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?
What forms of identification are acceptable for a minor?
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?
My library card is expiring. How do I renew 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:
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
Acceptable Forms of Identification for Library Card Applications for Minors
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. (See acceptable forms of identification for library card applications listed above.)
- The parent/guardian must present 'proof of guardianship'. Acceptable verification for 'proof of guardianship' includes one of the following for the minor child:
- 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 $5.00 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.
Expired Library Cards
Non-resident and PLAC library cards expire after one (1) year. All other IMCPL library cards expire after three (3) years.
Library cards need to be renewed in person at any of our library locations. We will need to see identification. When renewing a card for a child, the child must be present.
