How do I get a municipal library card (examples: Montreal and Quebec City)?

Public libraries are run by municipalities: the rules, the documents required and the length of the card therefore depend on your city. This page gives two verified examples. In Montreal, membership is free for 2 years if you live in one of the 19 boroughs (or if you study full-time, work or own property in Montreal); you go to a library with a piece of identification and proof of address. In Quebec City, membership in the Bibliothèque de Québec is free for residents of Quebec City, Wendake, Boischâtel and Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures. If you live elsewhere, ask the library of your municipality.

Key facts

Montreal: free membership

Free for 2 years if you live in one of the 19 boroughs, study full-time, work or own property in Montreal (according to the categories on the page). Otherwise, fees apply depending on age: see the City's page.

Montreal: documents

A piece of identification and proof of address. If you do not live in Montreal, other documents may be requested.

Montreal: temporary membership

6 months, at a library, in particular for new residents without proof of residence. Temporary access to the digital library is also offered online.

Quebec City: membership

Free for residents of Quebec City, Wendake, Boischâtel and Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures. The City's page does not specify the documents or the length of the card.

Elsewhere in Quebec

Each municipality sets its own rules, documents and fees: ask your library. This page covers only Montreal and Quebec City.

Steps

1. Find the library of your municipality: membership rules are set by your city, not across Quebec. First check whether you live in its territory.
2. In Montreal, check whether you fall into a free membership category: living in one of the 19 boroughs, studying full-time in Montreal, working for the City or at a school, daycare or community organization in Montreal, or owning property in Montreal. Otherwise, fees apply.
3. In Montreal, prepare a piece of identification (for example the Quebec health insurance card, passport or driver's licence) and proof of address (for example a utility bill that is 3 months old or less). Some profiles require one more document.
4. In Quebec City, the City's page says membership is free for residents of four municipalities. It does not specify the documents required: check the Bibliothèque de Québec's website or ask your neighbourhood library.
5. Go to a library of the network to ask for your card. In Montreal, you ask for your card or renew your membership at a library, with the same documents as at registration.
6. If you are a new resident and do not have proof of residence yet, Montreal offers a temporary 6-month membership, to be done at a library.