Winnipeg Public Library Borrowing Guide

Getting a library card

To get a library card that allows you to borrow and place holds on both physical and digital materials visit any branch of Winnipeg Public Library. Bring acceptable ID, if you can.

Library card types

Full membership: For all ages. Free, if you live in, or pay property or business taxes to, the City of Winnipeg. Children and teens (up to age 17) require a parent or guardian to sign the membership application. Borrow up to 100 items at a time. Valid for 3 years.  

Limited membership: For Winnipeg residents of any age without proof of address. Borrow up to 2 items (some exceptions apply) at a time. Valid for 1 year.

Non-residents of Winnipeg: Purchase full membership for $174; covers all family household members. Open only to residents of Manitoba. Non-refundable. Valid for 1 year.

Visitors: For short-term visitors to Winnipeg; purchase full membership for $68. Non-refundable. Valid for 3 months.

Visitor Internet Privilege (VIP): For short-term visitors to Winnipeg to use library computers only. No borrowing. No charge. Valid for 14 days.

Corporate cards: For any business or other organization (including schools and daycares) located in Winnipeg. To apply, submit a signed letter from the director of your organization on official letterhead, requesting a corporate membership in the name of the organization and naming a contact person who will be responsible for the card. Borrow up to 100 items at a time. Valid for 3 years, but subject to an annual address check.

Online membership: For Winnipeg residents, 18 years of age and older, to use online resources only (e.g., eBooks, databases). To also borrow physical materials (e.g., books, DVDs), you will need to switch to a Full membership. Valid for 1 year. Non-renewable. Must switch to a full membership after 1 year.

Your account

Your library card number is also your account number.

Report lost or stolen cards to the library immediately. You are responsible for all activities on your card including borrowed items and computer use, and for lost or damaged items.

Each person can have only one active library card. Do not share your card with others.

Log in to the Library Catalogue to see the items you have checked out, your requests and holds, and to pay your fees online. Please provide us with your current phone number and email address. You are still responsible for holds and fees even if the library cannot contact you.

Only use your own card to use library computers.

Renewing your library card

To renew your card, please visit one of our 20 branch locations. Bring acceptable ID, if you can. Non-residents who pay property or business taxes to the City of Winnipeg must also provide their tax roll number. If you have concerns about visiting a library in person to renew your card, please call one of our branches or email us via our online Ask Us! service to discuss options.

Borrowing materials/Loans and returns

All items are free to borrow. Winnipeg Public Library does not charge overdue fines. Replacement costs will be charged for items not returned after 21 days overdue, or returned damaged.

You can borrow up to 100 total items at a time (Limited card holders can borrow up to 2 items). There are limits on how many items you can borrow from the collections below.

Borrowing information on eBooks and eMedia can be found at wpl.libanswers.com/faq/117564

Renewing materials

You can renew an item (borrow it for longer) when:

• Renewals are allowed on the item
• There are no requests
• You have not reached the maximum number of renewals allowed - see Borrowing limits
• Your membership has not expired, and will not expire before the new due date

If an item cannot be renewed, a message will tell you why and the current due date will remain.

You can access your account and renew items by:

• Logging in to My Account at winnipeg.ca/library 
• Calling our TeleMessaging service at 204-986-4657 (in Winnipeg) or 1-866-826-4454 (outside Winnipeg, toll-free)
• Asking staff.

Note: Online and TeleMessaging renewals may not be available Wednesdays from midnight to 9 a.m. for scheduled maintenance.

Placing holds

Is an item not at your branch or already checked out? Placing a hold puts you on a list and sends it to the branch of your choice. You will be notified by email or phone when the item is on hold for you and ready to pick up, and the date your hold expires. A $1.30 fee will be charged for each hold that you do not pick up. 

You can place up to 50 holds at a time. Holds cannot be placed on Reference and Local History Room materials.

Fees and damages

Items that are not returned when they are 21 days overdue will be charged to your account. This charge can be removed by returning the item. 

If you have 10 or more items overdue, or if you owe fees of $50 or more your membership will be suspended.

Other fees (effective January 1, 2024): 

• Processing fee (to replace lost/damaged items): $6.80
• Requested item not picked up: $1.30 
• Returned payment fee (NSF cheque): $30
• Photocopies & Printing: 
  • $0.25/page (b & w)
  • $0.90/page (colour)

Email and Notifications

Email has benefits! Ask staff to set your account to email notification instead of phone and we will send you a courtesy reminder 3 days before an item is due.

Returns

Return items to any branch. All branches have after-hours returns. 

Digital Library

Your library card gives you free access to thousands of ebooks, audiobooks, movies, music and more. Visit guides.wpl.winnipeg.ca/digitallibrary to learn more.

All fees and borrowing limits are subject to change.