It’s no secret that one of the best resources in the world is a free library card. Especially if you’re homeschooling! Our public library branch in Brooklyn was one of the hardest things for me to leave behind when we became a full time travel family. BUT that doesn’t mean we’ve given up on libraries!
And as I’ve spoken to a lot of traveling families, I’ve discovered that not everyone knows how easy and accessible it can be to get a non resident library card! So I’ve decided to put together a resource to help traveling families with information about where to get a free library card (or cheap library card!) as a non resident.
Why Get a Free Library Card as You Travel?
Libraries are an amazing resource just to visit, even without a library card. But when we’re in one place for a bit, being able to check out books for all of us is a gift. Libraries also offer some extra perks, depending on the library. California libraries, for example, offer a California State Park Pass to save you some money. Many libraries have discounted or cheap museum passes for their city, as well. And some libraries we’ve been to even loan household items like a leaf blower or Instapot!
Is Every Library on This List Offering a Free Library Card?
I included libraries that charge a small fee for non-residents. It’s often worth it to me to pay when we’re staying somewhere for a few weeks or longer!
Why Would I Bother With an E-Card?
Libby, Kanopy, and Hoopla offer electronic resources that are an invaluable resource. We check out hundreds of ebooks a year through the Libby app. I read the books on my phone and Kindle, and our oldest has her own Kindle that she can read library books on, too. Kanopy and Hoopla offer movies, music, and more! We love using them to check out a musical album to listen to for awhile or to watch an interesting documentary.
A few of these libraries even offer electronic cards that you can apply for online, meaning you don’t even have to drop by the branch to receive one.
Am I a Resident If I’m Staying Somewhere For a Month or Longer?
Keep in mind that libraries have varying responses to whether a campground address or bill is proof of residency. Libraries not included on this list may give out free library cards to “residents” of RV parks, but I haven’t included them unless someone has personally verified that or it is clearly defined on their website. Some libraries also give full borrowing privileges to people who work in the area, which doesn’t apply to us, but may apply to some traveling families.
Can I Buy You a Coffee for Putting This Together?
Yes, please! This list took over 40 hours to compile, and it is my absolute pleasure to share it with you. But if you want to buy me a coffee for my efforts, it would be appreciated!
Now, on to the library details 🙂
Free Library Card for Travelers Database:
| Location | Non-Resident Policy | Cost | Virtual Card? | Ebooks? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | ||||
| Gulf Shores Thomas B. Norton Public Library | Visitors with valid photo ID and home address can get card | $0 | Must visit in person | Libby |
| Huntsville-Madison County Public Library | Non-residents can get card for a fee, photo ID required | $20 annual fee for individual, $35 for family | Must visit in person | Hoopla |
| Mobile Public Library | Residents only, but “rent receipt” qualifies, so may accept RV park receipt | Free for residents of Mobile County | Temporary cards for residents available via online application | Hoopla |
| Tuscaloosa Public Library | Non-residents can get card for a fee, photo ID required | $10 annual fee per person | Must visit in person, must renew annually in person | Libby |
| Alaska | ||||
| Anchorage Public Library | Out of state visitors can receive 3 month card with 3 item limit | $0 | Must visit in person | Libby |
| Fairbanks Public Library | Yes, contact a branch for details | Contact a branch for details | Must visit in person | Libby and Hoopla |
| Homer Public Library | Temporary visitors can receive a 6 month card with 10 item limit | “A small fee” | Must visit in person, share proof of home mailing address | Alaska Digital Library |
| Juneau Public Library | Visitors staying for 28+ days may receive a temporary card with 2 item limit | $0 | Must visit in person | Libby |
| Mat-Su Library Network | Non-residents can pay for card | $10/4 months and 3 item limit or $35/annual and full privileges | Must visit in person | |
| Seward Community Library | Temporary visitors can receive a one year card with 3 item limit with local temporary address | $0 | Must visit in person and share local reference (“landlord”) | None for temporary cards |
| Arizona | ||||
| Apache Junction Public Library | Easy Access card with 3-item limit for anyone with any photo ID | $0 | Must visit in person | Libby, Kanopy, Hoopla |
| Camp Verde Community Library | Temporary cards issued without residency proof, limited access | $0 | Must visit in person | |
| Flagstaff City – Coconino County Public Library | Non-residents can receive a 1 year library card | $0 | Must visit in person, temporary cards upgraded after 1 year | Libby and Hoopla |
