Ottawa Public Library introduces Flex Card

Ottawa Public Library is now offering a new membership card that will give Ottawa residents without photo ID and/or proof of an Ottawa address full access to our services and access to borrowing five items from our core collection. This new card – the Flex Card – is available at our 33 branches.  

The Flex Card will provide access to library resources to some of our most vulnerable community members: at-risk youth and adults experiencing homelessness, newcomers who don’t yet have proof of address or photo ID, and residents living in poverty and unstable housing, such as those living in temporary shelters or halfway houses.  

Getting a Flex Card is easy: Ottawa residents who do not have photo ID and / or proof of an Ottawa address can simply go to one of our 33 branches and ask for a card at the service desk.

 Public libraries play an important role in providing inclusive and equitable services to historically excluded community members. Over the last few years, Ottawa Public Library has developed several new initiatives to reduce barriers, and to ensure that the Library is available to everyone.

The move to eliminate late fees (the Materials Recovery Model implemented in January 2021) was a great stride forward, and the Flex Card is a further step towards more accessible and inclusive services for all Ottawa residents.