Your MCPL Library Card

Your MCPL library card is the key to borrowing materials, downloading e-books, audiobooks, music, using our research databases and online learning tools, and much more.

Get a Full-Access Digital Card
 

You are eligible for a free MCPL card — at any age — if you

  • live, work, or go to school in Montgomery County; or
  • live in Maryland, in the District of Columbia, or in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, or Prince William Counties in Northern Virginia.

On This Page

Apply for a Library Card in Person

Regular (Full-Service) Library Card

Apply at any MCPL branch and bring your Photo ID and proof of address. 

Getting a card for a child under 18? Identification supplied by an accompanying adult is sufficient for a child under 18. Teens ages 13 to 18 may get a library card with photo identification if a parent is not present.

If you wish, you may bring a completed library card application, which is also available in Spanish.

Where Can I Use My Card?

Use your card at all MCPL branches and for our online resources.

Types of accounts

  • Regular Accounts: For individual use of all library collections and services.
  • Household Accounts: For all members of a household living at the same address to share one library card barcode number. You will have access to each other's borrowing records. All household card applicants must appear in person when applying for the card. As on all other cards, there is a maximum of 100 checked-out items.
  • Nonresident Accounts: For those who do not meet the residency requirements for a free card. There is a $10.00 non-refundable fee that must be paid at the time of registration and annually thereafter. Initial registration must be in person.
  • Digital Library Card: As of 5/28/24, you can apply online for a full-service library card, which will allow access to all library collections and services that are available to a Regular account. PLEASE NOTE: Digital cards that were issued before 5/28/24 have access to online resources only, but can be converted to Regular accounts by bringing photo ID and proof of address to any MCPL branch.
  • Homebound Accounts: For users of MCPL's Books @ Home Service.
  • Educator Accounts: For daycare providers, home schoolteachers, and preschool and elementary school teachers for classroom use only. You will receive an extended 9-week non-renewable loan. To apply, bring a letter on the school's letterhead indicating your employment or bring the State's letter of approval of your home schooling. You may have both an educator card and a regular card.
  • Business/Institution Accounts: For businesses or institutions, such as nursing homes, nonprofits, or schools, to be used by employees. To apply, bring a letter on company letterhead authorizing the card for business purposes. The letter should state the name of the person responsible if problems arise. Responsibility for fines lies with the business and not with an individual.

How Do I Replace A Lost Card?

Bring photo ID and proof of address to any MCPL branch.

Your library account is private.

Library accounts are confidential. By law, we can discuss your library account only with you. This applies to all cardholders, adults and children alike.