| Lake Havasu City (Mohave County) | 30 day non-renewable card if address not verified, local business receipt with name and address accepted | $0 | Can register online | Libby |
| Mesa Public Library | Anyone who lives in Maricopa County for 30 days a year is eligible for a free card, or non-residents can purchase a card | $0 or $40/year | Can register for an e-card online here or a full card in person | Libby, Kanopy |
| Page Public Library | Temporary visitors can receive a 6 month card, 6 book limit | $25 | Must visit in person | Libby |
| Phoenix Public Library | Easy Access card with 3-item limit for anyone with any photo ID, non-residents can pay for full access card | $0 or $40/year | Must visit in person | Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy |
| Quartzsite Public Library | Non-residents can receive a 1 year card | $0 | Must visit in person | |
| Scottsdale Public Library | Visitors can receive a 3 month card, 10 item limit | $0 | Must visit in person | Hoopla and Kanopy |
| Sedona Public Library | Visitors can receive a 1 year card | $25 | Must visit in person, provide photo ID | Libby |
| Arkansas | ||||
| Bentonville Public Library | Visitors can receive a 1 year card, digital checkouts only | $0 | Must visit in person | Libby |
| Fayetteville Public Library | Non-residents can pay for a card | Annual fee not disclosed, financial aid available | Must visit in person | Libby |
| Garland County Library (Hot Springs) | Non-residents can pay for an annual card | $30 | Must visit in person | Libby and Hoopla |
| Texarkana Public Library | Non-residents can pay for an annual card | $20 | E-cards for digital materials here | Libby, Kanopy, Hoopla |
| California | ||||
| Anaheim Public Library | Anyone in the world can get a digital card to access digital resources | $0 | Can apply online here | CloudLibrary |
| Kern County Public Library | Non-residents can pay for an annual card (CA residents free) | $25 | Must visit in person with photo ID | Libby, Hoopla, CloudLibrary |
| Los Angeles Public Library | Non-residents can pay for an annual card (CA residents free) | $50 (pricey, but great ebook selection!) | Must visit in person | Libby, Kanopy, Hoopla |
| Monterey County Free Libraries | Out-of-State residents can apply in person | Ask in person | Must visit in person | Libby |
| Palm Springs Public Library | Non-residents can pay for tiers of cards | $12/1 month, $24/3 months, $36/year | Must visit in person | Libby |
| Riverside County Public Library | Out-of-State residents can pay for an annual card, will accept RV park receipt for free card | $0 or $10 for Out-of-State Resident card | Must visit in person | Libby, Hoopla, CloudLibrary |
| San Francisco Public Library | Visitors can pay for temp card (CA residents free) | $10/3 months | Must visit in person and provide temp SF address | Libby, Kanopy, Hoopla |
| San Diego Public Library | Non-residents can pay for an annual card (CA residents free) | $32.50 | Must visit in person | CloudLibrary |
| San Jose Public Library | Non-residents can receive a 1 item/digital items limited card | $0 | Can apply online for e-card here | Libby and Hoopla |
| Santa Barbara County Library | Non-residents can receive 3 item card | $0 | Must visit in person | Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy |
| Sunnyvale Public Library | Without proof of residency, instant e-card for e-books or limited 2 item card | $0 | E-card available here, in person for physical materials | Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy |
| Colorado | ||||
| Boulder Public Library | 3 week courtesy card with 5 item limit available | $0 | Must visit in person | Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy |
| Denver Public Library | Visitors staying for at least 1 month can apply for provisional card | $0? | Must visit in person | Libby and Kanopy |
| Mesa County Libraries | Temporary visitors may apply for a limited 3 month card or pay for full access | $25/3 months full access | Must visit in person | Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy |
| Ouray Public Library | Visitors staying 3+ weeks may receive temporary card with no item limit | $0 | Must visit in persoon | Libby |
| Pikes Peak Library District | Limited cards may be issued when proof of address is unavailable | $0 | Must visit in person | Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy |
| Pitkin County Library (Aspen) | Full library cards issued with no proof of residency | $0 | Must visit in person | Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy |
| Summit County Library | Visitors can pay for a card | $10/year | Must visit in person | Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy |
| Connecticut | ||||
| Ferguson Library (Stamford) | Visitors can put down a refundable deposit for a temporary card | $25/6 months, refundable | Must visit in person | Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy |
| Hartford Public Library | Without proof of residency, e-card is available | $0 | Must visit in person | Libby and Kanopy |
