The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County

Apply for a Library Card

Library cards are free to anyone who meets the following criteria:

You are a resident of the State of Ohio
You are associated with a member of an Ohio regional library system as a cardholder from a member library
You are a temporary/transitional resident of Hamilton County

Ohio Applicants

If you live in Ohio and are applying for a library card for the first time, you may apply for a card using our online application form (below).

Select the type of card Regular
(For customers 18 and older)
Unlimited access. Fines are responsibility of card holder.
Child or Teen Only
(For customers under 18, no parent signature required)
Checkout up to three print items. No fines.
More details about Child or Teen Only card
Dependent Child or Teen
(For customers under 18, parent signature required)
Limited or unlimited access. Fines are responsibility of parent or guardian.
More details about Dependent Child or Teen card
Downloadable Only Card
(For customers wanting only digital materials)
Digital materials only. No fines.
More details about Downloadable Only card
Educator
(For educators)
Checkout up to 150 items (except videocassettes and DVDs). No fines.
More details about Educator card

Non Ohio Applicants

If you do not live in Ohio, you will need to apply for a library card in person. Stop by the Main Library Circulation Services Department or any of our branches and our staff will be happy to help you in obtaining a Library card. When you come in, you will be asked to verify your identity and home address. Details about what kind of identification you will need to provide are available in our Get a Library Card webpage. Information about the requirements for Non-Ohio residents can be found in our Library Card and Circulation policy.

Existing Card Holders

If you need to renew an existing library card, please contact your neighborhood branch or the Circulation Services Department (513-369-6913). If you need to replace a lost card, bring your I.D. into any of our locations, and we’ll issue a new card at no cost. If you need to update your library account information, use our convenient online form.