About Library Cards

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, Falls Church, Fairfax, Loudoun, or Prince William Counties in Northern Virginia.

On This Page

How Do I Apply For A 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. Or apply online now.

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: May be used to place holds on desired titles and use most online services. Digital Library cards are restricted to Maryland, D.C., and Virginia residents. Register for a Digital Library Card.
  • 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.

Questions about your account? Contact us:

If you have a question about your account, contact us at 240-777-0001, or by visiting a library.