| New Haven Free Public Library | Without proof of residency, e-card may be available | $0 | Must visit in person | Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy |
| Delaware | ||||
| Dover Public Library | Non-residents can pay for an annual card | $25/year | Must visit in person, e-cards online with a Delaware address | Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy |
| Rehoboth Beach Public Library | Non-residents can pay for a card | $10/1 month or $25/year | Must visit in person, e-cards online with a Delaware address | Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy |
| Wilmington Public Library | Non-residents can pay for a limited one-month card or full privileges annual card | $10/1 month and limited privileges or $40/year for full access | Must visit in person, e-cards online with a Delaware address | Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy |
| Florida | ||||
| Broward Public Library | Visitors can receive a free e-card or pay for an annual card | $0 or $38/year | In person for regular card, instant e-card online here | Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy |
| Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative (Tampa) | Non-residents can pay for a card for physical items only | $35/year | In person only unless you have a local address | Not available for visitors |
| Miami Public Library | Non-resident cards are expensive, but e-cards for digital items are available with local address | $0 | E-card online here | Libby, Hoopla |
| Monroe County Public Library (Key West) | Non-residents can pay for a card | $30/year | Can register online here | Libby |
| Okaloosa County Public Library Cooperative (Destin) | Non-residents can pay for a card | $30/6 months | Must visit in person | Libby |
| Sarasota County Public Library | Non-residents can pay for a card | $15/3 months, $25/6 months, $40/year | Must visit in person | CloudLibrary and Hoopla |
| St. Johns County Public Library System (St. Augustine) | Non-residents can pay for a card | $7/1 month, $15/3 months, $50/year | Must visit in person | Libby and Hoopla |
| Georgia | ||||
| Athens Regional Library System | Non-residents can pay for a card | $25/year | Apply online for an e-card here or get full access card in person | Libby |
| Cobb County Public Library | Non-residents can pay for a card | $40/year | Must visit in person | Libby and Kanopy |
| DeKalb County Public Library | Non-residents can pay for a card, “rent receipt” counts to prove residency | $35/year for non-residents | Must visit in person | Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy |
| Fulton County Library System (Atlanta) | Non-residents can pay for a card, homeschooling parents in the area eligible for free card | $40/year or free for homeschoolers | Apply online, but must pick up card in person | Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy |
| Live Oak Public Libraries (Savannah) | Non-residents can pay for a card | $25/year | Must visit in person | Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy |
| Hawaii | ||||
| Hawaii State Public Library System | Non-residents can pay for a card | $10/3 months or $25 for FIVE years (!!) | Must visit in person | Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy |
| Idaho | ||||
| Boise Public Library | Temporary cards are available for 3 months with a 2 item limit | $0 | Must visit in person | Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy |
| Coeur d’Alene Public Library | Non-residents can pay for a card | $30/year | Must visit in person | Libby |
| Idaho Falls Public Library | Temporary cards available with a 2 item limit | $0 | Must visit in person | Libby |
| Lewiston City Library | Temporary cards are available | $0? | Must visit in person | Libby |
| Illinois | ||||
| Champaign Public Library | Temporary resident card available, RV park may qualify, 6 month card/10 item limit | $0 | Apply for an e-card here | Libby and Hoopla |
| Chicago Public Library | Visitors can use a Chicago address for an e-card or get full access by leaving cash deposit for items checked out | $0 or ??? | Apply for an e-card here or visit in person for full access | Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy |
| Lincoln Library (Springfield) | Temporary resident or non-resident card available | Call or visit for details | Can apply online here or in person | Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy |
| Peoria Public Library | Non-residents can pay for a card | Call or visit for details | Must visit in person | Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy |
| Indiana | ||||
| Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library | Temporary and e-cards available | $0, Visit a library branch to confirm eligibility | Must visit in person | Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy |
| Iowa | ||||
| Cedar Rapids Public Library | Quick library card with no address proof, 3 item limit | $0 | Must visit in person | Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy |
| Davenport Public Library | Visitors can bring their home library card to borrow items | $0 | Must visit in person | Libby |
