We acknowledge that this land is home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. We’re proud to be the first library in Durham Region to introduce a library membership available at no cost to people who live on a First Nations Reserve anywhere in the province and self-identify as Indigenous. The Whitby Public Library Board unanimously supported the new borrowing policy. This membership makes it easier to access our collections and services while supporting Indigenous voices, stories, and knowledge.
“One of our core values is intellectual freedom,” said Rhonda Jessup, CEO of the Whitby Public Library. “Ensuring access to materials that reflect Indigenous histories and cultures represents intellectual freedom while fostering truth-telling and historical understanding.”
The Whitby Public Library recognizes its role in supporting the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Call to Action #69, which emphasizes Indigenous peoples’ inalienable right to know the truth about what happened and why regarding human rights violations committed in residential schools.
Providing equitable access to the Library's collections is a meaningful way to empower First Nations communities to engage with resources that support learning, healing, and the preservation of Indigenous history, cultures, and knowledge. The Library’s responsibility is to ensure services are accessible and welcoming, reducing barriers while honouring and supporting Indigenous knowledge systems, perspectives, and ways of being.
How To Get a Card
Digital Content
Apply online for a Whitby Public Library eCard.
Physical Materials
Visit any branch with one piece of photo ID (driver’s license, Ontario Photo Card) or two pieces of other ID with your current address. Examples: utility bill, tax bill, birth certificate, school transcript.
For more information, please visit whitbylibrary.ca/library-cards.