The library will be closing at 5 pm on Tuesday, December 31 and be closed on Wednesday, January 1. Happy New Year!

Apply for a Library Card

Ways to Apply

*ECARD APPLICATION IS CURRENTLY DOWN. WE APOLOGIZE FOR THE INCONVENIENCE.*

Stop by in person to fill out our library card application for a physical library card. If you’d like, you can download and print the application form to fill out before you come in.

Apply for an eCard online. An eCard grants you access to digital borrowing. You can learn more about eCards on our FAQ page.

Proof of Address & Valid ID

Every patron requesting a library card must present the following:

  • Current, valid Massachusetts Driver’s license or Massachusetts State Identification Card with current address.

OR

  • One document from Section 1 AND one document from Section 2 below.

Section 1. Proof of identification – current or expired (i.e. driver’s license, passport, school ID)

  • Passport
  • Green Card or Permanent Resident Card
  • Government issued cards, such as Military ID
  • State issued photo ID including welfare, Medicaid or FID card
  • University or school ID
  • Senior/T.A.P. ID issued by the MBTA (added by Membership 01/18/2017)

Section 2. Proof of current local address* (must include applicant’s name)

  • Utility bill or tax bill (dated within the last 60 days)
  • Lease agreement
  • Imprinted bank check or deposit slip
  • Official school schedule with applicant’s name and address typed on it
  • Official letter verifying residency and mailing address dated within last 30 days from a  social service provider, temporary employer that provides housing, or a short-term residence
  • Postcard mailed to applicant from the library
  • Personal letter mailed to the applicant, postmarked within 60 days
  • eBills

Notes

  • For patrons who cannot produce photo identification or proof of current local address, someone in an official capacity may attest to a person’s identification and/or address (e.g., someone who works in an official capacity at a shelter to attest to the identification and/or address of a person).
  • No longer acceptable as proof of current address: rent receipts.
  • A Post Office Box or business address is not sufficient – a current residential address is required.

Children

If applicant is under 13 years old, parent or legal guardian must provide proof of identification and address. A child must be present for a parent or legal guardian to get them a library card.

Teens

If applicant is between the ages of 13 and 17 and cannot meet the ID and address requirements, parent or guardian must provide proof of identification and address.  A teen must be present for a parent or legal guardian to get them a library card.

Out-of-state Residents

Out-of-state Residents who meet the following requirements, may be issued a library card with sufficient identification:

  • Work in Massachusetts
  • Attend school in Massachusetts
  • Own property in Massachusetts
  • Are temporarily living in Massachusetts for more than 2 months

Out of state residents must provide identification showing their home/permanent address. Property owners must provide verification such as tax bill, utility bill, etc for their Massachusetts property. Students must verify their status with school identification and provide their school address. Out-of-state residents working in Massachusetts must provide their work address. Patrons who are temporary residents (such as college students or au pairs) should be registered with permanent address in the secondary address field.

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