| Iowa City Public Library | Temporary cards for up to 8 weeks available with 2 item limit | $0 | Must visit in person | Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy |
| Sioux City Public Library | Non-residents can pay for a card | $10/1 month, $25/3 months | Must visit in person | Libby and Kanopy |
| Kansas | ||||
| Kansas City Kansas Public Library | E-cards available to anyone within the library’s service area, digital items only | $0 | Can apply here | Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy |
| Lawrence Public Library | Temporary one year card available for campground residents, 3 item limit | $0 | Must visit in person | Libby and Kanopy |
| Salina Public Library | Cards may be granted to temporary out-of-state residents | $0 | Must visit in person | Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy |
| Wichita Public Library | E-cards available without proof of residency, digital items only | $0 | Must visit in person | Libby |
| Kentucky | ||||
| Boyle County Public Library | Visitors can receive renewable 30 day card, 10 item limit | $0 | Must visit in person | Libby |
| Louisville Free Public Library | Non-residents can pay for a card | $25/year | Must visit in person | Libby and Hoopla |
| Mary Wood Weldon Memorial Library | Non-residents can pay for a card | $25/year | Must visit in person | Libby and Hoopla |
| Nelson County Public Library | Non-residents receive a card | $0 | Must visit in person | |
| Louisiana | ||||
| Calcasieu Parish Public Library | Temporary cards available for 3 months, 3 item limit | $0 | Must visit in person | Libby and Kanopy |
| Lafayette Public Library | Non-residents can pay for a card, 10 item limit | $20/year | Must visit in person | Libby |
| New Orleans Public Library | Non-residents can pay for a card | $50/year | Must visit in person or email librarian | Libby, Kanopy, Hoopla |
| Shreve Memorial Library | Non-residents can pay for a card, 5 item limit | $20/year | Must visit in person | Libby and Hoopla |
| St. Tammany Parish Library | Visitors can receive a free 1 month card or pay for a card | $0 or $30/year | Must visit in person | Libby and Hoopla |
| Maine | ||||
| Jesup Memorial Library (Bar Harbor) | Visitor cards available | Ask a librarian | Must visit in person | |
| Lithgow Public Library (Augusta) | Non-residents can pay for a card | $15/3 months, $30/6 months, $60/year | Must visit in person | CloudLibrary and Hoopla |
| Portland Public Library | Non-residents can pay for a card | $20/year | Must visit in person | Libby |
| Wells Public Library | Non-residents can pay for a card | $10/3 months, $20/year | Must visit in person | CloudLibrary |
| Maryland | ||||
| Baltimore County Public Library | Non-residents can pay for a card | $50/year | Must visit in person | Libby, Kanopy |
| Montgomery County Public Library | Non-residents can pay for a card | $10/year | Must visit in person | Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy |
| Prince George’s County Memorial Library | Temporary residents can receive a free card | $0 | Must visit in person for full access or apply online for 6 month digital access | Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy |
| Worcester County Library | Non-residents can pay for a card | $10/year | Libby, Hoopla | |
| Massachusetts | ||||
| Boston Public Library | Ages 13-26 can receive free Books Unbanned card for “frequently challenged” digital collection | $0 | Apply online here | Libby |
| Springfield City Library | Non-residents can pay for a card | $35/year | Must visit in person for full access or apply online for digital access | Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy |
| Vineyard Haven Public Library | Non-residents can pay for a card with a 10 item limit | $10/year | Must visit in person, card works at all Cape Cod libraries and Martha’s Vineyard/Nantucket | Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy |
| Worcester Public Library | Non-residents can pay for a card | $10/year | Must visit in person for full access or apply online for temporary digital access | Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy |
| Michigan | ||||
| Capital Area District Libraries (Lansing, etc) | Non-residents can pay for a card | $25/6 months or $50/year | Must visit in person | Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy |
| Gloria Coles Flint Public Library | Visitors can apply for a temporary e-card for digital access | $0 | Apply online here | Libby, Kanopy |
| Peter White Memorial Library (Marquette) | Non-residents can pay for a card | $35/3 months | Must visit in person | Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy |
| Traverse Area District Library | Visitors can receive a 3-month card with 3 item limit (no digital) | $0 | Must visit in person with hotel or campground receipt | |
| Minnesota | ||||
| Fergus Falls Public Library | Does not require documentation | $0 | Must visit in person | Libby, Hoopla |
| Red Wing Public Library | Non-residents can pay for a card | $5/1 month, $10/3 months, $20/6 months, $40/year | Must visit in person | Libby, Kanopy |
