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:
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.