Membership FAQs

• How do I get a library card?

  Library cards are free for Red Deer residents! With a library membership, you have access to a world of books, magazines, newspapers, CDs, movies, eBooks, toys & games, online databases, public computers, RDPL programs and services, and more that is yours to discover!

  To apply for a library card or renew an existing card:

  • Gather Necessary Identification. Make sure that you have the necessary identification to apply for a library card. This must include one piece of picture ID or two other pieces of other ID. One piece of ID must show your current City of Red Deer address (driver’s license, tax receipt, utility bill, etc.).
  • Visit a Library Branch in Person. Find out which library branch is closest to you by checking our Hours & Locations, opens a new window page. Please note that the Collicutt Branch is primarily a self-serve branch, which means that library staff are typically not on site to do library card registrations. Visit the Downtown, Dawe, or Timberlands location to sign up for your library card.

  You may also need to pay the annual membership fee (for non-residents only) and any outstanding debts. 

  Adult memberships will be valid for three years. Memberships for children and teens will be valid until their 18th birthday. 

  RDPL membership cards may be used at all branches and online to access our digital resources. Please note: if you live outside of Red Deer, you won't be able to access many of our digital resources, including eBooks and eAudiobooks. Please contact Parkland Regional Library at LibraryServices@prl.ab.ca to find out what your regional library has to offer!

  Looking for digital content? You can register online for a temporary digital card, opens a new window, which will be valid for 30 days. You will need to stop by in person with ID (as outlined above) within 30 days in order to validate your account and receive your full permanent card.

• Can I get a library card online?

  You can register online for a temporary digital card, opens a new window, which will be valid for 30 days. This membership will let you try out any of our online resources, and is available to Red Deer residents ages 18+ only.

  Temporary digital library cards CANNOT be renewed online. You will need to stop by in person with ID (as outlined above) within 30 days in order to validate your account and receive your full (free!) permanent card.

• How do I renew my library card?

  To renew an existing card:

  • Gather Necessary Identification. Make sure that you have the necessary identification to apply for a library card. This must include one piece of picture ID or two other pieces of other ID. One piece of ID must show your current City of Red Deer address (driver’s license, tax receipt, utility bill, etc.).
  • Visit a Library Branch in Person. Find out which library branch is closest to you by checking our Hours & Locations, opens a new window page. Please note that the Collicutt Branch is primarily a self-serve branch, which means that library staff are typically not on site to do library card registrations. Visit the Downtown, Dawe, or Timberlands location to sign up for your library card.

  You may also need to pay the annual membership fee (for non-residents only) and any outstanding debts. 

  Adult memberships will be valid for three years. Memberships for children and teens will be valid until their 18th birthday. 

• How long is my library card valid?

  Adult memberships are valid for three years.

  Children's and teen memberships are valid until the cardholder's 18th birthday. To upgrade a child's card to a teen card, which will allow access to the entire collection, stop by the Downtown, Dawe, or Timberlands location. This is generally done when a child reaches age 12, but can be done sooner at the parent's discretion.

• What if I lose my library card?

  Let us know right away so that we can block your card to ensure that no one else is using your card. You are responsible for the use of your card until it is reported lost or stolen.

  Then, at your earliest convenience, stop by the Downtown, Dawe, or Timberlands location with photo ID to get a replacement card. Please note that a $2 card replacement fee will apply.