New to the Library? Need a Card?

September is Library Card Sign Up Month! Sign up or renew your card to get a Library tote bag.

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.

Who can apply for a Library card online?

Adults (age 18+) who live in Orleans Parish can apply online for a digital Library card.

What information is needed when applying for a Library card in person?

To apply for a Library card in person, 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 sign up for a card with limited borrowing privileges of up to 5 items at a time and restricted access that excludes all digital materials available for check-out and any physical materials titles restricted under LA R.S. 25:225. A parent/guardian must come to the Library to register for a full privilege Library card.
  • Whether the parent/guardian is present or not when the card is issued, they are 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 must provide military ID at any Library location to complete the application process.
  • 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 do not live in Orleans Parish can get a free New Orleans Public Library card by filling out a Library card application and supplying identification and proof of ownership of their Orleans Parish property (i.e. a property tax bill, mortgage statement, or deed). Visit any Library location to complete the application process.
  • Persons who live in Jefferson or St. Bernard Parish can get a free New Orleans Public Library card if they provide identification, proof of residence, and a valid library card from Jefferson or St. Bernard Parish. Visit any Library location to complete the application process.
  • Persons who do not own property in New Orleans or live in New Orleans can get a non-resident card if they are U.S. residents, provide identification, apply in person at a Library location, and pay the yearly fee of $100 for individuals and $150 for families. 

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. We do not have additional limits on specific material types (books, DVDs, audiobooks, etc.) in our regular collection.
 
There are additional limitations on resources provided through our digital platforms:
  • 10 holds/10 checkouts on Libby by Overdrive*
  • Up to 7 mp3s downloads and 6 hours of streaming per week on Freegal
  • 20 instant borrows monthly and 5 flex borrows on Hoopla
  • 36 tickets monthly through Kanopy
*Libby by Overdrive checkouts count toward the 30 item limit for your Library card.
 

What are the loan periods for Library materials?

  • DVDs: 7 days
  • Libby by Overdrive (downloadable) titles: 3 weeks
  • Freegal music downloads: No return period
  • Popular reading books: 2 weeks
  • Most other circulating materials: 3 weeks

When you borrow items, you can check the items’ due date on a check out receipt, in our online catalog, in the NOLA Library app, or by calling our automated Borrower Account Line at 504-596-0205. 

Can I renew the items I have checked out?

Most physical Library materials will automatically renew up to 5 times as long as no one is waiting.

You can also renew items by contacting Library staff in person at any Library location, over the phone, through Ask-a-Librarian, or by accessing your account through the online catalog, the NOLA Library app, or the automated Borrower Account Line, 504-596-0205.

Renewals may only be avaialable shortly before the due date for digital materials, such as check outs on Libby or hoopla. 

Are there differences in what adults and youth can check out?

  • Adults (18 and up) may check out any circulating item.
  • Youth (0 – 17) may not have access to all non-traditional materials offered by the Library such as the Culture Pass.
  • As required by LA R.S. 25:225, we have a system to allow parents or guardians to restrict their children’s access to Library materials. You may need to speak to a librarian about permissions for your youth’s card.

Get Your Digital Library Card

If you live in Orleans Parish and you’re 18 or older, you can apply online for your free, digital Library card — no physical card or in-person Library visit required. We’ll run a quick 3rd-party verification, and if your application is accepted, you’ll receive your Library card in just a few minutes. Keep an eye on your inbox!

Apply Online For A Library Card