Membership & Borrowing

Looking to join the Library? Taking something out? Here are the ins and outs of membership, placing holds, borrowing and returns.

Membership Benefits

Explore the benefits for signing up for a Fort Erie Public Library card!

Eligibility

Visit any of our three locations to register for a library card
or apply using the online form.

Anyone who lives, works or owns property in Greater Fort Erie is eligible to receive a free FEPL membership. All adult applicants must provide identification at time of registration.

Acceptable identification includes:

  • one piece of government issued photo ID or
  • a combination of ID that proves name and address

    • Memberships for those under 17 need a signed permission form unless a guarantor is present. Teacher Cards allow an additional loan period of 7 days on most items.

    Cardholder Responsibilities

    Registered users must promptly notify the library of any changes to their name, address, or account status, as well as lost or stolen cards. Replacement cards are provided free of charge. Cardholders are responsible for all materials checked out to their card.

    LiNC (Libraries in Niagara Cooperative)

    Your FEPL card gives you access to all of the LiNC libraries including:

    • Grimsby Public Library
    • Lincoln-Pelham Public Library
    • Niagara-on-the-Lake Public Library
    • Port Colborne Public Library
    • Thorold Public Library
    • Wainfleet Public Library
    • West Lincoln Public Library
    • Welland Public Library

    Holds

    Items can be requested to be picked up at their preferred library branch and will be held for 5 business days.

    Returns / Overdue Items

    Items can be returned to any library branch.

    There are no late fees! However, patrons are responsible for the replacement cost of any items that are lost or damaged. Items overdue longer than 60 days are deemed lost. For youth accounts, a parent or guardian is responsible.

  • MyFEPL Account

    • To log in, use your library card number and your PIN (the last 4 digits of your telephone number).

    You can view due dates, renew items, and place holds through your online account.

  • Interlibrary Loans

    • Can’t find what you’re looking for in our collection? Submit an interlibrary loan request, and we’ll try to find it for you.

  • Visiting Library Service

    • If you are unable to visit the library because of health or mobility challenges, trained volunteers will select, deliver, and exchange materials for you.

    Loan Periods
    Books / Audiobooks / CDs 21 days
    DVDs / Video Games / Magazines 7 days
    Library of Things / Parks Pass / Wifi Hotspot 7 days
    Book Club Kits 56 days

    What is LiNC

    FEPL is a proud member of the LiNC consortium. LiNC is a network of libraries in the Niagara region that share resources and materials with each other.

    If we can't find an item in one of our LiNC libraries, we have the ability to request it from other libraries in Ontario through interlibrary loans.

    Borrowing

    Library cards are valid at all FEPL branches and any LiNC library. Please note that library cards expire after 5 years and require renewal.