Click here to print library card application

You may sign up for a Library Card at any of the library’s three locations. The application must be submitted in person. A library card gives borrowing and computer usage privileges at the Main Library and branches and provides remote access to the Library's online resources.

Residents of Massachusetts with identification may obtain a library card for free, although fees are charged to replace lost cards ($.50 for children, young adults and seniors; $1.00 for adults). Library cards, card numbers and Personal Identification Numbers (P.I.N.) are issued to individuals and should be used only by the person to whom they were issued, whether for borrowing library material or using library computers

As a first-time borrower, you may borrow two items when you receive your Library Card. On subsequent visits, the Worcester Public Library, as part of the C/W MARS library network, allows a person to have up to 50 items checked out at one time.

A library card will be issued to you when one of the following is presented:

• Valid Massachusetts Driver’s License, or
• Valid Massachusetts State Identification Card

OR, any one identification from EACH of the following two lists:

1. Current Picture Identification (I.D.): (must include name and photo)
• Passport
• Alien Registration Card
• Government issued cards, such as Military I.D. or D.O.C. I.D.
• University or school I.D.
• Out-of-state driver’s license
• W.R.T.A. bus pass
• State issued photo I.D. including welfare, Medicaid or F.I.D. card


2. Address* Verification: (must include name and Massachusetts address)
• An imprinted bank check or deposit slip
• Rent receipt (confirming 30 day occupancy)
• Utility bill dated within the last 30 days
• Letter verifying residency and mailing address dated within the last 30 days from a social service provider, temporary employer that provides housing, or a short-term residence

* A Post Office box or business address is not acceptable.

OR, if you are unable to provide the above means of identification and address verification, the Library will mail you a post card. When you return that post card, you will receive your Library Card.

Most Library Cards are valid for two years unless otherwise noted. All Library Cards can be renewed easily at the check out desk by confirming orally that you still live at your current address. If you have moved, you are required to notify Library staff and will need to re-verify your address by presenting one of the noted address verifications.

If your address is verified by either a post card or a letter, every three months you will be required simply to confirm your current address orally, This confirmation can be done easily at the check out desk and does not require presenting additional address verification documents (unless you have moved, which, as described above, requires you to notify Library staff and to re-verify your address by presenting one of the noted address verifications).

TEENS
If you are between the ages of 13 and 17 and cannot meet the I.D. requirements, you will need your parent or guardian (with sufficient identification) to sign the application. Your Library Card is valid for two years or until you turn 18 years old.

CHILDREN
If you are under 13 year old, you will need to have your parent or guardian (with sufficient identification) to sign your Library Card application. Your Library Card is valid for two years or until you turn 13 years old.

OUT-OF-STATE RESIDENTS
If you are an out-of-state resident with sufficient identification, you are eligible for a Library Card for a $10 annual fee. (The fee is waived if you own property in Worcester and present a tax bill or if you work in Worcester and show proof of Worcester employment.)

If you are an out-of-state resident with sufficient identification, who is visiting or working in the area for less than 3 months, you are eligible for a Library Card after paying a $10 refundable deposit and providing verification of temporary address.

COLLEGE or PRIVATE STUDENTS
If you are a student at a Worcester college or private high school and have your school identification and photo identification with your home address, you will receive a Library Card. Student cards are valid until the end of the current semester.

Revised by the Board of Directors on November 14, 2006