| Scott County Public Library | Welcome cards for visitors, two item limit and digital access | $0 | Must visit in person | Libby |
| Winona Public Library | Non-residents can pay for a card | $10/3 months, $20/6 months or $40/year | Must visit in person | Libby, Hoopla |
| Mississippi | ||||
| Hattiesburg Library | Non-residents can pay for a card | $25/6 months (may apply for waiver due to need) | Must visit in person | Hoopla |
| Jackson Hinds Library System | Non-residents can pay for a card | $25/year | Must visit in person | Libby, Hoopla |
| Laurel-Jones County Library | Non-residents can pay for a card | $10 one time fee | Must visit in person | Hoopla |
| Missouri | ||||
| Joplin Public Library | Non-residents can pay for a card | $12.50/3 months, $50/year | Visit in person or apply online here | Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy |
| Kansas City Public Library | Non-residents can receive a limited card for in-person items | $0 | Visit in person or apply online here | Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy |
| St. Louis Public Library | Without proof of residency, limited card available with 2 item limit and digital access | $0 | Must visit in person | Libby, Hoopla |
| Taneyhills Library (Branson) | Non-residents can pay for a card | $5 | Must visit in person | Libby, Hoopla |
| Montana | ||||
| Billings Public Library | Non-residents can pay for a card | $20/year | Must visit in person | Libby, Hoopla |
| Bozeman Public Library | Non-residents can pay for a card | $10/year | Must visit in person | Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy |
| Great Falls Public Library | Non-residents can purchase a temporary card | $10/3 months | Must visit in person | Libby |
| ImagineIF Library (Flathead County) | Visitors can receive a limited card | $0 | Must visit in personn | Libby |
| Lewis & Clark Library (Helena) | Non-residents can pay for a card, temporary residents can receive free 3 month card | $45 for non-resident card (free in 2023) | Visit in person or apply online here | Libby, Hoopla |
| Missoula Public Library | Visitors may receive a temporary card | Ask a librarian | Must visit in person | Libby, Kanopy |
| Nebraska | ||||
| Kearney Public Library | Library cards available to anyone regardless of residency | $0 | Must visit in person | Libby, Kanopy |
| Lincoln City Libraries | Non-residents can pay for a card | $5/summer, $15/3 months, $60/year | Must visit in person | Libby, Hoopla |
| Morton-James Public Library (Nebraska City) | Non-residents can pay for a card | $25/year | Must visit in person | Libby |
| Omaha Public Library | Non-residents can pay for a card | $6.25/month, $25/3 months, $75/year | Must visit in person | Libby, Kanopy |
| Scottsbluff Public Library | Temporary cards available without proof of residence, 3 item limit for 3 months | $0 | Must visit in person | Libby |
| Nevada | ||||
| Las Vegas – Clark County Library District | Visitors can receive a free e-card, ask a librarian about full access card | $0 | Visit in person or apply online here | Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy |
| Pahrump Community Library | Non-residents can pay for a card | “Small fee,” ask a librarian | ||
| Washoe County Library System (Reno) | Non-residents can receive a limited card | $0 | Visit in person or apply online here | Libby |
| New Hampshire | ||||
| Lane Memorial Library (Hampton) | Non-residents can pay for a card | $20/4 months, $60/year | Must visit in person | Libby |
| Manchester City Library | Non-residents can pay for a card | $50/year | Must visit in person | Libby, Kanopy |
| Portsmouth Public Library | Non-residents can pay for a card | $35/3 months, $55/6 months, $100/year | Visit in person or apply online here | Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy |
| New Jersey | ||||
| Atlantic City Free Public Library | Non-residents can pay for a card | $30/year | Must visit in person | Libby, Hoopla |
| Atlantic County Library System | Non-residents can pay for a card | $25/4 months, $60/year | Must visit in person | Libby, Hoopla |
| Long Branch Free Public Library | Non-residents can pay for a card | $20/year | Must visit in person | Libby, Kanopy, Hoopla |
| Newark Public Library | Non-residents can pay for a card | $50/year | Visit in person or apply online here | Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy |
| New Mexico | ||||
| Alamogordo Public Library | Non-residents can pay for a card | $15 | Libby, Kanopy | |
| Albuquerque Bernalillo County Library | Non-residents can receive a limited card | Ask a librarian | Must visit in person | Libby, Hoopla |
| Las Cruces Public Library | Visitors can receive a 3 month card | $0 | Must visit in person | Libby, Kanopy, Hoopla |
| Santa Fe Public Library | Visitors can receive a 4 item card | $0 | Must visit in person | Libby, Kanopy, Hoopla |
| Taos Public Library | Visitors can receive a temporary card | $0 | Must visit in person | Libby, Kanopy |
| New York | ||||
| Albany Public Library | Non-residents can pay for a card | $50/year | Must visit in person | Libby, Hoopla |
