Hi book lovers, I am back with another library love post. If you have never stepped foot inside a library and you’re a book lover…what are we waiting for? Not only can you borrow books, learn new skills, make new friends, and gain access to online resources, but it is all free! Did you know September is library card sign up month? And the American Library Association has named the very talented Laufey as this year’s honorary chair?
If you are a Laufey fan, you might be excited to hear some libraries have released limited edition cards in her honor! I’ve included more details at the end of this post.
This post spotlights some libraries in the U.S! First, we take a look at California Libraries; then we will zoom out to libraries that offer cards for U.S. residents, and lastly we will look at e-cards. Although this list is not extensive, I have provided resources at the bottom for you to browse on your own time.
If you are a resident of California, you’re in luck because most libraries in this state allow California residents to sign up and register for free.
For California Residents:
Alameda County Libraries
I do not currently have a card from Alameda County Libraries but I will definitely sign up for one next time I take a trip up North.
Cards here are free for California residents and students
Fresno Public Library
A Fresno public card also grants patrons access to the 10 libraries in the San Joaquin Valley library system. Additionally, in honor of Library card sign up month, Fresno Public library has issued a limited edition ‘Fresno Night Crawler’ library card.
Currently, the Fresno Public Library is struggling to stop the privatization of their library system. Why is this an issue? Well, privatizing libraries makes it easier for the governing body to censor what types of reading material are available to the public. For more information and ways you can help check out the friends of the Fresno Public Library’s page.
LA Public Libraries
Located all over the Los Angeles area, the LAPL card is my favorite card I own because of its extensive e-library collection. However, it is worth visiting a location soon just to grab their limited edition 100 anniversary card.
LA County Libraries
Los Angles goes on and on and if you happen to live in the area, even on Catalina Island, you can register for a LA County Library card. In honor of Library sign up month, they are teasing a Hello Kitty collaboration.
Long Beach Public Libraries
This Library has a card available for residents residing outside of LA County that allows for book checkouts.
The Long Beach Public library has been fighting a proposed cut to its library budget, and guess what…they won! For that they get a special shout out.
Monterey Park Bruggemeyer Library
While the LAPL card is my favorite, the Bruggemeyer card design is my current favorite. This Library card is available to California residents, but you must sign up in person. Worth the trip in my opinion, because there are some great dining options in the area.
Orange County Libraries
Orange county libraries also have a big e-library collection but if you’re more into print books you’ll be pleased to know that OC libraries have a 50 book check out limit.
San Diego Public Libraries
The San Diego Public library was the only library I found that has a card devoted to little ones five and under! This card is not only adorable, and features Odi the coyote, but it begins the journey of early literacy at a young age.
San Francisco Public Library
The SFPL is free for California Residents and has a unique program in which they provide library services to incarcerated adults this includes bringing books and book recommendations to jails. If you’re curious, you can read more about it in this article from Publisher’s weekly.
San Jose Public Libraries
Cards are from San Jose Public Libraries are free for California residents and is valid for four years with the option to renew in person. The MLK branch, located at San Jose state, is both an Academic and a Public Library. How cool!
Sonoma County Libraries
Sonoma county is known for it’s wineries but it also happens to be home to the Charles Shultz museum in Santa Rosa, and yes they have a snoopy card design! California residents have the perks of obtaining a card however, these libraries also offer a limited access card for out of state residents which allows a 10 book check out max. You may also sign up for a temporary e-card which expires after 120 days.
Yolo County Libraries
Free for California Residents.
Oregon Library Passport
If you live in Oregon, you are in luck. Oregon residents with library cards from participating library systems can check out books from other participating Oregon libraries.
Check to see what Oregon libraries are participating in this program.
Free for residents of the U.S.
These libraries offer free card for U.S residents. Double check your local library in your state to see if there are state wide free cards.
Free for residents, students, and anyone who pays property taxes in the State of New York.
New York Public Library
Non residents who intend to visit the state may apply for a temporary card and request research appointments.
Suffolk Public Library
Although these libraries are located in Virginia, both residents of Virginia and North Carolina may obtain a free card. However, patrons must apply in person at any Suffolk public library location.
Department of Defense Library
Allows any active duty member, their families, and Veterans.
Check out their website for more information.
Honorable mentions:
Books Unbanned
Books unbanned was created by the Brooklyn Public library in response to book bans across the U.S. The mission of this library is to give teens access to books.
The following libraries offer a books unbanned library card: LA county library, Brooklyn Public Library, Boston Public Library, San Diego Public Library, Seattle Public Library, and Long Beach Public Library.
Check out their page for more information and to sign up for a card.
Queer Liberation Library
Anyone with a US mailing list can sign up for a library card on Libby. This library goals is to connect LGBTQIA+ people to books, information and empower their community.
I wanted to keep my list free however; there are states with library cards open to non residents with the purchase of an annual membership, if you wish. Check out Janseen’s post for a full breakdown.
While researching for this post I came across a few helpful sources such as librarian extraordinaire, Janseen and fellow redditor Asianofchaos, who created a spreadsheet of some California libraries with free cards.
Don’t forget to check out the special Laufey Library cards available at select libraries.
I hope this post has inspired you to visit your local library and sign up for a card. Until next time let’s keep living in libros,
Gabriela
Socials
Check Out my previous Library Love Post below!
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