Before you apply
Library memberships are free to all residents of Coquitlam and to residents of all areas served by Interlink libraries in the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley.
Library cards are issued to persons under the age of fourteen years, who are classified as minors under the law. A parent or guardian must sign the application form, thereby accepting responsibility for the choice of materials borrowed, loss or damage and overdue fines related to material borrowed.
How to apply
Applicants wishing to obtain a library card must have picture ID, complete an application form and supply proof of age and address. You can also apply online. When submitting an online application, please make sure to pick up your card within 2 weeks, or it will be deleted from the system.
You will need to come into a branch of the Coquitlam Public Library to obtain your library card.
How to use your library card
Use your card to borrow items from the library and to access library databases from home. Should you lose your card, please contact us immediately; we will cancel the old card and issue a new one for a nominal fee. If you are moving, please let us know so that we can update your record.
BC OneCard
Who is entitled to BC OneCard service?
Any BC resident who can show a valid public library card. For more information visit the BC OneCard website.
How do I get BC OneCard at CPL?
Show a public library card issued by your home library. (The library from which you are entitled to a library card by virtue of your residency.)
If you are a BC resident living in an area that does not pay taxes for library service you will need to pay a non-resident fee and acquire a library card at your home library.
What if I don't have my home library card with me?
You need it to sign up for a BC OneCard, so don’t leave home without it.
Where can I use my BC OneCard?
You can register to use your BC OneCard at any public library in the province. (At each library, as part of the registration process, you'll need to show current ID with proof of your contact information.)
What can I use my BC OneCard for at Coquitlam Public Library?
•You can borrow 5 books or 5 CDs.
•You can borrow 5 Talking Books (only for registered print disabled customers).
•You can borrow these books for 21 days.
•You can renew books twice as long as there are no holds on items.
•You can access the Internet.
•You can use your personalized Library Account features.
•You can use our eResources (with the exception of our ebooks and digital audiobooks)
•BC OneCard holders may not place holds.
•BC OneCard holders may not place Interlibrary Loan requests.
Expiry Date
The expiry date on BC OneCards issued at Coquitlam Library is one year from the date of issue.
Returning Materials
Materials may be returned to any BC public library.
Late return charges, loss or damage and other fees
•Regular Coquitlam Library late return charges will be payable for overdue items.
•BC OneCard users are responsible for any late return charges, loss or damage or other fees incurred.
What if I need services and materials that a specific public library does not allow me to use?
If you want more than the library offers BC OneCard customers, you may obtain a full service Coquitlam library card by paying a non-resident fee.
Where do I return materials that I've borrowed?
You can return them to the library you borrowed them from, or to any participating BC OneCard library in the province – including your own library when you get home.
Where do I pay late return charges on books I borrow from CPL?
•Late return charges are payable at Poirier or City Centre Branch.
•Other libraries are unable to take payment for charges that accumulate on items borrowed from Coquitlam Library.