| Brooklyn Public Library | Ages 13-21 can receive free Books Unbanned card for digital collection, anyone can receive Welcome card without ID for 3 items | $0 | Apply online here for Books Unbanned, here for Welcome card | Libby |
| Buffalo & Erie County Public Library | Temporary residents of one month or more can receive a short term card | $0 | Must visit in person | Libby, Hoopla |
| Caldwell-Lake George Library | Temporary residents of one month or more can receive a short term card | $0 | Must visit in person | Libby, Hoopla |
| New York Public Library | Visitors can receive a 3 month card | $0 | Must visit in person | Libby |
| Plattsburgh Public Library | Non-residents can pay for a card | $10/year | Must visit in person | Libby |
| North Carolina | ||||
| Buncombe County Public Library (Asheville) | Non-residents can pay for a card | $20/year | Must visit in person | Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy |
| Charlotte Mecklenburg Library | Non-residents can pay for a card | $45/year | Must visit in person | Libby, Hoopla |
| Fontana Regional Library | Non-residents can pay for a card | $15/6 months | Must visit in person | Libby, Kanopy |
| Haywood County Public Library | Non-residents can pay for a card | $25/year | Must visit in person | Libby, Hoopla |
| New Hanover County Public Library (Wilmington) | Non-residents can pay for a card | $15/6 months, $30/year | Must visit in person | Libby, Hoopla |
| Wake County Public Library System (Raleigh) | Temporary cards for 60 days/3 item limit or Non-Resident card with full access | $0 for Temporary, $25/year for Non-Resident | Must visit in person | Libby |
| North Dakota | ||||
| Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library | Free temporary cards or paid Non-Resident cards | $0 or $30/year | Visit in person or apply online here | Libby, Hoopla |
| Fargo Public Library | Card can be mailed to you as proof of residence or Non-Resident cards available | $20/year for Non-Residents | Must visit in person | Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy |
| Minot Public Library | Temporary and Non-Resident cards available | $10 for Temporary card, $25 for Non-Resident card | Must visit in person | Libby, Hoopla |
| Ohio | ||||
| Cincinnati Public Library | Temporary cards for physical items only | $0 | Must visit in person | Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy |
| Cuyahoga County Public Library | Opportunity cards for those in transition, 3 item limit | $0 | Must visit in person | Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy |
| Dayton Metro Library | Non-residents can pay for a card | $25/year | Visit in person or apply online here | Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy |
| Toledo Lucas County Public Library | Non-resident cards available, ask a librarian for details | Ask a librarian | Must visit in person | Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy |
| Oklahoma | ||||
| Pioneer Library System | Non-residents can pay for a card | Ask a librarian | Must visit in person | Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy |
| Tulsa City-County Library | 30 day / 2 item limit cards available for visitors | $0, ask about non-resident card fees | Must visit in person | Libby, Hoopla |
| Oregon | ||||
| Astoria Public Library | Non-residents can pay for a card | $18/3 months, $35/6 months | Must visit in person | Libby |
| Cannon Beach Library | Non-residents can pay for a card | $10/year | Visit in person or apply online here | Libby |
| Coos Bay Public Library | Provisional cards for temporary residents | $0 | Visit in person | Libby, Hoopla |
| Eugene Public Library | Non-residents can pay for a card | $11/month | Visit in person or call | Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy |
| Hood River County Library District | Non-residents can pay for a card | $20/3 months | Must visit in person | Libby, Kanopy |
| Klamath County Library Service District | Temporary cards available with 2 item limit | Ask a librarian | Must visit in person | Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy |
| Multnomah County Library (Portland) | Homeschoolers may be eligible for a free educator card | Ask a librarian | Must visit in person | Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy |
| Tillamook County Library | Temporary and Non-Resident cards available | $20/3 months, $50/year | Must visit in person | Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy |
| Pennsylvania | ||||
| Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh | Non-residents can pay for a card | $30/2 years | Must visit in person | Libby, Hoopla |
| Erie County Public Library | Non-residents can pay for a card for physical items only | $10/year | Must visit in person | |
| Lancaster Public Library | Non-resident card options available, see the librarian | Ask a librarian | Must visit in person | Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy |
| Union County Library System | Non-residents can pay for a card | $20/year | Must visit in person | Libby |
| Rhode Island | ||||
