How to Get a Library Card (and How It Saves You Money)

Nothing beats free when you’re tightening your budget, and the best way to get free books and other services is with a free library card. Though libraries are well known for their books (and they are great for that!), you could have access to audiobooks, movies, streaming services and classes. If you’ve never thought about using your library for these things, you might be wondering how to get a library card. We’re going to tell you how to get one, plus how it can save you money.  

Why Everyone Should Have a Library Card

Library cards and libraries themselves are often underrated resources. They’re great for everyone, but especially families, avid readers, students and people who want to learn something new. If you love to read, it can save you hundreds of dollars a year (and space on your bookshelf). People with kids can go to family-friendly events like storytime and art classes. You can get access to research materials for school. Or, maybe you just need a quiet place to work. There’s a long list of benefits of a library card. Here’s how you can get one. 

Save Money Outside of Getting a Library Card

A library card is one of the best ways to save money on books and services, but there are plenty of other ways to tighten up your budget. If you want to save money even after you sign up for a library card, check out some of our favorite ways to do so below.

How to Get a Library Card

Use this website to search for the closest library near you. Once you’re there, the process is generally the same for most libraries. You apply and give some basic information like your name, address and contact information. Most libraries have online applications as well. You’ll get a card number and/or a physical card to use and it gets you access to the library’s catalog of books, audiobooks, the library’s computers and much more. 

What You’ll Need to Sign Up

Make sure to bring your ID, as most libraries need proof that you live in that area. If you still want one even if you don’t live there, call the library to see if it offers cards to nonresidents. There may be a fee for that. 

Also, if you are younger than 18, most of the time a parent or guardian will need to sign for you. 

Can You Get a Library Card Online?

Yes, many library systems have online applications. That will get you a digital card that you can use to put books on hold, check out audiobooks and access databases. You can also go to the library location later and get a physical card. 

What You Can Access With a Library Card (Beyond Books)

We made a whole list of stuff you probably didn’t know you could get at a library. It goes beyond the expected stuff like books, audiobooks, access to research databases and computers, and family-friendly events. Many libraries also hold classes about financial literacy, cooking, learning how to use new technology and much more. But, you can also potentially check out stuff like kids toys, museum passes, air fryers, calculators and even jumper cables.  

How to Save on Books That Aren’t Available at the Library

If you’re in it for the books and something you really want to read isn’t available, you can try used bookstores, eBay or buying paperbacks to get cheap books. Also, when you shop online for books, make sure you have the Capital One Shopping free browser extension and mobile app. It can compare prices online as you’re shopping to make sure there isn’t a better deal out there on the books you’re looking for. It can also alert you of a price drop on a book you have your eye on.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Local Library

There are lots of ways to make the most of your local library. Make sure to download things like the Libby app for audiobooks, create an account online so you can search for books, check its monthly calendar, sign up for newsletters and if you’re not sure if your library provides something, just ask. Libraries are always evolving and getting new books and services, so check in regularly about what you’re looking for.