Digital Access Card FAQ

What is a Digital Access Card?

A Digital Access Card is a library membership that provides immediate access to the Library’s digital resources and services, including eBooks and eAudiobooks, streaming video and music, research databases, Reserve a Computer, and Online Printing. Digital Access Card customers cannot borrow or place holds on physical materials.

Digital Access Card customers will not be issued a physical card. You will be emailed a library card number that you can use to access digital resources and services. You will also have an online account that you can access through the library website.

I already have a library card. Do I need to sign up for a Digital Access Card?

If you already have a Toronto Public Library Card, you do not need to sign up for a Digital Access Card. Your existing library card provides you with full access to the Library’s digital resources and services. If your card has expired, you may be eligible to renew your card online.

Who can register for a Digital Access Card?

If you are an adult or teen (13+) living in Toronto and you do not have an existing Toronto Public Library card, you can register online for a free Digital Access Card. If you do not live in Toronto but work, go to school, or own property in Toronto, you are not eligible for a Digital Access Card at this time. You can always come into a branch and register for a full-service card. We are working on extending eligibility for the Digital Access Card to children and customers who are not residents but who work, go to school, or own property in Toronto.

How do I sign up for a Digital Access Card?

You can register for a Digital Access Card by completing the online application. You will be asked to provide your name, Toronto address, and other information.

If your information can be fully validated by the online system, you will be emailed a Digital Access Card number a few minutes later. Your Digital Access Card is valid for one year and can be renewed online when it expires.

If your information cannot be fully validated, you will be emailed a temporary Digital Access Card number that expires in 30 days. In order to continue accessing TPL digital resources and services, you will need to visit a branch with identification and have your temporary Digital Access Card number converted to a full-service card.

I applied for a Digital Access Card but did not receive the confirmation email. What should I do?

Please check your junk/spam folders. If you haven’t received the email after fifteen minutes of completing your registration, please contact  Answerline staff.

I tried to register for a Digital Access Card but was denied. Why?

The Digital Access Card application uses an automated process to verify the details you provide on the registration form. A Digital Access Card application may be denied if:

  • The application wasn’t able to confirm that your address is in Toronto.
  • You have recently moved, and the application cannot establish a match between your name and new address.
  • You already have a Toronto Public Library account. You can have a full-service library card or a Digital Access Card, but not both.

Please contact Answerline staff or visit any Toronto Public Library branch for help with your application.

I forgot my Digital Access Card number. What should I do?

Check your email inbox for the confirmation email that was sent to you when you registered. If you are unable to locate that email, please contact  Answerline staff who will assist you with recovering your Digital Access Card number.

I forgot the PIN for my Digital Access Card. What should I do?

Please go to your online account. Click on the “Forgot Your PIN?” link to reset your PIN.

How can I change the PIN for my Digital Access Card?

You can change your PIN for your Digital Access Card at any time by logging into your online account and going to the Account Settings tab.

Can I register for a Digital Access Card to replace a lost or stolen card?

A Digital Access Card does not replace a lost or stolen card. If you previously had a Toronto Public Library card, you will not be able to register for a Digital Access Card. If your card has been lost or stolen, contact your local branch by phone or in person right away, or contact Answerline staff for assistance.

How do I upgrade my Digital Access Card so that I can borrow physical materials?

You can upgrade your Digital Access Card to a full-service card by visiting any Toronto Public Library branch and bringing identification with you.

How can I renew my Digital Access Card?

If you were issued a Digital Access Card with a one-year expiry, you are eligible to renew your card online. You will receive an email 30 days prior to expiry informing you of the upcoming expiry date, and providing you with a link to the online renewal page.

If you were issued a temporary Digital Access Card with a 30-day expiry, you are not eligible to renew your card online. You will need to visit a branch with identification and have your temporary Digital Access Card number converted to a full-service card.