Get a Library Card
There are two ways to get a library card at Tacoma Public Library:
1. Visit any Tacoma Public Library location during regular service hours to get a physical library card. Bring your photo ID (if your photo ID does not have your current residential address, please bring any official document or piece of mail with your name and current residential address).
2. Sign up for a non-renewable eCard (good for six months) for immediate access to online databases, materials, and resources. Visit a library to convert your eCard to a physical library card.
Library Card FAQs
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All city of Tacoma residents are eligible for a free card, as are those who meet any of the following criteria.
- You own property or a business within the city of Tacoma (business owners must present a current B&O license)
- Current employees of the City of Tacoma or Tacoma Public Schools (must present current pay stub or employee ID)
- You may also be eligible for a card through one of our reciprocal agreements with nearby libraries
Students and teachers of Tacoma Public Schools may be able to use library services through the Pathway Partnership, opens a new window.
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Tacoma Public Library offers several different types of library cards to meet your needs.
Standard card
- For the majority of users
- Good for 20 years or until January 17, 2038, whichever comes first
- Maximum of 100 physical material checkouts, 20 Overdrive, opens a new window checkouts, 10 Hoopla, opens a new window checkouts per month, and 10 Kanopy, opens a new window play credits per month
- 30 holds on physical materials and 20 Overdrive holds (materials in Hoopla and Kanopy are always instantly available)
- Access to the Internet on the library's public computers
- Your pin number defaults to the last four digits of the phone number you gave the library unless you have changed it yourself
- Requires photo ID and proof of current address
eCard
- For users who want immediate access to eResources only
- Good for 6 months
- Maximum 3 physical material checkouts and 20 Overdrive, opens a new window checkouts, 10 Hoopla, opens a new window checkouts per month, and 10 Kanopy, opens a new window play credits per month
- 3 holds on physical materials and 20 Overdrive holds (materials in Hoopla and Kanopy are always instantly available)
- Option to convert eCard to Standard Card by presenting photo ID and proof of current address
- No access to the Internet on the library's public computers
- Directions to create your pin number are included in the initial email you received containing your card number
- You may visit the library and exchange your eCard for other types of library cards that may allow physical material checkouts
Unverified card
- For users who have expired ID, cannot provide proof of address or are living in temporary or transitional housing
- Good for 6 months
- Maximum 3 physical material checkouts and 20 Overdrive, opens a new window checkouts, 10 Hoopla, opens a new window checkouts per month, and 10 Kanopy, opens a new window play credits per month
- 3 holds on physical materials and 20 Overdrive holds (materials in Hoopla and Kanopy are always instantly available)
- Your pin number defaults to the last four digits of the phone number you gave the library unless you have changed it yourself
Limited card
- For those ages 14-17 who have photo ID and proof of address or for those whose parent/legal guardian prefer the juvenile to have this card
- Good for 3 years or until the patron turns 18, whichever comes first
- Maximum 10 physical material checkouts and 20 Overdrive, opens a new window checkouts, 10 Hoopla, opens a new window checkouts per month, and 10 Kanopy, opens a new window play credits per month
- 10 holds on physical materials and 20 Overdrive holds (materials in Hoopla and Kanopy are always instantly available)
- Your pin number defaults to the last four digits of the phone number you gave the library unless you have changed it yourself.
Internet card
- For visitors and users who only want access to eResources or the Internet on public access computers
- Good for 20 years
- No physical checkouts permitted and 20 Overdrive, opens a new window checkouts, 10 Hoopla, opens a new window checkouts per month, and 10 Kanopy, opens a new window play credits per month
- No holds on physical materials and 20 Overdrive holds (materials in Hoopla and Kanopy are always instantly available)
- Your pin number defaults to the last four digits of the phone number you gave the library unless you have changed it yourself.
In addition to the cards mentioned above, students enrolled in the Tacoma Public School District may have received a card through the Pathway Partnership.
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If you do not qualify for a free card, a library card can be purchased for a non-resident fee for $78 for 12 months or $39 for 6 months.
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Bring photo ID (if your photo ID does not have your current residential address, please bring any official document or piece of mail with your name and current residential address).
Individuals under the age of 14 require a parent or legal guardian be present (with photo ID and proof of address) to sign for responsibility.
If you do not have proof of current residential address, we can still help you get a library card with borrowing privileges.
