Library Cards

A library card is a card used for the management of books in a library. A person who holds a library card has borrowing or other privileges associated with the issuing library. The library card also serves as a method of identification. When a person chooses an item to borrow and presents their library card to the library, they take responsibility for the borrowed item and promise to abide by certain rules, usually including a promise to return the item by the due date or face a library fine. If the cardholder violates these responsibilities, their borrowing privileges may be suspended.

​

If you live, work, pay taxes, or go to school in Philadelphia, you can get a library card for free. When you have a library card, you can borrow from the Free Library of Philadelphia’s huge collection of books, movies, music, magazines, online resources, and more.

​

To get started:

• Sign up for a library card online 

• Find your local library 

• Search the library catalog 

​

If you live in another city, google "local library near me" to find information on how to obtain a library card in your area.