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Library cards and borrowing in Thunder Bay
Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
Thunder Bay, Ontario: library cards and borrowing. Find local rules, practical steps, useful answers and official service links.
Key information
Thunder Bay Public Library offers free resident membership and several service-agreement and student routes. Paid non-resident prices vary by age and household. Loan periods shorten when another reader is waiting, so the due date on your account matters.
On this page
At a glance
| Question | Quick answer |
|---|---|
| Which nearby residents receive free service? | The library names Fort William First Nation, Shuniah and Lappe and Area Services Board residents under service agreements, alongside Thunder Bay residents. |
| Are there reduced senior prices? | For ages 60 and older, the stated prices are $25 yearly or $4 monthly. Two seniors at one address cost $45 yearly. |
| What is the DVD loan period? | Ordinary DVDs have one week, shortened to three days when requested. DVD series sets have three weeks or one week when requested. |
Plan your next step
- Choose your service
Decide whether you need a card, digital access, borrowing or a branch visit.
- Match the requirements
Use the local eligibility and identification rules below.
- Use the library
Follow the named library service and keep your account details and due dates current.
Join and choose your membership
Which nearby residents receive free service?
The library names Fort William First Nation, Shuniah and Lappe and Area Services Board residents under service agreements, alongside Thunder Bay residents.
Can a student use their home address outside the city?
Yes. Eligible elementary, secondary and post-secondary students can join free without proving a Thunder Bay address.
What is a paid adult non-resident card?
An individual card costs $40 a year or $7 monthly. A household family membership at the same address costs $60 a year.
Borrow and use local services
Are there reduced senior prices?
For ages 60 and older, the stated prices are $25 yearly or $4 monthly. Two seniors at one address cost $45 yearly.
How do I apply for full service?
Visit a library location with address ID. Staff can also upgrade an existing account to a full-service card.
How long can I keep ordinary books?
Most books and listed other materials have three weeks, but the loan shortens to one week when another person has requested the item.
Renewals, access and other situations
What is the DVD loan period?
Ordinary DVDs have one week, shortened to three days when requested. DVD series sets have three weeks or one week when requested.
Do books renew automatically?
A book not needed by another reader can renew automatically up to twice. Ask staff about extended loans for special circumstances.
Are there overdue fines?
The library removed late fees in January 2020. Lost and other account charges are separate from late fines.
How do I renew membership or get help?
Renew in person with ID. For help call 807-345-8275 during operating hours.
Local service links
These are the service sources used for this Thunder Bay guide. Use their current forms, calendars and notices when completing a task.