Online Card Renewal FAQ

Online Card Renewal is a self-serve feature in your Account. You must be eligible and all outstanding charges must be paid before your card can be renewed online.

Who can renew their library cards online?

Adults and teens with a full-service library card can renew online beginning 30 days before the expiry date. Cards that are not eligible at this time for online card renewal are: Children's, Non-Resident, Access, Visitor, Corporate and Temporary.

How will I know if I am eligible to renew my card online?

If you are eligible, you will see an option to renew your card in your account 30 days before the expiry date. If you have signed up for email notification, you will receive an email 30 days before card expiry to alert you of your upcoming expiry date. If you normally receive notifications by telephone, you will receive an expiry notification by phone. If you are not eligible for online card renewal, you will receive the same notification based on your notification preference, but will be instructed to visit a branch to renew your card.

Why are children's cards not eligible?

Children's cards must be renewed in person at any branch as the parent or guardian holds legal responsibility for any charges on the child's card. By renewing in person, the library can establish parent/guardian permission for renewal of the library card.

Why are non-resident cards not eligible?
Non-resident cards are intended for customers who live within a reasonable geographic proximity to Toronto. This is to comply with terms and conditions in some of our database contracts which restrict the use of the products geographically, or in the case of our eBook and eVideo platforms, to control budgetary costs so that we may continue to provide the products to our primary constituents - those who live, work, own property or go to school in Toronto.

Why are access cards not eligible?

Access cards are intended for customers who do not have a permanent address at the time of registration. Access cardholders are required to visit a library branch in person to renew their card annually so that staff have an opportunity to upgrade them to a full service card, if applicable.

What information do I need to provide to renew my library card online?

You will need to confirm your name and address in order to proceed with online card renewal. You will also be required to provide an email address and telephone number. You may still maintain phone as your preferred notification method; renewing your card online and providing an email address will not change any notification settings.

If my name or address has changed can I still renew my library card online?

No. If your name and/or address information has changed, you will need to renew your card by visiting any branch with valid ID.

Can I renew my card online if I have overdue items on my card?

If you have more than 10 items overdue you will not be able to renew your card online. Items must either be renewed or returned in order to renew your card online.

Can I renew my card online if I have unpaid charges?

No. If you have unpaid charges, you will need to pay them online before proceeding with online card renewal.

What if I have charges but I don't want to pay them online?

All unpaid charges need to be cleared before your card can be renewed. If you do not wish to pay online, you will need to visit any branch to pay them.

My card expired a while ago. Can I still renew it online?

Yes. As long as your card is eligible and is still in our system you can renew it online.