Pick a Library CardA library card gives borrowing and usage privileges at the Main Library and all branches and provides remote access to the Library's online resources. Library cards are required for checking out materials and for using many library services and materials. Most cards expire after four years. Residents of California with identification may obtain a library card for free, although fees are charged to replace lost cards ($.50 for children and young adults; $1.00 for adults and seniors). Applications are available at the Main Library and all branches and are to be submitted in person. [San Francisco residents who are homebound (PDF) may apply for library cards by mail.]
A library card will be issued when one of the following is presented:
- Valid California Driver License showing residential address, or
- Valid California State Identification Card showing residential address
- Valid San Francisco City Identification Card showing residential address
OR, any item from EACH of the following two lists:
Current Picture Identification (I.D.):
- Passport
- Alien Registration Card
- Military I.D.
- School-issued student I.D.
- Consular I.D. card
- Employee identification card
- Out-of-state driver license
Address Verification: (must include name and California residential address)
- Mail postmarked within the last 30 days
- An imprinted bank check or deposit slip
- Current rent receipt (confirming 30 day occupancy)
- Current utility bill dated within the last 30 days
- Medi-Cal card
