Join Montréal libraries

Access library services, resources, and collections. Membership is free for residents of any of the 19 boroughs.

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Membership categories and duration

A 2-year membership is offered free of charge to people who: 

  • Live in one of Montréal’s 19 boroughs 
  • Are full-time students at an educational institution located in Montréal 
  • Work at a Montréal-based school, childcare centre, or community organization or for the city 
  • Own a home (house or apartment) or commercial or industrial space located in Montreal 

Children ages 13 years and under  

To get a library membership for a child, you must be their parent or legal guardian. You will need to sign the library card and will also be responsible for any fees in the event of loss or damage to library materials. 

If you do not fall into any of the categories listed above: Here are the fees for a one-year membership: 

  • Ages 13 and under: $44 
  • Ages 14 to 64: $88 
  • Ages 65 and older: $56 

When your membership is about to expire, a reminder will be sent to you by email, if an email address is on file. To keep your card active, visit a library with the same documents you provided when you joined. 

Temporary membership  

A temporary membership can be issued at a library for a period of 6 months. It is intended primarily for new residents who do not yet have proof of residence, people staying in Montréal temporarily, and people without a fixed address (international students, people experiencing homelessness). Tourists need to pay for this membership.

Become a member

Visit a library to join the library or renew your membership. You will need to provide a form of identification and proof of address. If you do not live in Montréal, you may be asked to provide additional documents.

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Documents to provide

A form of identification and proof of address

  • Birth certificate in French or English showing your date and place of birth 
  • Canadian citizenship card 
  • Permanent resident card 
  • Québec health insurance card 
  • Passport in French or English showing your date and place of birth 
  • Driver’s license
  • School or municipal tax bill 
  • Utility bill (Hydro-Québec, phone, or other) dated within the last 3 months 
  • Bill from an educational institution dated within the last 3 months 
  • Driver’s license 
  • Monthly statement from a financial or credit institution dated within the last 3 months

Additional document required for certain profiles

Proof of full-time student status at an educational institution located in Montréal.

Form available on site, to be completed by a representative of the organization’s management. 

The person representing the organization’s management will be responsible for items borrowed and any related fees.

No form to fill out. Provide an employee ID card or a pay stub.

Proof of payment of your property tax bill.

Access to services

With your library card, you can access a wide range of services and resources throughout the Montréal library network.

On-site

Online 

Temporary use of the digital library

Want to explore our digital offerings but don’t have a library card? Take advantage of online services for 3 months with a temporary membership. Activation may take up to 5 days. 

Visit a library to get a card and make the most of all our services.

Fill out the form button

Lost or stolen library card

You are responsible for your card. If it is lost, the card must be cancelled to prevent unauthorized use. 

Report your lost card at the service desk or by calling the library. 

There is a fee to replace a lost card: 

  • $2 for children 13 and under and seniors 65 and over 
  • $3 for adults ages 14 to 64 

A stolen card will be replaced for free if you provide a police report or incident number.

Last updated September 3, 2026