| Pawtucket Public Library | Non-residents can pay for a card | $40/year | Must visit in person | Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy |
| Providence Public Library | Visitors can receive 2 month temporary card with hotel or other receipt | $0 | Must visit in person | Libby, Kanopy |
| Woonsocket Harris Public Library | Non-residents can pay for a card | $25/year | Must visit in person | Libby |
| South Carolina | ||||
| Chapin Memorial Library (Myrtle Beach) | Non-residents can pay for a card | $8/3 months, $20/year | Must visit in person | Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy |
| Dorcester County Library | Non-residents can pay for a card | $35/year | Must visit in person | Libby, Hoopla |
| Florence County Library System | Non-residents can pay for a card | $25/year | Must visit in person | Libby |
| Greenville County Library System | Non-residents can pay for a card | $45/year | Must visit in person | Libby, Hoopla |
| Spartanburg County Public Libraries | Non-residents can pay for a card, free 2 month Courtesy Card with 2 item limit | $0 or $35/year | Must visit in person | Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy |
| South Dakota | ||||
| Grace Balloch Memorial Library (Spearfish) | Non-residents can pay for a card, no digital access | $30/year | Must visit in person | |
| Rapid City Public Library | Non-residents can pay for a card | $9.25/month | Must visit in person | Libby, Kanopy |
| Siouxland Libraries | Non-residents can pay for a card, RV address not residency | $17/3 months | Visit in person or apply online here | Libby, Hoopla |
| Tennessee | ||||
| Clarksville-Montgomery County | Non-residents can pay for a card | $20/year | Must visit in person | Libby |
| Chattanooga Public Library | Non-residents can pay for a card or volunteer to waive fee | $50/year or 20 hours volunteering | Visit in person or apply online here | Libby, Hoopla |
| Collierville Burch Library | Non-residents can pay for a card | $50/year | Must visit in person | Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy |
| Texas | ||||
| Brazoria County Library System | Texas resident with local address | $0 | Visit in person or apply online here and card can be mailed to you | Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy |
| Corpus Christi Public Library | Non-residents can pay for a card | $12.50/6 months, $25/year | Must visit in person | Libby, Hoopla |
| Denton Public Library | Non-residents can pay for a card | $25/6 months, $50/year | Must visit in person | Libby |
| El Paso Public Libraries | Non-residents can pay for a card | $25/6 months, $50/year | Must visit in person | Libby, Hoopla |
| Harris County Public Library (Houston) | Several options for temporary visitor cards and full access e-card with local address | $0 | Full access visitor card in person or apply for e-card here | Libby, Kanopy |
| Pflugerville Public Library | Non-residents can pay for a card | $25/year | Must visit in person | Libby, Hoopla |
| Waco-McLennan Public Library | Non-residents can pay for a card | $30/3 months | Must visit in person | Libby |
| Utah | ||||
| Grand County Public Library (Moab) | Free Introductory card with local address for 1 year / 5 items, or paid Non-Resident card with full acess | $0 for Introductory card, or $15/3 months, $60/year | Must visit in person | Libby |
| Park City Library | Non-residents can pay for a card, homeschoolers may be eligible for a free 2 year card | $20/6 months, $40/year | Visit in person or apply online here | Libby |
| Salt Lake City Public Library System | Non-residents can pay for a card | $10/1 month, $20/3 months, $80/year | Visit in person or apply online here | Libby, Kanopy |
| Washington County Library System (St. George) | Non-residents can pay for a card | $20/6 months, $33/year | Must visit in person | Libby |
| Vermont | ||||
| Ilsley Public Library (Middlebury) | Non-residents can pay for a card | $15/3 months, $25/6 months, $45/year | Visit in person or apply online here | Libby, Kanopy |
| Norman Willis Public Library (Woodstock) | Non-residents can pay for a card | $70/year, but can request reduction or exemption due to limited income | Must visit in person | Libby, Kanopy |
| Rutland Free Library | Non-residents can pay for a card | $45/year | Must visit in person | Libby, Kanopy |
| Waterbury Public Library | Non-residents can pay a fee to receive an annual card | $25/year | Must visit in person | Libby, Kanopy |
| Virginia | ||||
| Fairfax County Public Library | Non-residents can pay for a card | $27/year | Must visit in person | Libby, Kanopy |
| Lynchburg Public Library | Anyone can receive a free card | $0 | Visit in person for full access or apply online here for e-card only | Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy |
| Mary Riley Styles Public Library (Falls Church) | Opportunity Card for temporary visitors, 1 year card with 3 item limit | $0 | Must visit in person | Libby |
| Newport News Public Library | Anyone with local address can receive a free card | $0 | Visit in person for full access or apply online here for e-card only | Libby, Kanopy |
