtain temporary membership.

    You need to provide proof of residency in York Region, so a driver’s license or Ontario photo ID card with your current address would be ideal. 

    If you don’t have either of these, two pieces of ID are needed.  One for Name Identification and one for Address Identification. 

    Name Identification
    • Birth certificate
    • Citizenship card
    • Current bill or invoice
    • Current lease
    • Current legal document
    • Employee ID or benefit card
    • Hospital card
    • Landed immigration certificate
    • Major credit card
    • Passport
    • Student card
    • School report card

    Address Identification (within 6 months)
    • Utility bill or invoice
    • Bank statement
    • Government cheque
    • Lease
    • Legal document
    • School report card with address
    • Personal letters or addresses on magazines are not considered as valid IDs.

  • Using Your Library Card

    Your default password or PIN is the last six digits of the library card .  Once you have created your online account you can change your password by clicking on "my settings" and then clicking on change password.  You can create your online account by clicking login at the top of the page.  We highly recommend changing your password from the default password in order to make your account more secure. 

    Unfortunately due to technical considerations, you will not be able to use other library cards at MPL. However, if you are currently a member of a library within York Region, you will be able to get a free Markham Public Library card with appropriate proof of ID and residence.

    Library Cards can be used across our system for both physical and electric materials. Visit the Hours & Locations page to see which branches are currently open and their hours of service.

    To change your password or PIN, log into your library account using your using name or library card number and your current password at https://markham.bibliocommons.com.
    Select My Settings from the drop down menu in the top right corner.
    Under Account Information choose the option to change your password.

    If you have forgotten your password, click on the Forgot Your Password link, opens a new window on the log in page. If you do not have an email address on file you will need to call  the Library to reset your password.

    Report your lost or stolen card immediately. You can call the library at 905-513-7977. A replacement card will be issued at a cost of $2.00.

  • eCards

    Online eCard registration is temporarily unavailable while we make improvements to our digital services. You can still sign up for a library membership in person at any MPL branch. If you already have an eCard, it will continue to work as usual. 

    If you need help accessing eResources with your current eCard, please contact the library.

  • Add Your Library Card to Your Phone Wallet

    You can add your library card to Apple or Google Wallet on your phone. It shows the same barcode as your card, so you can borrow items without carrying your physical library card. 

    No. It's the card you already have, now on your phone. Your card number, account, and borrowing privileges stay the same.

    An eCard is a type of library membership you sign up for online which gives you access to our online resources. Adding your card to your phone just puts the card you already have in your phone wallet.  

    Not necessarily. The app still works the same way. You can use it to show your barcode, search the catalogue, place holds and manage your account. Adding your card to your wallet is for when you just want easy access to your library card barcode. 

    1. Fill out the form on this page, opens a new window. Enter your details exactly as they appear on your library account. 
    2. Check your email for a message with links for Apple Wallet and Google Wallet. 
    3. Open that email on your phone and tap the button for your wallet. 

    Some of your details didn't match your library account. Log in to the MPL website and check your information on the My Settings page, then fill out the form again.  

    If you still need help, call us at 905-513-7977, email AskMPL@markhamlibrary.ca, or visit any branch during opening hours.