Los Angeles Public LibraryLibrary Cards are free to residents of California. You must, however, have photo identification with your name and current address. Identification can be a California driver’s license or an ID card issued by the DMV. ID cards issued by the Mexican, Argentinian and Korean consulates can be used as the sole ID requirement for obtaining a library card.
If you don’t have a driver’s license or ID card, then present two of the following, one of which must be a photo ID and one of which must have your current address: Passport, school ID card, other government issued photo ID, employee ID card, printed personal check, credit card statement, rental or property tax receipt, or business mail with current postmark.
If you are under the age of eighteen, identification is not required. Your parent or guardian’s signature on the library card application is accepted instead of identification.
To receive a library card:
Fill out an application in person at any Los Angeles Public Library location, or
Download the application form (pdf), fill it out and bring it in to any location, or
Pre-register over the Internet by visiting the Library’s Web Pre-Registration Page.
e-Cards
Residents of the City of Los Angeles can get an e-Card by registering online. An e-Card provides access to online databases and downloadable e-media. It may not be used to place holds on regular library items, nor is it valid for the computer reservation system. Patrons who already have a regular library card do not need an e-Card.