Your public library card: what it gives you

Step 1 — Find your public library

In the U.S., a public library is set up under state law to serve a community, and it is paid for, at least in part, with public money (IMLS — PLS User’s Guide). There are about 9,000 public libraries, with about 17,000 main libraries, branches and bookmobiles (libraries on wheels) (IMLS — Public Libraries Survey). In fiscal year 2019, 85.9 percent of public library revenue came from local funding sources (IMLS — FY 2019 results). That is why your card is usually tied to where you live.

Two official ways to find yours:

• USA.gov’s libraries page has a link to a Library Finder (USA.gov).
• IMLS Library Search & Compare. The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is the federal agency that supports libraries (IMLS). Its tool lets you search all public libraries by name or with filters, in a table or on a map (IMLS — Search & Compare). It is a statistics tool; for opening hours, use your library’s own website.

In a big city, check which library system serves your neighborhood. For example, the New York Public Library’s locations are in the Bronx, Manhattan and Staten Island (NYPL — Terms).

Step 2 — Gather your ID and proof of address

Each library sets its own rules, so read its “library card” page before you go. Three big-city examples:

• For example, Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) gives free cards to California residents. You bring a photo ID with your name and current address, such as a California driver’s license or DMV ID card, or a Mexican, Argentinian or Korean consular ID. Otherwise, you bring a photo ID (a passport works) plus proof of address, such as a credit card statement or business mail with a current postmark. People whose permanent address is outside California pay a fee (LAPL — Borrowing Policies).
• For example, the New York Public Library (NYPL) gives free cards to people who live, work, attend school or pay property taxes in New York State (NYPL). One New York State or City ID, including IDNYC, is enough. Otherwise, you bring two documents, one with your photo and one with your current address: for example, a passport or consular ID, plus a current lease, or a bank statement, utility bill or piece of mail dated within the last two months (NYPL — Terms).
• For example, Chicago Public Library (CPL) asks for a current, valid ID with your name, photo and Chicago address. Chicago residents who are still getting their documents together can apply for a Temporary Access Library Card, with access to some resources, and upgrade to a standard card within 90 days (CPL).

Your proof of address will often come from your first U.S. paperwork: your lease (renting your first apartment), a utility bill (setting up utilities), a bank statement (opening a bank account) or a state ID (driver’s license and state ID). Keep the first letters that arrive at your new address.

Children and teens often need less. LAPL doesn’t ask people under 18 for ID; a parent, guardian or adult sponsor signs instead (LAPL). NYPL doesn’t ask teens 13 to 17 for ID, and a parent or guardian signs for children 12 and under (NYPL). See also family first steps.

Step 3 — Apply online or at a branch

• LAPL: apply at any location, or pre-register online and then visit. Only City of Los Angeles residents can get an instant e-card online, because of licensing agreements with digital content vendors (LAPL).
• NYPL: apply online, then visit a location to verify your information and get your physical card. If the online form can verify that you are in New York State, you also get a free digital card right away, for e-books, databases and other online resources (NYPL). The paper application comes in English and 18 other languages, from Albanian to Wolof (NYPL — Terms).
• CPL: visit any location to fill out an application, or download it and bring it with you. Since May 1, 2025, CPL no longer issues eCards (CPL).

Online sign-up is common but not universal: in fiscal year 2022, about half of public libraries, and 72 percent of city libraries, allowed online library card registration (IMLS — Trends FY 2018–2023).

When you get your card, ask staff to help you log in to your online account and the library’s app, if it has one.

Step 4 — Explore what your card gives you

According to USA.gov, public libraries have (USA.gov):

• experts who can help you find the resources you need;
• research databases and computer stations;
• books, movies and music to borrow, in print and digital formats;
• English classes;
• programs and events for all ages.

In practice:

• E-books and audiobooks. At the typical (median) library, electronic items borrowed per person rose 84 percent between fiscal years 2018 and 2023 (IMLS — Trends). LAPL, for example, lists more than 1.5 million e-books and audiobooks (LAPL).
• Reading in your language. For example, LAPL’s digital resources include Spanish e-books, Chinese and Korean e-magazines and an Armenian digital library (LAPL — Multilingual Resources). Ask your librarian what exists in your language.
• Computers and internet. For example, LAPL lets you use a computer for free at any location, and without a card you can use a walk-up computer for up to 15 minutes (LAPL — Computers). It also lists more than 800 laptops and hotspots to borrow (LAPL). For home internet, see phone and internet setup.
• Help with a job search. USA.gov suggests visiting a public library for in-person help with job searches (USA.gov — How to find a job). See also finding a job.
• Books your library doesn’t have. Ask about interlibrary loan: public libraries obtained more than 67.5 million items from other libraries for their users in fiscal year 2019 (IMLS — FY 2019 results).
• Passes. For example, an NYPL physical card lets you sign up for its Culture Pass (NYPL), and LAPL offers museum and cultural passes and California State Park passes (LAPL).
• Reading when print is hard for you. The Library of Congress runs the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS), a free braille and audio book service for people with low vision, blindness, or a physical, perceptual or reading disability. Any U.S. resident who qualifies can use it through a network of cooperating libraries (Library of Congress — Apply for NLS). Books can be downloaded or mailed to you free of charge (Library of Congress — NLS).

Step 5 — Learn English and prepare for citizenship

USA.gov notes that in some communities, libraries offer English classes and materials to study (USA.gov — Learn English). Our guide to learning English for free covers all the free options, online and in person.

Some large libraries go further. For example, LAPL’s New Americans Centers offer citizenship classes (English, civics and history for the test), beginner English classes, and phone or in-person appointments for help with citizenship applications, green cards, work permit renewals and more. LAPL says it works with community partners, that all services are free and confidential, and that it cannot assist people who live outside California (LAPL — New Americans).

To study for the test, see preparing for the citizenship test. For questions about your own case, see free immigration legal help: it explains who may give immigration legal advice.

Step 6 — Make the library one of your places

IMLS describes public libraries as places where people get help from professional staff, and also as “collective gathering spaces” for their communities (IMLS — FY 2019 results). In fiscal year 2023, the typical (median) library offered 202 programs, and the typical city library 1,065 (IMLS — Trends). Children’s programs made up 53 percent of all public library programs in fiscal year 2019 (IMLS — FY 2019 results).

Pick up the events calendar on your first visit and try one thing in your first month: a story time, a conversation group or a class. Going back every week is a simple way to start seeing familiar faces. For more ideas, see building your circle and finding your home-country community.