Questions and Answers

  • Q1 Who can get a library card?

    You’re entitled to a free library card if you:

    Are a resident or own property in the Municipality of Brighton

    Children up to the age of sixteen who reside in the Municipality of Brighton are eligible for a free library card if a parent or legal guardian sign the back of library card.

    Q2 Can I still get a library card if I don’t live in the Municipality of Brighton?

    Yes, you can still obtain a library card at the following rates:

    Annual Family Membership - $25

    Annual Single Membership - $20

    6-month Membership - $10

    Q3 How do I get a library card?

    Membership is granted to individuals who provide verification of address and identification by showing a document bearing their name and current address. The following documents will be accepted as proof of identification:

    Driver’s License

    Student Card

    Membership Card (with name listed on card) e.g. YMCA membership

    Passport

    Immigration Card

    Employee Card

    Birth Certificate

    Armed Forces Card

    Ontario Identification Card

    The following documents will be accepted as proof of address:

    Driver’s License

    Ontario Identification Card

    Mortgage, Rental or Lease Agreement

    Proof of Municipal Taxes

    Utility Bill

    Mail document with name and address

    Personalized cheque with address on it

    Please note that library cards expire once a year on the patron’s date of birth. Renewal requires verification of the member’s name, address and telephone number.

    Q4 What can I do with my library card?

    You can perform the following actions with your library card:

    Borrow books, magazines, DVDs and audio CDs

    Place holds through the website or by phone to reserve materials and have them available for pick-up at the branch nearest you

    Download ebooks and audio books

    Use databases to access scholarly materials, research for high school students, crafts and hobbies, health information, home improvements and repair, career search, reader advisory services and Ontario history and culture

    Q5 Do I need to bring my library card with me to check out items from the library?

    Yes, the Brighton Public Library prefers that each patron have their library card or a valid piece of identification to check out items. In the event that a patron does not have their card or identification, staff may use their discretion and look up that person's record by name, provided that the patron can verify information in their record. Staff will ask that the library card be presented next time. This will allow the library to continue protecting the privacy of patrons, while assisting staff in providing consistent and equitable service.

    Q6 Am I able to check my spouse’s account while I am in the library or use their card to take out items?

    To provide fair and equal access to library services requires the fair use of services and materials by library users. Patrons are responsible for all materials borrowed with their card. An individual is entitled to only one library card. If you have your spouse's library card, you may pick up holds on their behalf. A patron may also sign a "Consent to Disclose Personal Information" form which grants permission to another patron, allowing them to use the library account without the card being present. Please contact the library for more information.

    Q7 How long am I able to take out materials for?

    A standard loan period of three weeks (21 days) exists for print materials (e.g. book, magazine, Audio CDs). DVDs, videogames and Talking Books have a loan period of seven (7) days. Exceptions to the above include, materials for which special loan periods have been established, non-circulating reference works and unique and/or fragile material from the local history collection.

    Q8 Is there a fine if an item is brought back past the due date?

    Yes, fines are based on a “per open library day” fee as follows:

    Books, Magazines, Audio CDs - 20 cents per day (maximum $4.00 per item)

    DVDs and Video Games - $2.00 per day (maximum $4.00 per item)

    Children’s card - print material - 10 cents per day (maximum $2.00 per item)

    Children’s card - DVDs and Video Games - $1.00 per day (maximum $2.00 per item)

    Q9 Am I able to still take out items if I have a fine on my account?

    If a patron has a fine in excess of $5.00 or more, they will not be able to take out materials until they have reduced the fine balance below $5.00.