Libraries aren’t just about books. They give you access to the internet, music streaming services, everyday household items, video streaming services, resources from other institutes, spaces and materials to create, online classes, programs, and so much more.

And nearly all of these are available to you at little to no cost.

The only price of admission? Just your good ole library card, of course!

Now you might be thinking, “But isn’t this site about easily accessible, low/no-cost resources? Now I need to signup for a card to use the library? Is this like a subscription and I need to pay every month just to keep using the library?”

Excellent questions, friendo! 

Before you go elsewhere, let me tell you the best part about getting your library card. If you’re a resident in the area in which your library is located, it’s completely, 100%, no money down, 0% financing, too good to be true, I can’t believe it’s not butter, free!

Now, there are some things we’ll need to talk about. For example, you probably noticed that I mentioned something about being a resident, which we’ll get to in a little bit. But, by and large, there is no charge to get your library card as long as you reside in the same area as your library.

And that’s because libraries are funded by tax dollars, grants, and other sources so they can remain FREE for you and your community.

It’s a resource you’re already supporting, so why wouldn’t you use it?!

If you’re looking for information on non-resident library cards, click here to jump to the section below to read up about them.

*Quick disclosure: I’m using the Cleveland Public Library (CPL) system, CLEVNET, as an example for this post. Card requirements should be pretty consistent between this library and yours. I’m sure there are some differences you’ll encounter but most everything should be similar. Check with your library, either by going online or by calling to see what you need to do to get your card.

Ready? Let’s go!

How do I start?

You’ve got a couple options.

• You can apply for your card in-person at your library
• You can apply online through its website
• You can call your library and apply with a librarian on the phone

If you’re able, I recommend going to the library to get your card. You’ll get a chance to meet the staff and look through their materials while you’re there. Library staff are always excited to meet a new patron. They love answering any questions you might have about your card and the privileges that come with it.

Because I’m near Cleveland and the CLEVNET library system, I’m going to use the Cleveland Public Library (CPL) as an example.  If you’re in the Cleveland area and would like to apply for a card with the CPL, follow this link. If you’re in a different city, state, or country, you’ll need to find the library or library system closest to you where you’ll apply for your card.

*Not sure where to go or who to contact? Let me know and we’ll find out!

Where do I go?

OK, so let’s say you’re stopping at the library. Head on over to the circulation desk, which is where you check out materials, and ask them for a library card application.

It’s a quick and seamless process and the staff will be more than happy to walk you through it. You can also print off an application beforehand, or at the library, and have it ready when you go.

Here’s the application for a CPL card.

*Why am I emphasizing the CPL instead of my local library in Madison? I love my local library and they have a ton of great resources, but a library card from the CPL gives me even greater accessibility to resources.

Because my local library is part of the CLEVNET system, I can use my new CPL card at my branch and any other branches that are part of this library system.

Check to see if your local library is part of a larger library system. Can you get a card through it?*

Can anyone get a library card?

As long as you’re a resident…Yes! Everyone has the right to access a library and the information/services it provides to patrons. There are some requirements that need to be met when applying for a card but I can nearly guarantee that you’ve met them just by living in your area. 

Again, the list below is specific to the Cleveland Public Library system. Check the requirements at the library you’ll be using – I’m sure you’ll notice the similarities between the CPL’s list and yours. 

For a CPL library card, prospective patrons should meet at least one of the following,

• Be a permanent resident of Ohio
• Attend School in Ohio
• Work in Ohio permanently
• Own property in Ohio

That’s it?

Mmmmmmmyep! Didn’t I tell you this was going to be a breeze?

Make sure you fill out everything on the application before you take it to the library. Most libraries will ask for your name, mailing address, birth date, and some way to contact you, like your phone number or email address.

You can also choose whether or not you’d like to receive a library newsletter. Newsletters are great – they advertise special events taking place and tell patrons about new developments and programs at the library. Signing up is completely optional but it’s a great way to stay informed.

Do I Need to Bring Anything With Me?

The library will need to verify your residency when you apply so they’ll need some identification with your name and current address. When submitting your application, make sure you take at least one of the following,

• Driver’s license
• State issued ID card
• Passport
• Military ID

And proof of your current address, like a utility bill or insurance card.

If you’ve recently applied for a job, you’ll notice that these are some of the exact same documents your employer will ask you to provide on your first day of work. 

