In California, 47 county departments, 8 public authorities and 2 city governments publish 58 official links for this service. Reviewed requirements cover documents (109), availability notices (101), eligibility (82), accessibility (3), processing time (2), deadlines (1), appointments (1) and languages (1). 57 counties have a page for it below.
Before you start · 3 things to check
County browse results can include county departments, city libraries and independent or shared library authorities. Confirm that the provider meets your needs.
Residency, ID, youth-card and replacement-card rules vary by library system.
Administrative directory phones are marked separately from branch service desks. Check a branch’s official page before visiting.
57 guides with reviewed service links · Reviewed local guides
Choose a county on the map
Highlighted counties have a reviewed service guide matching this selection. An agency may serve only a city or part of a county.
California58 counties
County directory Reviewed service guides available
Map for browsing; agency service areas may differ.Map source
Official public library system associated with Alameda County for browsing. Independent city library systems may also serve the county. Membership rules, branch service areas and every address in the county are not implied by this association.
Official public library system associated with Alpine County for browsing. Independent city library systems may also serve the county. Membership rules, branch service areas and every address in the county are not implied by this association.
Official public library system associated with Amador County for browsing. Independent city library systems may also serve the county. Membership rules, branch service areas and every address in the county are not implied by this association.
Official public library system associated with Butte County for browsing. Independent city library systems may also serve the county. Membership rules, branch service areas and every address in the county are not implied by this association.
Library cards are free and will open the doors to a whole world of books, movies, music, programs for kids and adults, computers and online information. A library card gives borrowing privileges at all branches and provides access to the library's online resources.
Printable English/Spanish applications must be submitted in person
Applications are available at all branches and can also be printed in either English or Spanish from the links that follow. The application must be submitted in person. When you apply for a library card, you agree to return borrowed materials on time, pay overdue fees, and be responsible for lost or damaged items.
Official public library system associated with Calaveras County for browsing. Independent city library systems may also serve the county. Membership rules, branch service areas and every address in the county are not implied by this association.
Please complete this application to request a new library card. Online applications receive provisional privileges; visit the library with valid identification to activate full access.
Official public library system associated with Colusa County for browsing. Independent city library systems may also serve the county. Membership rules, branch service areas and every address in the county are not implied by this association.
Official public library system associated with Contra Costa County for browsing. Independent city library systems may also serve the county. Membership rules, branch service areas and every address in the county are not implied by this association.
eCard exclusions — physical borrowing and named electronic products
NOTE: eCards ARE NOT VALID for use with LINK+, Kanopy Movies, Hoopla, or Discover & Go. eCards cannot be used to borrow physical materials like books or DVDs. An email address is required to receive an ecard.
Official public library system associated with Del Norte County for browsing. Independent city library systems may also serve the county. Membership rules, branch service areas and every address in the county are not implied by this association.
North State cooperative use does not transfer every member’s issuance rules
Your card is valid at the Crescent City branch and the Smith River branch libraries. You may also use your library card at all libraries in the North State Library Cooperative System. These libraries include Humboldt County, Butte County, Lassen District Library, Modoc County, Orland Free Library, Plumas County, Shasta Public Libraries, Siskiyou County, Tehama County, Trinity County and Willows Public Library.
Official public library system associated with El Dorado County for browsing. Independent city library systems may also serve the county. Membership rules, branch service areas and every address in the county are not implied by this association.
Online application must be completed at branch within two weeks
Fill out an application at any El Dorado County Library. Or complete our online library card application, and visit the library within two weeks of online registration. A valid photo identification will also be required to get your library card.
Four-year card expiry and contact verification at renewal
Library cards expire every four years. Please call or visit the library, to have your account updated. Library staff will verify your address, telephone number, and email address and extend your card for another four years.
Official public library system associated with Fresno County for browsing. Independent city library systems may also serve the county. Membership rules, branch service areas and every address in the county are not implied by this association.
Orland municipal library in Glenn County. This is the local provider’s browsing context; wider card eligibility and other Glenn County providers remain separate.
Service area: Orland municipal library in Glenn County. This is the local provider’s browsing context; wider card eligibility and other Glenn County providers remain separate.
Orland FAQ — new reader card and published borrowing/digital privileges; not a complete eligibility or fee schedule
Library cards are free and will open the doors to a whole world of books, movies, computers and online information. A library card gives borrowing privileges at all branches and provides access to the library’s online resources.
Orland reader-card application — in-person submission and responsibility for materials
Obtain a branch application or print the linked English/Spanish image and submit it in person. Lost/damaged-material replacement liability is separate from the card charge.
Official public library system associated with Humboldt County for browsing. Independent city library systems may also serve the county. Membership rules, branch service areas and every address in the county are not implied by this association.
