Where to Get a Library Card

(Without being a resident of that library)

*Information current as of 10/26/24

Sometimes the selection of your hometown library sucks. Fear not! There are quite a few libraries where you can pay a fee and receive full access to their catalog. While libraries are free to their surrounding residents, thanks to tax dollars, anyone outside the area is asked to pay a fee to use their services.

Below is a list, from least to most expensive, of libraries that offer non-residents a card for a fee.

Please note I’ve included libraries that use Libby/Overdrive, as well as a few that use Hoopla. All fee amounts are PER YEAR unless noted otherwise.

$25 Monroe County Library
Libby, Overdrive
2 Day Processing Time
Apply Here: https://libraryweb.org/non-resident-library-card/

$27 Fairfax County, VA
Libby
3-5 Days Processing Time
Apply Here: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/non-resident-library-card-application

$38 Broward County Library
Libby, Hoopla, Boundless
Takes 14 days, staff will contact you
Card Info: https://www.broward.org/Library/Services/Pages/LibraryCard.aspx
Apply Here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/nr-ec

$40 Houston Public Library
Libby, Hoopla
Select “non Texas resident” for the proper application and instructions
Apply Here: https://houstonlibrary.org/mylink

$45 Charlotte Mecklenburg Library
Libby, Hoopla
10 Day processing time
Apply Here: https://www.cmlibrary.org/get-a-card/non-resident-library-card-application

$50 Queens Library System
Boundless, Hoopla, Overdrive/Libby
Apply Here: https://queenslibrary.org/get-a-card/eUser

$50 New Orleans Public Library
Libby
Email them FIRST: circulationteam@nolalibrary.org
Card Info: https://nolalibrary.org/new-to-the-library-need-a-card/

$65 Chapel Hill Public Library
Hoopla, Overdrive
Immediate access
Apply Here: https://chapelhillpubliclibrary.org/get-a-library-card/

$75 Westchester Library System
Libby, Hoopla
Mail in only, reduced to $35 for seniors/disabled
Card Info: https://www.westchesterlibraries.org/get-a-library-card/
Application: https://www.westchesterlibraries.org/wp-content/files/pdfs/WLS_Non-Resident_Card_Application-2024.pdf

$125 (year)/$75 (3 mo.) Orange County Library System
Apply Here: https://card.ocls.org/using-library/purchase-a-fee-card