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GET A LIBRARY CARD!

The Alexandria library offers many services at no charge such as books, magazines, DVDs, audiobooks, ebooks, computers, research databases, wireless services, outreach service and programs.

 

Sign-up online or print out an application and bring it to your local library branch location.

(solicitud de tarjeta de biblioteca | የቤተ መጽሐፍት ካርድ ትግበራ | تطبيق بطاقة المكتبة )

Get A Library Card

 

WHO?

Who can receive a library card?

Anyone who lives, works, owns property, owns a business or attends school within the city limits of Alexandria is entitled to a free library card and allowed full use of the facilities. 

Library cards and privileges are also extended to those who live in the following counties or cities: Arlington, Charles, District of Columbia, Fairfax, Falls Church, Fauquier, Frederick, Loudoun, Montgomery, Prince George's, and Prince William. 

Children of any age may receive a library card.  Parents/guardians of children under 16 will be required to sign their child's application form, accepting responsibility for their child's choice of materials and agreeing to pay fees.

Abuse of library account may result in limited privileges.

More information can be found here.


 

WHAT?


What information do I need to get a card?

You will need proof of your current street address and a valid photo ID. 

Acceptable examples of photo identification for adults include: driver's license or DMV identification, employee identification or work badge, military identification, passport, recreation identification, school identification or social services identification.

Acceptable examples of current proof of address for adults include: driver's license or DMV identification, checkbook or bank statement, car registration, lease or rental receipt or postmarked utility or other mail.

For children under 16, a parent or legal guardian must bring proof of current street address and valid photo ID and must sign the library card application. 

There is a limit of one library card per person.


 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

I used the online registration to apply for a library card online and realized I already have one. Can I keep them both?

No. It is Alexandria Library policy that a customer only has one library account. The temporary card will be deleted.

 

I cannot find my Alexandria Library card. Can I apply for a new one through online registration?

No. The online registration system will detect that you have an existing library account and delete the temporary number or refuse to issue you a number. Please visit the Circulation Desk at any library branch with the required identification in order to purchase a replacement library card for $2.00.

 

What is the difference between a temporary and permanent card?

A temporary card gives you access to a small amount of resources the library has to offer. It will expire in 14 days from the time online registration is complete. A permanent card allows you full access to all of the library's resources. To convert your temporary card to a permanent card, please stop by a local branch with proof of your current street address and a valid photo ID.  

 

The library has eBooks, eAudiobooks, and digital magazines. I only want to access these. Can I keep my temporary card number just for these?

No. In order to access the full range of eBooks, eAudiobooks, digital magazines and streaming music, you will need a permanent card.

 

I need to access the databases for research. Can I use the temporary card with the library's databases?

The 6-digit temporary card number will allow you to remotely access the majority of the library's online databases. You will need a permanent library card to access the databases that do not permit TempID use. You access the online databases by logging in through the library's website and navigating to the "Databases" page.

 

Last updated: October 2023