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Home > Library Services > Accounts and Borrowing > Get a Free Library Card

Get a Free Library Card

Who is Eligible?

You can get a free library card if you live, work, or attend school in Arlington.  You are also eligible if you live in one of the participating reciprocal jurisdictions. Arlington residents may apply for library cards in any of these jurisdictions, and residents there may apply for an Arlington Public Library card.

Reciprocal Jurisdictions:

  • The District of Columbia
  • Virginia: City of Alexandria, City of Falls Church, Fairfax County, Fauquier County, Loudoun County, Prince William County
  • Maryland: Frederick County, Montgomery County, and Prince George's County
New Library cards

Get a Library Card

You can get a library card at any Arlington Public Library location, or you can apply online now. You'll need to bring one form of identification & one proof of residential address on your first visit to the library (see table below).

Renew Your Library Card

Have you had a library card in the past? As of July 1, 2024, Library cards are valid for a three-year period, and must be renewed in person at any open Library location.

Visit the library with ID and proof of local address to verify your account. You may be issued a new plastic library card and new library card number, depending on the age of your card.

Accepted Forms of Identification

Accepted Proof of Address

Driver's License

Driver's License

State Issued Identification Card

State Issued Identification Card

Passport

Postmarked Mail

School Identification Card

Current School Registration, Class Schedule or Report Card

Voter's Registration Card

Voter's Registration Card

Federal, State or County Employee Identification Badges

Bank Statement or Checkbook

Digital ID

Lease Agreement or Mortgage Paperwork


Vehicle Registration

 

DMV Update Card

 

Recent Utility Bill 

Note: We now accept electronic forms of proof of address (examples: PDF of mortgage or lease forms, online bank or credit card statement, etc.).

Special Library Cards

Child Cards - For kids age two to 13. Child Library Card Application [PDF].

  • When applying, children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian with a valid Arlington library card or another acceptable form of ID.
  • Parents/guardians are responsible for helping children return books on time and arranging to pay for lost or damaged items.

Teacher Cards - For teachers who live or teach within Arlington County.

  • Valid for one-year
  • 6-week checkout, no renewals
  • Cannot check Holiday Books, DVDs, Storytime Kits, Magazines, or non-YS materials

Available to:

  • Residents of Arlington County who are teachers
  • Residents in one of our reciprocal borrowing areas who teach in Arlington

Apply for a Teacher Card at any Library location with evidence of school employment (pay stub, staff badge, etc.) and a valid, personal Arlington Library card, with no fines or fees.

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