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Library Cards
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Using Your Library Card
How to Get a Library Card
Saint Paul Residents
Saint Paul residents can apply for a card at any SPPL library.
To get your library card, bring in a picture ID with your name and current address or a picture ID and a piece of recently posted mail with your current address.
Your Saint Paul Public Library card may also be used at most public libraries in Minnesota. You will need to register the card in each system you want to use. When using your card in another library system, you must abide by its rules.
Twin Cities Metropolitan Area Residents
Residents of cities or counties whose libraries are served by MELSA may use their library cards free of charge in the Saint Paul Public Library system. Bring in your library card, along with a picture ID with your name and current address or a picture ID and a piece of recently posted mail with your current address.
If you do not have a library card in your home system, you may apply for one at the Saint Paul Public Library. You will be issued a temporary card, good for checking out up to 2 items and for accessing other Saint Paul Public Library services. A permanent card will be mailed to you from your home system.
Other Minnesota Residents
Most other residents of Minnesota may use their home library cards free of charge at the Saint Paul Public Library. Bring in your library card, along with a picture ID with your name and current address or a picture ID and a piece of recently posted mail with your current address.
Non-Minnesota Residents
Residents of states other than Minnesota may obtain a Saint Paul Public Library card. The fee is $45 per year.
Pre-register for a Library Card
If you don't have a library card, you can pre-register for one online. You will be given a temporary number that you can use to place holds on library materials and to access online resources.
Identification Requirements for Children
There is no minimum age for a library card. The child must be present when being issued a card.
Children may apply to receive a library card by meeting the adult requirements, or one of the following:
- They are accompanied by a parent or guardian who has valid identification (see above).
- They present the postcard mailed to them by the Saint Paul Public Library. Children can have a postcard mailed to them from their branch and return it to the library when it has been received.
- The library card application is part of a school class visit.
- Valid State ID.
Expiration & Replacement
Expiration Dates
Most library card registrations are good for 2 years. After two years, you will need to re-register your card by verifying your address with one of the identification options listed above.
Registrations for non-Minnesota residents are good for 1 year.
Library cards with Teacher status are good through the school year and need to be re-registered each August.
Replacement Cards
If you have lost your library card and need to get a new one, the charge is $1.00 for a replacement card.