Once you’ve filled out your part of the application, slide it on over to your new best librarian friend and they’ll fill in their part.

Most public libraries have a stash of cards on hand that they’ll assign to you once your application is complete. As long as you’ve got your I’s crossed and your T’s dotted, you’ll walk out with your very own library card.

Go you!

…Now go use it!

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Do I need to go to the library to apply? Can I apply some other way, like online?

Many libraries provide the option to apply for a card online or give you the option to apply for an ecard.  You’ll enter the same information for the online application as you would if you were to apply in person.  However, you may encounter some restrictions if you’re unable to provide your ID when you apply. For example, applicants are given access to only electronic material at the CPL until the ID requirements are met.  Your library might operate similarly until your application is complete.

But What if…

What if I’m housebound and can’t make it to the library or can’t apply online?

You can call your local library, or larger library system, and speak with someone about setting up a library card and account. Many libraries have outreach services, like home delivery, which we’ll talk about in the future, for residents who are unable to leave home for any number of reasons and will accommodate you. Remember, library staff love to help!

What if I’m under 18?

No problemo! If you’re under 18, you can apply for a juvenile card. Depending on your age, the library may place some limitations on your account, like how many items you can check out at a time or what resources you can access. These policies vary at each branch, so check with your library to see what they offer to younger patrons.

What if I’m an educator? Are there cards I can use for my classroom?

Absolutely!  If you’re an educator, you can apply for an educator’s card in addition to your personal card. You’ll need to fill out a separate application for an educator’s card since you’ll be using it to supplement your classroom. But you should definitely look into getting one because your educator’s card gives you the opportunity to check out materials for your classroom and share them with your students.

Free learning resources?! Sign me up!

And if you’re looking for other educational resources for your class, check out the Educator’s section on this site!

What if I’m not a state resident? Can I get a card at the local library?

Believe it or not…you can! Check with your library/library system and let them know you’re not a resident but would like to access its materials. Some libraries and library systems offer non-residents the opportunity to get a library card, giving them access to the resources at that library and in that particular system.

However, not all libraries offer non-resident cards and on top of that you’ll need to pay a fee to get one of these cards – some cards range from about $40 a year (a little over $3 a month) to around $150 a year (about $12.50 a month.

…How much do you pay each year for all your streaming services and subscriptions?

Remember that libraries are funded by local taxes. If you’re not a local resident, you didn’t pay these supporting taxes, so this fee helps to support the library you’re using.

If there’s a specific resource or item you really need, check with your library or library system before you start the non-resident card process. The librarians at your branch might be able to help you get what you need or guide you in the right direction.

Will my card expire?

Yes, but you can renew it! Expiration dates vary between local libraries and systems but most cards are good for two to three years.

Renewing your card is as simple as applying for it. You can renew online or in person with a current ID and proof of your current address. If you haven’t used your card for a long time, like five to ten years, you’ll need to apply for a new one. But as you’ve read, it’s an amazingly simple, easy, and straightforward process.

And if you’ve got questions, don’t be afraid to ask!

I’ve got my local, educators, non-resident library card! Now what?

You just unlocked an infinite number of resources that you can now access for free! Books, music, movies, online classes, learning programs, databases, makerspaces, the library of things, language acquisition apps, and so much more are now available to you.

Use it but don’t lose it!  This is lesson number one.  Yes, you can borrow and access materials for free with your library card but you’re also responsible for what you access and use.  Take care of everything you borrow and respect the resources.

You also need to pay attention to due dates. Lending periods vary between libraries and materials but you can typically borrow materials for at least a couple weeks, sometimes even more depending on the item.

Due dates can be extended by renewing the item, too. However, keep in mind that not all items can be renewed and your library may limit the number of times you can renew something. But if you reach your renew limit, you can always return the item and check it out again! For FREE!

Libraries also have websites where you can create an account for yourself once you have your card. You can use your account to request items from other libraries, check the status of checked out items, setup text or email notifications, and use your account to track the status of your library card. Creating an account is completely free. All you need is your card!

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On top of checking out books, movies, and other materials, your library card gives you access to online content like streaming services, free internet access at the library, music services, the library of things, language learning courses, online classes, databases, assistance programs, and so much more.

And I can’t stop reiterating this enough…it’s all free for you to use! All you need is your library card.

It’s not an understatement to say that your library card is your key to the world – it’s the license you need for your path to success.

What are you waiting for?

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