| Roanoke Area Public Library | Temporary residents can receive card with 2 item limit | $0 | Must visit in person | Ask a librarian |
| Virginia Beach Public Library | Non-residents can pay for a card | $10/3 months, $35/year | Must visit in person | Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy |
| Washington | ||||
| Bellingham Public Library | Non-residents can pay for a card | Ask a librarian | Must visit in person | Libby, Kanopy |
| King County Library System | Temporary residents of 1-6 months can get a 5 item card | $0 | Must visit in person | Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy |
| North Olympic Library System | Limted card available without residency proof, RV park may qualify for residency | $0 | Must visit in person | Libby, Hoopla |
| Seattle Public Library | Non-residents can pay for a card, Ages 13-26 can receive free Books Unbanned card for digital collection | $25/3 months for non-residents | Must visit in person | Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy |
| Spokane Public Library | Non-residents can pay for a card | $3.50/month, $42/year | Visit in person or apply online here | Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy |
| Timberland Regional Library | Non-residents can pay for a card | $8/1 month, $25/3 months | Must visit in person | Libby, Kanopy |
| Yakima Valley Libraries | Provisional card for those without proof of address, 2 item limit | $0 | Must visit in person | Libby, Kanopy |
| West Virginia | ||||
| Morgantown Public Library | Non-residents can pay for a card | $20/year | Must visit in person | Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy |
| Ohio County Public Library (Panhandle) | Temporary residents can receive 5 item card with hotel or campground receipt | $0 | Must visit in person | Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy |
| Raleigh County Public Library (Beckley) | Non-residents can pay a deposit to check out 2 items at a time | Ask a librarian | Must visit in person | Libby, Hoopla |
| Wisconsin | ||||
| Kilbourn Public Library (Wisconsin Dells) | Temporary residents can pay a deposit to check out 2 items at a time | $20 refundable deposit | Must visit in person | Libby |
| L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library (Eau Claire) | Temporary residents can receive a 3 month / 2 item card | $0 | Must visit in person | Libby, Hoopla |
| Madison Public Library | Easy Access card doesn’t require proof of address, limit 3 items | $0 | Visit in person or apply online here | Libby |
| Wyoming | ||||
| Natrona County Library (Casper) | Temporary residents can pay a deposit to check out 3 items at a time | $25 refundable deposit | Must visit in person | Libby, Kanopy |
| Sheridan County Public Library System | Temporary residents can receive a 3 month / 2 item card | $0 | Must visit in person | Libby, Kanopy |
| Star Valley Library System | Visitors can receive a one month card | $0 | Must visit in person | Libby |
| Teton County Library (Jackson) | Seasonal card available for 6 months / 10 items | $0 | Must visit in person | Libby, Hoopla |
| Canada | ||||
| Calgary Public Library | Local address accepted online, must apply from within Calgary | $0 | Visit in person or apply online here | Libby, Kanopy |
| Halifax Public Libraries | Visitors can pay for a temporary card, may accept campground address for free resident card | $40/6 months | Must visit in person | Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy |
| Mexico | ||||
| La Paz Public Libraries | Visitors can check out books with a local address | $0 | Must visit in person | |
My plan is to continue adding and updating as I have time. Feel free to email me information to add or update at kateophalen@gmail.com.
And please link and share this resource widely!
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9 responses to “Free Library Card: The Ultimate List for Travelers”
[…] Free Library Card: The Ultimate List for Travelers […]
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Wow! This is so so much info. Thanks so much for doing all the leg work to make this incredible resource. Libraries are the backbone of a fair democracy, thank you for using your platform to amplify the message that libraries are for everyone!
Libraries are the literal best. Thank you for dedicating your life to running them!!
Thank you so much for this list! As an addition – I know that non-residents can get a one year library card at the Manchester, VT library for $55 (we used it last year!).
Thank you, Amy! I tried to keep libraries at $50 and under (although I made a few exceptions for bigger libraries!) just for accessibility sake. Some libraries charge hundreds of dollars a year, and I was trying to figure out the line between affordable and unaffordable. Vermont was a bit tricky!
[…] know we love a library when we travel (have you read my library cards for non-residents post yet?). I’ve included the library on this list because it would be a great option to cool […]
[…] Libraries in every city (Check out my post about getting a non-resident library card) […]