Get a Library Card: Complete 2026 Guide

Photo ID (Required)

• Driver's license or state-issued ID
• Passport (US or foreign)
• Military ID
• School or university ID
• Consular ID (Matricula Consular)

Any government-issued photo identification is accepted at most libraries.

Proof of Address (Required)

• Utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet)
• Lease or mortgage agreement
• Bank or credit card statement
• First-class mail postmarked within 30 days
• Vehicle registration
• Voter registration card

If your photo ID shows your current address, many libraries accept it as both documents.

Special Situations

• College students: University ID + campus mail
• Homeless individuals: Many libraries accept shelter addresses or issue cards without proof of address
• New to the area: Lease agreement or hotel confirmation works
• Non-citizens: Passport, consular ID, or foreign driver's license accepted

Find your nearest public library. Use our library search tool or search "[your city] public library" online. Any branch in your library system will work — you do not need to go to the main library.

Go to the circulation desk and tell the staff member you would like to get a library card. They will hand you a short application form (usually one page).

Fill out the application. You will provide your name, address, date of birth, phone number, and email address. Some libraries also ask for an emergency contact.

Show your photo ID and proof of address. The staff member will verify your information and enter it into the library system.

Receive your card. You will get a physical library card (or a printed temporary card) with your card number. You can start borrowing immediately. Most libraries also give you a keychain card.

Free Books & Physical Media

• Borrow 10–50+ books at a time (varies by library)
• DVDs, Blu-rays, and video games
• Audiobooks on CD
• Magazines and newspapers
• Music CDs and vinyl records
• Board games and puzzles
• Interlibrary loan: request any book from any library in the country

Free Ebooks & Digital Media

• Libby/OverDrive: Thousands of ebooks and audiobooks
• Hoopla: Ebooks, movies, TV shows, music, comics
• Kanopy: 30,000+ films including Criterion Collection
• PressReader: 7,000+ digital newspapers and magazines
• Freegal: Music streaming and downloads
• Creativebug/LinkedIn Learning: Free online courses

Free WiFi & Computers

• Free high-speed WiFi at every branch
• Desktop computers with internet access
• Printing (often 10–20 free pages per day)
• Scanning and faxing
• WiFi hotspot lending (take internet home)
• Laptop and tablet lending at some libraries

Full computer access guide →

Free Study & Meeting Rooms

• Individual study rooms for quiet work
• Group study rooms (2–8 people)
• Meeting rooms for up to 50+ people
• Conference rooms with A/V equipment
• Quiet reading areas
• Outdoor reading gardens (select locations)

Free Events & Programs

• Author readings and book signings
• Children's storytime and summer reading
• Job search workshops and resume help
• English language classes (ESL/ESOL)
• Computer and technology classes
• Tax preparation assistance (VITA)
• Citizenship test preparation

Bonus Perks (Varies by Library)

• Free museum and zoo passes
• Free state and national park passes
• Tool lending libraries
• Seed libraries for gardening
• 3D printing and makerspace access
• Telescope and binocular lending
• Musical instrument lending

Instant Digital Cards

Libraries like New York Public Library, Brooklyn Public Library, and Los Angeles Public Library offer instant digital card registration through their apps. You enter your information, get a card number immediately, and can start borrowing ebooks within minutes. No in-person visit required for digital-only access.

Library Apps with Digital Cards

Most libraries integrate with apps that store your card digitally. The Libby app by OverDrive displays your library card barcode for in-library scanning. Many libraries also have their own branded app with a digital card feature. You can add your library card to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet at participating systems.

eCard vs. Full Card

Some libraries distinguish between an "eCard" (digital-only, limited to online resources) and a full library card (all services including physical borrowing). An eCard is perfect if you only want ebooks and databases. To borrow physical books, DVDs, or use meeting rooms, you usually need to upgrade to a full card by visiting a branch with your ID.

Reciprocal Borrowing

Many adjacent library systems have reciprocal borrowing agreements. This means you can walk into a participating library outside your home system, present your card, and borrow materials just like a local patron. In metro areas, this often covers dozens of library systems. Ask your home library which reciprocal agreements they participate in.

