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New to the Library? Need a Card?
Sign up or renew your New Orleans Public Library card in person at any Library location by September 30 to receive a Library Card Sign-up Month Prize.
Who can get a New Orleans Public Library card?
Library cards are free for all Orleans Parish residents as well as those who currently have a valid library card from Jefferson and St. Bernard parishes.
What information is needed when applying for a Library card?
To receive a permanent Library card, an applicant should provide picture identification, such as a valid Louisiana Driver’s License or Louisiana State ID noting residency in Orleans, Jefferson or St. Bernard Parish. If the applicant has an out-of-state driver’s license or other photo ID (a local college student ID, for example), the photo ID must be accompanied by one of the following proofs of residence: voter’s registration card, lease or rent receipt, piece of mail delivered to applicant at applicant’s address, printed check, etc.
Can a person under age 18 apply for a card when the parent or guardian is not present?
If the parent/guardian is unable to come to the Library, the underage applicant can take the application home for the parent/guardian to sign. Until the parent/guardian signs the application and proof of eligibility has been shown, the applicant will be allowed limited borrowing privileges of up to 2 items at a time. They still must have a guardian’s name and contact information recorded in their account details.
Whether the parent/guardian is present or not when the card is issued, he/she is responsible for materials borrowed by the child.
Are there any exceptions to the residency requirement?
Active military personnel and their dependents are eligible for a Library card with full borrowing privileges. Applicants should provide Military ID.
Students who attend Orleans Parish schools but don’t live in Orleans Parish are still eligible to get library cards with proof of enrollment.
Are non-resident cards available?
Persons who own property in New Orleans but who do not live in Orleans Parish can get a free New Orleans Public Library card by filling out a Library card application as a non-resident and supplying identification and proof of ownership of their Orleans Parish property (i.e. a property tax bill, mortgage statement, or deed). Email circulationteam@nolalibrary.org to complete the application process.
Non-Residents who do not own property in New Orleans can obtain a Library card online for the cost of $50.00 annually. Use our Ask A Librarian service or email circulationteam@nolalibrary.org for more information.
Non-resident cards can also be obtained in person at any Library location.
How many items can I check out on my card?
The maximum number of cataloged items that can be checked out on your Library card is 30 items. These may include:
Up to 30 books
Up to 30 audio books
Up to 30 DVDs
Up to 30 music CDs
Up to 10 downloadable titles on Libby by Overdrive
Up to 7 mp3s per week on Freegal
No limit on past issues of periodicals but current issues are for use in the Library only
What are the loan periods for Library materials?
DVDs: 7 days
Libby by Overdrive (downloadable) titles: 2 weeks
Freegal music downloads: No return period
Popular reading books: 2 weeks
All other circulating materials: 3 weeks
Are there differences in what adults, students, and juveniles can check out?
Adults (18 and up) may check out any circulating item.
Students (12 – 17) may check out any circulating item with the exception of unrated and R-rated DVDs.
Juveniles (0 – 11) may check out any circulating item with the exception of DVDs.
Sign Up For Your Library Card Today
Sign up in-person at any of our 15 Library locations. Or, sign up online for a short-term card, good for 30 days. After signing up online, you'll need to visit a Library in-person to finish signing up for your permanent card.
Sign Up Online