Get A Library Card
To access digital content, apply online for a Whitby Public Library eCard.
To check out physical materials, visit any Whitby Public Library location and show your current Ontario's driver's license or Ontario Photo Card, or present two pieces of identification--one with your current address on it. See below for examples of acceptable forms of identification if you do not have photo ID.
The cost to replace a lost card is $2.00. Protect your library card as you would your credit cards. Contact us to report lost or stolen cards immediately. Anything checked out using your card is your responsibility until the card is reported missing.
Library cards are free to:
- anyone who lives, works, pays taxes or attends school in Whitby.
- residents of Durham Region.
- non-residents who attend Ontario Tech University, Trent University (Oshawa Campus), or Durham College with proof of school I.D. and a home address.
Non-residents living outside Durham Region may purchase a membership for $45.00 per year. Those living in Whitby on a short-term basis can apply for a temporary card with a refundable $10.00 deposit and two item check-out limit.
Identification
Acceptable forms of identification may include but are not limited to:
- utility bill
- tax bill
- birth certificate
- credit card
- current mortgage, rental or lease agreement
- any benefit statement issued by the Government of Canada
- insurance policy
- school report card or transcript
Archives and Local History
The Archives and Local History Gallery are located at the Central Library (second floor). Access to the archives are by appointment. Questions? Contact us.
Archives at Whitby Public Library
The Archives acquires, preserves, interprets and makes available unpublished records that reflect the history, growth, diversity and development of Whitby and its people. We accept donations that meet our selection criteria.
Genealogy and Family History
Researching your family history? We have over 3000 files on the early settler families of Whitby. Each file contains genealogical charts and newspaper articles. Email archives@whitbylibrary.ca for access. The Whitby Public Library is a FamilySearch Affiliate Library. Public computers at all branches provide access to thousands of digital records. Your library card provides access to Ancestry Library Edition and ProQuest Historical Newspapers: Toronto Star.
Whitby Historical Photographs
Explore Whitby’s visual history through our digitized photograph collection. Search by keyword, name or address. Visit our virtual exhibits, help us solve some mysteries, or share your story.
Whitby Historical Newspapers
Our historical newspapers are digitized and fully searchable with highlighted text results. More recent newspapers, including Whitby This Week, are indexed online. Full articles are available on microform in the Central Library.
Archeion
Archeion is the online gateway to archival records in Ontario. Explore records of businesses, individuals, families, and organizations from Whitby’s history, using our finding aids.
Research Guides
Curious about where you live? Get started with our Guide to Researching your House and Whitby Historic Buildings and Properties Index. Wondering how to keep your family's historical documents safe? Get handy storage tips with our Guide to Preserving your Family History.
Indexes to Local History Book Indexes
Library staff have indexed key titles from our Local History collection:
- Chronicles of a County Town: Whitby Past and Present.
- Council Minutes from 1865-1929
- County of Ontario: Short Notes as to the Early Settlement …
- Early Days in Whitby. Historical Columns Taken from the Oshawa Daily Times
- From Generation to Generation: The Story of Brooklin United Church 1840-1990.
- One Hundred and One Years of Craft History in the Town of Whitby.
- Voters’ List of the Town of Whitby for 1886, 1887, 1888, 1889.
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