Official public library system associated with Imperial County for browsing. Independent city library systems may also serve the county. Membership rules, branch service areas and every address in the county are not implied by this association.
When you sign your library card you assume responsibility for anything that is checked-out on your card. If you change your mailing address, email address, etc., notify the library on your next visit. If your library card is lost or stolen, it is very important to notify the library as soon as possible since you are still responsible for items checked out on your card. Your library card privileges must be renewed every two years.
Expired/replacement card holders should visit a branch rather than reapply as new
NOTE: If you have an expired card or need a replacement card, do NOT apply for a new library card. Instead, please visit your local branch library for assistance in renewing your library card.
Official public library system associated with Inyo County for browsing. Independent city library systems may also serve the county. Membership rules, branch service areas and every address in the county are not implied by this association.
Online eCard — digital resources, not physical borrowing
Library eCard ApplicationThe Library eCard gives you access to our entire online library, available 24/7, including eBooks, audiobooks, streaming movies, magazines, newspapers, online learning, research and more. Completing this online form now will provide you with free, instant access to the library’s digital collection.*
Official public library system associated with Kern County for browsing. Independent city library systems may also serve the county. Membership rules, branch service areas and every address in the county are not implied by this association.
SJVLS member-library use remains distinct from each provider’s issuance rules
The Kern County Library is a member of the San Joaquin Valley Library System. Your library card can be used at all of the member libraries: Coalinga-Huron District, Fresno County, Kings County, Madera County, Mariposa County, Merced County, Porterville Public, Tulare County, & Tulare Public.
Official public library system associated with Kings County for browsing. Independent city library systems may also serve the county. Membership rules, branch service areas and every address in the county are not implied by this association.
Official public library system associated with Lake County for browsing. Independent city library systems may also serve the county. Membership rules, branch service areas and every address in the county are not implied by this association.
Report it to the library immediately. We will declare it lost and issue you a new one. Replacement cards are free and we will check your identification.
Lassen Library District’s resident jurisdiction is the City of Susanville; current Lassen College enrollees also qualify with proof. Lassen County residents outside Susanville are district nonresidents and use the published $28 household category. Cards are issued for one year. County browsing association does not mean every county resident receives a free resident card.
Official public library system associated with Los Angeles County for browsing. Independent city library systems may also serve the county. Membership rules, branch service areas and every address in the county are not implied by this association.
Application/valid ID, three-year card, call/visit renewal and replacement
To get a library card, fill out an application and bring it to any LA County Library location along with a valid ID. Cards are valid for three years and can be renewed by calling or visiting a library. If your library card is lost or stolen, report it immediately. Replacement cards cost $3.00.
Official public library system associated with Madera County for browsing. Independent city library systems may also serve the county. Membership rules, branch service areas and every address in the county are not implied by this association.
Official public library system associated with Marin County for browsing. Independent city library systems may also serve the county. Membership rules, branch service areas and every address in the county are not implied by this association.
Other MARINet libraries have their own borrowing policies
Please note: Borrowing policies (including check-out periods and overdue fines) for items belonging to other libraries in Marin may differ from those of the Marin County Free Library.
Official public library system associated with Mariposa County for browsing. Independent city library systems may also serve the county. Membership rules, branch service areas and every address in the county are not implied by this association.
Official public library system associated with Mendocino County for browsing. Independent city library systems may also serve the county. Membership rules, branch service areas and every address in the county are not implied by this association.
Official public library system associated with Merced County for browsing. Independent city library systems may also serve the county. Membership rules, branch service areas and every address in the county are not implied by this association.
Official public library system associated with Modoc County for browsing. Independent city library systems may also serve the county. Membership rules, branch service areas and every address in the county are not implied by this association.
Official public library system associated with Monterey County for browsing. Independent city library systems may also serve the county. Membership rules, branch service areas and every address in the county are not implied by this association.
In-person application with proof of address; source describes immediate physical card
In-Person (Immediate Access): Visit any MCFL branch to fill out a paper or online application. Bring your proof of address to get your physical card on the spot.
Official public library system associated with Napa County for browsing. Independent city library systems may also serve the county. Membership rules, branch service areas and every address in the county are not implied by this association.
Children and teens under 18 can get a library card! A parent or guardian will be listed on the account and is responsible for it, including the option to cancel the card at any time. If your child comes in without a parent or guardian, we can issue a temporary card so they can start enjoying the library right away.
Free replacement after loss report and photo ID; responsibility until reported
If your library card is lost or stolen, let us know right away—either by calling a library location or reaching out online. We’ll temporarily block your account until you come in with a photo ID to get a free replacement. Until you report it missing, any materials checked out on the card are the responsibility of the cardholder.