Statewide Borrowing

Several states offer universal borrowing programs where any resident can use their library card at any public library in the state. Notable states include Connecticut (borrowing card), Ohio (all public libraries), Massachusetts (statewide network), and Illinois (ILLINET). Check if your state has a similar program.

Interlibrary Loan (ILL)

If your library does not have a specific book, they can request it from another library anywhere in the country through interlibrary loan. This service is free at most libraries (some charge a small shipping fee for items from very distant libraries). ILL requests typically arrive in 1–2 weeks. Ask at the reference desk or submit a request online.

What Parents Need to Bring

• Parent's valid photo ID
• Proof of address (in parent's name)
• Parent's library card must be in good standing
• The child must be present (at most libraries)

The parent or guardian signs the application and accepts responsibility for materials borrowed on the child's card.

Juvenile Card Features

• Same borrowing privileges as adult cards (most libraries)
• Some libraries limit juvenile cards to children's materials only
• Overdue fines eliminated at most libraries (2026 fine-free movement)
• Internet filtering on children's accounts (CIPA compliance)
• Summer reading program enrollment and prizes
• Can upgrade to adult card at age 13, 16, or 18 (varies)

Teens (Ages 13–17)

• Many libraries let teens apply on their own (13+ or 16+)
• Full access to all materials including adult collections
• Access to teen-specific programs (YOUmedia, makerspaces)
• Computer and WiFi access without parental restrictions
• Some libraries offer teen volunteer hours for card holders

Is a library card free?

Yes. Library cards are completely free for residents of the library's service area. This typically includes anyone who lives, works, or attends school within the city or county where the library operates. Some library systems also offer free cards to residents of neighboring jurisdictions through reciprocal borrowing agreements.

What do I need to get a library card?

You need a valid photo ID (driver's license, state ID, passport, or school ID) and proof of current address (utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or mail postmarked within 30 days). Some libraries accept a photo ID with your current address as both documents. Children under 18 typically need a parent or guardian present with their own ID.

Can I get a library card online?

Many library systems now offer online library card registration. You can apply through your library's website and receive a digital card number immediately for accessing ebooks, databases, and other digital resources. However, most libraries require an in-person visit within 30 days to verify your identity and receive a physical card with full borrowing privileges.

Can I use my library card at other libraries?

Yes, through reciprocal borrowing agreements. Many library systems participate in reciprocal programs that allow cardholders to borrow materials at participating libraries outside their home system. In some states, statewide borrowing programs let you use your card at any public library in the state. Digital resources like OverDrive and Libby are tied to your home library's collection.

How long does a library card last?

Library cards typically last 1 to 3 years before requiring renewal. Renewal is usually free and can often be done online or by phone. Some libraries issue cards that never expire but require periodic address verification. If your card expires, you simply need to visit the library with a current ID and proof of address to renew it at no cost.

Can non-residents get a library card?

Yes, most libraries offer non-resident cards, though there may be an annual fee ranging from $25 to $150 depending on the system. Some libraries waive this fee for people who work or attend school in the service area. A few states, including Connecticut and Ohio, mandate that all public libraries provide free cards to any state resident regardless of where they live.

What can I do with a library card besides borrow books?

A library card gives you free access to ebooks and audiobooks through apps like Libby and Hoopla, streaming services like Kanopy for movies, digital newspapers and magazines through PressReader, research databases worth thousands of dollars, free WiFi and computer access, printing and scanning, meeting and study rooms, museum passes, tool lending libraries, and thousands of free programs and events annually.

Can children get their own library card?

Yes. Children of any age can get a library card at most public libraries. Children under 18 need a parent or legal guardian present to sign the application. The parent's library account must be in good standing (no outstanding fines over the limit). Some libraries issue juvenile cards with borrowing limits, while others give children the same privileges as adults. Many libraries offer special summer reading programs and rewards exclusively for young cardholders.