USING YOUR LIBRARY

Getting a Library Card

Information on how to get or replace an Indianapolis Marion County Public Library Card.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get a Library Card?
Who is eligible for a free Library Card?
What forms of identification are acceptable?
Can I get a Library Card if I am not a resident?
What is the Public Library Access Card (PLAC)?
What if I have already had a Library Card but it is lost or stolen?
Can I still checkout Library material if I have a card, but forgot it?

Get a Card

Library Cards are issued on site at all Library Circulation desks upon completion of an application and presentation of identification with name and current address. Applicant must be present. Parents must sign the application for children under the age of 18. Children under 6 years of age are only eligible for the My First Library Card.

Library Card Application

You can print and fill out the application ahead of time using this PDF file:

Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library Application for a Library Card

Eligibility

Residents of Marion County excluding Speedway but including those living in Beech Grove, property owners, teachers and students who attend Marion County schools; police and fire department staff; corporations or service agencies within Marion County are eligible for a free Library Card. Qualifying residents under 6 years of age are eligible for the My First Library Card.

Acceptable Forms of Identification for Library Card Applications

We require one of the following forms of identification as proof of residency.

Indiana State Issued Identification with a photograph and the correct address

OR

Indiana Identification with a photograph and an incorrect address, plus one of the following:

A piece of mail postmarked within the last 30 days
A current Lease with dates, address, and name
A checkbook with name and current address
A school schedule with name, address, and date
A report card with name, address, and date

OR

A passport, consulate ID, or school ID, plus one of the following:

A piece of mail postmarked within the last 30 days
A current Lease with dates, address, and name
A checkbook with name and current address
A school schedule with name, address, and date
A report card with name, address, and date

OR

A piece of mail postmarked within the last 30 days, plus one of the following:

A current Lease with dates, address, and name
A checkbook with name and current address
A school schedule with name, address, and date
A report card with name, address, and date

For children under 18 years of age to receive a library card...

Both the parent/minor applicant must be present at the time of application.
The parent/guardian must present valid identification and proof of residency as listed above.
The parent/guardian must present 'proof of guardianship'. Acceptable verification includes one of the following:

Birth Certificate of child
Social Security card of the child
Current school ID or report card
Consulate ID
Learner's permit or driver's license
Immunization records

Nonresident Cards

Nonresidents may have a Library Card, valid for one year at a time, by either paying a non-resident fee of $65.00 per year or by purchasing a Public Library Access Card (PLAC) from any public library in Indiana.

Public Library Access Card (PLAC) is a state sponsored program that allows Indiana public library cardholders to borrow from any public library outside their home library district. The fee is set annually by the Indiana State Library and is valid for one year. The PLAC card may be purchased at any Indiana public library.

Lost or Stolen Cards

Borrowers with lost or stolen Library cards should report this to any Library Circulation desk immediately to avoid possible misuse of the card.

Borrowers with lost Library cards may obtain a replacement by applying in person at any Library Circulation desk; there is a $1.00 fee for a new card, payable at issue. There is no replacement fee for a lost or stolen My First Library Card. Identification showing name and current address is required.

Forgotten Cards

Borrowers who have forgotten their valid Library cards may check out with identification showing name and current address to obtain a temporary library card. A temporary card is valid only for that transaction.