Official public library system associated with Nevada County for browsing. Independent city library systems may also serve the county. Membership rules, branch service areas and every address in the county are not implied by this association.
Library accounts expire every three years and will need to be renewed in person, over the phone or via email. To renew your account visit any Nevada County Library location, call 530-265-7050 or submit the online Ask-A-Librarian form. Only residents of Nevada County may renew their library account over the phone or via email. Nonresidents of Nevada County must visit a library location to renew their library account.
Temporary online account excludes Libby/Hoopla until physical card issued
With this temporary login you can place library materials on hold, access your account through the library's online catalog and utilize many of the library's digital resources. Access to Libby and Hoopla will be restricted until you receive your physical library card.
Official public library system associated with Orange County for browsing. Independent city library systems may also serve the county. Membership rules, branch service areas and every address in the county are not implied by this association.
Full-card holders do not need eCard; branch upgrades available
If you already have a regular full-access library card, you do not need to sign up for an eCard. Visit one of our library locations to get a full access card or upgrade your eCard.
Official public library system associated with Placer County for browsing. Independent city library systems may also serve the county. Membership rules, branch service areas and every address in the county are not implied by this association.
Online account30-day verification; physical borrowing also needs current address proof
Your new card will expire in 30 days unless you show a valid, government-issued photo ID to staff at any Placer County Library location. You can access our online resources as soon as you visit a Placer County Library location and show your ID. To check out physical materials, you will also need to show proof of current address.
Official public library system associated with Plumas County for browsing. Independent city library systems may also serve the county. Membership rules, branch service areas and every address in the county are not implied by this association.
Card renewal in person/phone/email; contact-information verification
You can renew your library card in person, over the phone, or through email. We will just need to ask if your address, phone number, and email are up to date.
Official public library system associated with Riverside County for browsing. Independent city library systems may also serve the county. Membership rules, branch service areas and every address in the county are not implied by this association.
Adult California Residents: This card can be used at any Riverside County Library System location, and for online resources. Cards must be renewed every 3 years.
Temporary digital card lasts three months; full continuation requires branch visit/California residence proof
We invite you to apply for a Temporary Digital Card to access digital materials only – including eBooks, eAudiobooks, and online resources – for 3 months from the date of registration. These cards must be renewed in person by visiting any of the RCLS branches and providing proof of residency in California.
Official public library system associated with Sacramento County for browsing. Independent city library systems may also serve the county. Membership rules, branch service areas and every address in the county are not implied by this association.
How do I renew my library card?Call (916) 264-2920 or visit any Sacramento Public Library location to renew your card. You will need your current library card or photo identification, and an account balance of $0.00. If you have concerns about any charges, please call us to discuss any outstanding balances.
Overdue returned items versus lost or damaged materials
Will I be fined if my item is overdue?As of July 1, 2021, Sacramento Public Library is fine free. You will not be charged fines for overdue items that are returned. Cardholders are responsible for lost or damaged materials, and fees may apply.
Official public library system associated with San Benito County for browsing. Independent city library systems may also serve the county. Membership rules, branch service areas and every address in the county are not implied by this association.
Lost or stolen Library cards should be reported to the Library immediately, otherwise you will still be responsible for any items checked out with your account. There is a $5.00 replacement fee for replacement Library cards. The Library should also be notified of changes of address, phone number, or any other changes to your Library account.
Official public library system associated with San Bernardino County for browsing. Independent city library systems may also serve the county. Membership rules, branch service areas and every address in the county are not implied by this association.
Official public library system associated with San Diego County for browsing. Independent city library systems may also serve the county. Membership rules, branch service areas and every address in the county are not implied by this association.
To check out physical items, you’ll need to convert your eCard to a Standard Card at any San Diego County Library branch. Your new Standard Card number will replace the eCard number.
Non-San Diego County residents will have access to physical materials, but will not have access to Libby, eLibrary resources, Link+ and Circuit, Inter-library Loan, or Discover & Go.
Official public library system associated with San Francisco County for browsing. Independent city library systems may also serve the county. Membership rules, branch service areas and every address in the county are not implied by this association.
Official public library system associated with San Joaquin County for browsing. Independent city library systems may also serve the county. Membership rules, branch service areas and every address in the county are not implied by this association.
Two-year card renewed at branch or by branch phone
Library cards expire every two years. You may renew your card by calling your nearest branch library or by visiting the Customer Service desk at your nearest library.
Lost-card liability and replacement; no amount inferred
It is important to report your lost or stolen library card promptly. You are financially responsible for all items on your card. We can issue you a replacement so that others cannot use your old card.
County of SLO Public Libraries is distinct from Paso Robles Public Library. The county’s current card page says Paso Robles city residents receive only a limited-access county-system card and should use the city library for full electronic access. Other county full-access applicants retain the published ID/address and youth rules; a county browsing association does not override this exception.
