Santa Cruz Public Libraries

Before you start

Eligibility & access · California resident card

Library cards are available free to California residents with photo I. D. and proof of address. [4]

Information & documents · Mailing address verification or mailed card

You must also show verification of your mailing address if you wish to use your card at the time you apply for it. Otherwise, it will be mailed to you. [5]

Availability · Under-18 mailed-card option

Applicants under 18 may apply for a card without providing identification or proof of address. Applicants are allowed to check out one item at the time of registration. Applicants may not use the card again until the card has been received in the mail. [6]

Availability · Immediate full use with ID/address or parent proof

Applicants who can provide identification and proof of address or who apply in the presence of a parent who can provide such proof may have full use of the card at the time of registration. [7]

Information & documents · Children — parent signatures not required

Parent signatures are not required for children's cards, but we do wish parents to understand our confidentiality and other rules for the use of children's cards. [8]

Accessibility · Homebound category for disability/extended illness

Special homebound borrower cards are available for persons who are unable to visit a branch library because of physical disability or extended illness. [10]

Eligibility & access · Non-California public-library-card holder visitor card: six months, fee and ten-item limit

Non-California public library card holders may apply for a visitor card by paying a $10 fee. The card is valid for 6 months. Visitors may not have more than 10 items checked out. [11]

Availability · Most cards four-year birthday expiry, short-term cards annual; visitor cards not renewable

Library cards are set to expire so that patron information can be re-confirmed. For most patrons, the card is set to expire every four years on the borrower’s birth date. Cards for short-term residents expire each year. Except for visitor cards, all library cards are renewable. [12]