It’s easier than ever to access all that SPL has to offer. Anyone who lives or owns property in Perth County is eligible for a free Stratford Public Library card! In addition to checking out books and other materials, your SPL account gives you access to a range of online resources and services.
How to Get a Card
To sign up in person, visit the library to fill out a Library Card Application form. If you would like, you can print it, fill it out, and bring it to the library. You can also apply online and we'll set up your card and let you know when it's ready for pick-up. When you come to get your card, you will need identification with your current contact details, such as a driver’s license, Ontario photo card, or a utility bill.
The information collected for library cards needs to be updated every two years. Visit the library or call your local branch to renew your card.
Teens (ages 13 to 15)
Teens can obtain a library card with a student ID card, official school letter, or report card.
Children (age 12 and under)
A parent/guardian must be present for a child to get a library card.
Parents/guardians assume responsibility for materials checked out by children.
Who Can Get a Card?
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Any resident of Stratford, St. Marys, Perth East, West Perth, Perth South or North Perth may obtain a Stratford Public Library Card FREE of charge. These locations are members of the Perth County Information Network and cards can be used at any public library in Perth County.
Reciprocal Agreements
SPL also has reciprocal borrowing agreements with other libraries in the area. This allows library customers from participating communities to receive borrowing privileges at our location. Communities included in this agreement are Huron County, Oxford County (with the exception of Woodstock), Region of Waterloo (with the exception of Kitchener, Waterloo, and Cambridge), Middlesex County (with the exception of London) and Wellington County (with the exception of Guelph).
Residents of communities in the reciprocal borrowing agreement are welcome to get a Stratford Public Library card by coming in with a piece of identification with their address (ie. driver's license, age of majority card). Stratford Public Library cardholders can also go into any of these libraries with their identification and their SPL library card to obtain a library card at that location.
Visitors
Visitors to Stratford can obtain a visitor card at a fee of $7 per month if they are not from locations part of the reciprocal borrowing agreement.
Keeping Your Card Updated
Your Stratford Public Library card is permanent. The cardholder's name and address must be verified every two years. Visitor and Educator cards must renew their cards annually.
If you change your name, address, email, or telephone number, contact the Library to update your record. If your library card is lost or stolen, please notify the Library immediately at 519-271-0220 or askspl@splibrary.ca.
The cardholder is responsible for any items borrowed until the loss of the card is reported. There is a $2.00 fee for a replacement card.
Using Your Card
During registration, a Personal Identification Number (PIN) will be assigned to your library card. It is automatically the last 4 digits of your phone number. With this PIN and your library barcode you can review your account activity, renew books and materials, change your PIN, access library databases from home, and download audiobooks and eBooks.
Items eligible for renewal can typically be renewed three times. For a full list of renewal limits, please see the Checkout Limits and Renewals page.
The Stratford Public Library card may be used at any public library in Perth County.