Service area: County all-access categories outside Paso Robles city; the city has a separate limited county-card route
Four-year membership renewal/reactivation in person with ID/address
Need to renew your membership? It's important that we have your current contact information! Bring your photo ID and proof of address to one of our 14 libraries to renew or reactivate your account. Members must renew their membership every four years.
Lost card report and free replacement with photo ID
Lost your card? Be sure to report it to library staff: You are responsible for all materials checked out on your card, and for fees associated with your account. Bring your valid photo ID to one of our 14 libraries for a free replacement card.
Official public library system associated with San Mateo County for browsing. Independent city library systems may also serve the county. Membership rules, branch service areas and every address in the county are not implied by this association.
Yes, cards must be updated every five years. You'll be notified when logging into your online account if your card is close to expiring. You can also see your card expiry date under Account Information in your My Settings.
If you lose your library card or key chain, please call one of the San Mateo County Libraries as soon as possible. You’re responsible for all materials, fines and fees checked out on your library card until its loss is reported.
City of Santa Maria provider; the city describes contract library services to nearby county libraries. This is not a single library department serving all Santa Barbara County addresses.
Official public library system associated with Santa Clara County for browsing. Independent city library systems may also serve the county. Membership rules, branch service areas and every address in the county are not implied by this association.
Official public library system associated with Santa Cruz County for browsing. Independent city library systems may also serve the county. Membership rules, branch service areas and every address in the county are not implied by this association.
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.
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.
Official public library system associated with Shasta County for browsing. Independent city library systems may also serve the county. Membership rules, branch service areas and every address in the county are not implied by this association.
Sierra County states that it partners with Plumas County for library services. The shared Plumas card instructions retain their distinct resident, temporary, youth and out-of-state categories.
Shared card renewal and contact-information verification
You can renew your library card in person, over the phone, or through email. We will just need to ask if your address, phone number, and email are up to date.
Official public library system associated with Siskiyou County for browsing. Independent city library systems may also serve the county. Membership rules, branch service areas and every address in the county are not implied by this association.
Official public library system associated with Solano County for browsing. Independent city library systems may also serve the county. Membership rules, branch service areas and every address in the county are not implied by this association.
E-cards (electronic library cards) provide immediate access to electronic resources such as downloadable books, articles, and online tutors. They are a quick way for new users to reserve items before making their first visit to the library.
Replacement card free; lost/damaged material fees separate
There is no replacement fee for a lost, stolen or damaged library card. The charge for lost or damaged items is the cost of the items(s). Referral to a collection agency results in an additional $10 fee. You can pay your fees with cash, check or Visa/Mastercard credit/debit card at any Solano County Library.
Official public library system associated with Sonoma County for browsing. Independent city library systems may also serve the county. Membership rules, branch service areas and every address in the county are not implied by this association.
Official public library system associated with Stanislaus County for browsing. Independent city library systems may also serve the county. Membership rules, branch service areas and every address in the county are not implied by this association.
Official public library system associated with Sutter County for browsing. Independent city library systems may also serve the county. Membership rules, branch service areas and every address in the county are not implied by this association.
Official public library system associated with Tehama County for browsing. Independent city library systems may also serve the county. Membership rules, branch service areas and every address in the county are not implied by this association.
Getting a library card is quick and simple. Below are the requirements for Adult, Children’s and Young Adult cards. There is no charge for your First Library Card.
Official public library system associated with Trinity County for browsing. Independent city library systems may also serve the county. Membership rules, branch service areas and every address in the county are not implied by this association.
Official public library system associated with Tulare County for browsing. Independent city library systems may also serve the county. Membership rules, branch service areas and every address in the county are not implied by this association.
Official public library system associated with Tuolumne County for browsing. Independent city library systems may also serve the county. Membership rules, branch service areas and every address in the county are not implied by this association.
Official public library system associated with Ventura County for browsing. Independent city library systems may also serve the county. Membership rules, branch service areas and every address in the county are not implied by this association.
You may apply for a library card at any Ventura County Library. The initial card is FREE. There is a $1.00 replacement fee for a lost card. Your card gives you borrowing privileges at all Ventura County Library locations.
Temporary online card converted at branch; permanent card number replaces temporary number
If you previously obtained a temporary card number by registering online, give that number to library staff so they can update your account (your permanent card number will replace your temporary card number)
Official public library system associated with Yolo County for browsing. Independent city library systems may also serve the county. Membership rules, branch service areas and every address in the county are not implied by this association.
Official public library system associated with Yuba County for browsing. Independent city library systems may also serve the county. Membership rules, branch service areas and every address in the county are not implied by this association.