Library Card FAQs

  • Get A Library Card

    You can now get an eCard by applying online. You can apply for a library card at one of the open branches as well. 

    Anyone who lives, works, goes to school or owns property in Markham may get a Markham Public Library card free of charge. Residents of York Region may also use MPL free of charge. 

    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 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 1234.  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

    Complete the eCard sign up form, opens a new window to get your eCard and gain access to our online resources through our website and apps. Note, you should also receive a welcome email containing your eCard number and the PIN you chose.

    eCards are only available to new customers who live, attend school, work or own a property in Markham. In order to sign up, a valid Markham address will be needed.

    eCards are currently limited to Markham users. 

    No, you will be able to access all of our digital resources with your eCard number and PIN.

    There is no need! Your library card already gives you access to all of our resources.

    You can only access online resources with an eCard.

    To borrow physical materials, you need to visit an open branch with the required personal identification and we will upgrade your eCard so you can access all library materials.

    To sign up, you need a valid address in Markham. Please contact us at 905-513-7977 during library hours or by email, opens a new window for assistance.

    Check your spam or junk folder in your email. This email contains your eCard number & PIN. If you know your login information, you can go ahead and use it to access our online resources. Please contact us if you need help retrieving your login information. 

    Visit our webpage for a full list of online resources.  

    Yes! Many of the Markham Public Library’s resources and services are available through mobile apps. Enjoy free access to eBooks, emagazines, audiobooks, music, streaming video, online research and more when you log in with your eCard! Please see here for info on the mobile apps.

    We can help! Please contact us at 905-513-7977 during library hours or by email, opens a new window for assistance.

    eCards do not expire! 

    No, your library card number stays the same.

    No, you can setup a virtual card using the MPL App. Your library card number will remain the same.

    Unfortunately, PO boxes are not accepted as a valid address.

    Addresses for new developments can take up to two months to show in the system. Please contact us at 905-513-7977 during library hours or by email, opens a new window for assistance.

    You’d need to obtain your eCard using the eCard sign up form. To sign up, you need a valid address in Markham. If you are a York Region resident outside Markham, please contact us at 905-513-7977 during library hours or by email, opens a new window for assistance.

    Unfortunately, staff cannot create an eCard account on behalf of a customer. If you are interested in getting a standard MPL library card, please contact us at 905-513-7977 during library hours or by email, opens a new window for assistance.