Library cards are free to anyone who meets the following criteria:
- You are a resident of the State of Ohio
- You are associated with a member of an Ohio regional library system as a cardholder from a member library
- You are a temporary/transitional resident of Hamilton County
Hamilton County Applicants
If you live in Hamilton County, are 18 or older, and are applying for a library card for the first time, you may apply for a card using our online application form (below).
After your online application is processed, a card will be mailed to you. You will be able to use this card to access our collection of research databases. To check out and place holds on library material, you must activate your card by visiting the Main Library or your neighborhood branch , where you will be asked to verify your identity and home address, and sign our borrower's agreement. Please refer to our Library Card and Circulation policy for information about the kind of identification you will need to provide.
Non Hamilton County Applicants
If you do not live in Hamilton County, you will need to apply for a library card in person. Applications, in English or Spanish, can be downloaded from our website. Once you’ve completed the application, stop by the Main Library Circulation Services Department or any of our branches and our staff will be happy to process your application. When you come in, you will be asked to verify your identity and home address. Please refer to our Library Card and Circulation policy for information about the kind of identifcation you will need to provide.
Applicants Under 18
Applicants under the age of 18 will need to apply for a library card in person. Applications, in English or Spanish, can be downloaded from our website. The application must be signed by a parent or legal guardian. Once you’ve completed the application, stop by the Main Library Circulation Services Department or any of our branches and our staff will be happy to process your application. The parent or legal guardian signing the application will be asked to verify their identity and home address. Please refer to our Library Card and Circulation policy for information about the kind of identifcation you will need to provide.
Existing Card Holders
If you need to renew an existing library card, please contact your neighborhood branch or the Circulation Services Department (513-369-6913). If you need to replace a lost card, bring your I.D. into any of our locations, and we’ll issue a new card at no cost. If you need to update your library account information, use our convenient online form.
