Your first library card is free!
Library Services
Getting a Card
On this page:
- How do I get a card?
- How do I replace my lost card?
- How can I update my library card information?
- I'm a winter visitor, can I get a card?
- I live in Arizona, but not in Pima County. Can I get a card?
- Can I use the online databases without visiting the library to apply for a card?
- What are my responsibilities as a cardholder?
- Printer-friendly quick information sheet about your library card (PDF)
Related Sections:
How do I get a library card?
Come in to any of our locations. Your first card with us is free.
Adults (age 18 and up)
- With a valid photo I.D. with name (i.e. Driver's License, DES, Food Stamp Card, Bank/Credit Union Card, State I.D., Military, School, etc.), and verification of your current address you will be issued a full service card that enables you to check out up to 25 items.
- If your current address is listed on the photo I.D. no further documentation is needed for the full service card.
- With a photo I.D. but no proof of current local address, you will be issued a limited card and be allowed to check out 2 items.
- We will accept General Delivery as an address to issue a limited card only.
- To upgrade to a full service card, you must provide verification of your current address.
Teens (age 13 through 17)
- You may apply for a library card with limited borrowing privileges (5 items).
- To apply or upgrade to a full service library card your parent/legal guardian's information and ID is required.
Children (up to 12 years old)
- You may apply for a library card with limited borrowing privileges (2 items).
- To apply or upgrade to a full service library card your parent/legal guardian's information and ID is required.
How do I replace a lost or stolen card?
Report the lost or stolen card immediately so that no one can use your card to check out. You are responsible for all items checked out on your card.
Bring your photo I.D. to the service desk of any library location. See the section above about what I.D. to bring.
There is a small cost for a replacement card:
- Adult (18+ ): $1.50
- Children and Teens (0-17): $0.50
How can I update my library card information?
Option 1: Update Online
- Login to My Account
- Click on the Modify Personal Information link
- Change your address, phone, email address, or notification preference
- Hit Submit
- Logout
Option 2: Update in Person at the Library
Come to the service desk in any of our libraries. Please have your library card ready.
If your card is expired:
Call your local library (have your library card number on hand) and explain to staff that your card has expired. After verifying the information, the card will be updated to expire in another three years and may be used immediately.
Library cards will expire on a regular basis to ensure we have the correct information in our records. The verification of information and updating of the expiration date must be processed by a library staff person, and cannot be done online.
To prevent your card from expiring, when you visit a library, ask staff to check your expiration date and update if needed.
I'm a winter visitor, can I get a card?
If you have a local address:
Yes, if you are visiting Tucson or Pima County for an extended period and have a local address, you may receive a library card with full borrowing privileges.
Please bring photo I.D. and proof of your current local address.
If you do not have a local address:
You may receive a limited card with a 2 item limit. Please bring a photo I.D. to the service desk.
I live in Arizona, but not in Pima County. Can I get a card?
Yes, you can get an Arizona Resident Card. Please come into one of our libraries with your photo identification with verification of your Arizona address.
With your card, you can check out up to 25 items and have up to 5 items on reserve at any one time.
About the Arizona Resident Card: Out-of-County residents may elect to pay an annual fee of $25 that will allow that card holder to place up to 15 items on reserve at any one time. Payment must be made annually in person by cash or check at any of our locations.
Can I use the online databases without visiting the library to apply for a card?
Yes. Pima County Public Library has teamed up with the Arizona State Library, Archives, and Public Records to provide you with a suite of databases that you can use with or without a library card. All you have to do is enter your zip code. Get started.
When you come into a Pima County Public Library and get a full-service library card, you will have access to all of our online resources, including digital books.
What are my responsibilities as a cardholder?
Every cardholder must adhere to the library's Borrower's Agreement. Read the agreement.