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Central Library Holds Pickup Service Closing at 4pm Sunday and Closed Monday; Will reopen on Tuesday, January 26 More Info

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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

How do I get a 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.

Identification

Proof of Address

Driver's License

Postmarked Mail

State Issued Identification Card

Bank Statement or Checkbook

Passport

Lease Agreement or Mortgage Paperwork

School Identification Card

Current Class Schedule or Report Card

Voter's Registration Card

Voter's Registration Card

At what age can a child get a library card?

Children age two to 13 are eligible for their own library cards. 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. Print a Child Library Card Application.

Note

At this time, parents may apply online for cards on behalf of their child. Please fill out the online form using the child's name and birthdate.

Internet Only Cards

Internet Only cards are available to anyone with ID.  They expire after 90 days, and can only be used to access the Library's public computers.

Note

The expiration date for all existing regular and internet only cards has been extended to October 1, 2020.

Teacher Cards

The Teacher Loan Program is available to teachers who live or teach within the county, to borrow children's and young adult materials for classroom activities.

Who is eligible?

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

How do I get a card?

You can get a Teacher Card at any Arlington Public Library location. You'll need to bring the following forms of identification:

  • Evidence of school employment (pay stub, staff badge, etc.)
  • A valid, personal Arlington Library card, with no fines or fees

How does a Teacher Card work?

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

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