How Do I?›Borrow›Library Cards

Library Cards

Getting a Library Card has never been easier!

2 convenient ways to apply!

New Haven residents who need full access to our public computers, eResources, and borrowing privileges can visit any of our locations to register for a library card.

Cards are valid for three years and may be used to access public computers and borrow physical materials (except for Cultural Passes) in any public library in Connecticut.

If you are a New Haven resident and just need access to online resources for now, you can register for a Temporary Access Card and come in later to upgrade for borrowing and/or computer use privileges.

Temporary Access Cards are valid for thirty days and can only be used at the New Haven Free Public Library.

If you have a library card, you also have a library account.

To access your library account

  1. Click on ‘My Account’ at the top right of the homepage
  2. Enter your full name and the complete card number (14 digits with no spaces) from your library card. That’s the number beginning with 250000… that you can find on the back of your card.
  3. Enter your PIN. Your PIN is the last 4 digits of your library card.

You will now be able to:

  1. View what you have checked out
  2. Renew items
  3. Place holds
  4. Create lists
  5. View your reading history (this is an opt-in feature)

Library Card Renewals:
Card renewals require the return of overdue materials and payment for any replacement costs for lost materials.

Questions?
Please call us at the Circulation Department at (203) 946- 8135 and we will be happy to assist you.

Card Eligibility

City of New Haven Residents

Adults

Our Adult cards allow individuals ages 18+ full borrowing privileges at any of our locations (including Cultural Passes), access to our public computers for up to 120 minutes per day, and access to our digital Resources.

  • Photo ID with address (such as a driver’s license) issued within the past year OR
  • Current (not expired) Photo ID AND documentation of your current New Haven address, such as a current bill dated within the past 30 days, etc.

e-Cards

Our e-Cards allow use of our public computers for a maximum of 120 minutes per day as well as access to our digital Resources. E-Cards do not have borrowing privileges.

  • If you do not have a permanent New Haven address or you do not have proof of your permanent address or formal proof of identity at this time, you may be eligible for an e-card to gain access to NHFPL computers and digital resources. Please contact the library location nearest you for assistance.
  • Bring your e-Card, current photo ID, and documentation of your current New Haven address to any of our neighborhood branches to upgrade to an Adult card with full borrowing privileges.
  • If you reside in transitional housing and provide a completed Address Verification Form to upgrade to an Adult card with full borrowing privileges.

Teens and Children

Our Teen cards allow individuals ages 13-17 borrowing privileges at any of our locations, access to our public computers for up to 120 minutes per day, and access to our digital Resources.

Our Child cards allow individuals ages 0-12 borrowing privileges at any of our locations, access to our public computers for up to 120 minutes per day, and access to our digital Resources. DVDs and Cultural Passes must be checked out on an Adult card.

  • If you are under 18 years of age, you and your guardian must sign the application.

K-12 Students and Teachers

K-12 student and/or teacher cards are available during school visits. They are valid through the summer following the end of the current academic year. Please reach out to your local NHFPL branch for more information.

College & University Students

  • If you are a college or graduate student residing on or off campus in New Haven, you can obtain a NHFPL card. On-campus students must present a student ID or a letter of enrollment issued by your school with the expected year of graduation and/or completion of program clearly marked on it.
  • Off-campus students living in New Haven must show a photo ID and documentation of your current New Haven address.
  • Student cards are valid for the current academic year only.
  • If you are attending a college or university in New Haven but actually live in another Connecticut town, you must first obtain a library card from your hometown. We need your hometown library card and a photo ID to register you for full access to the NHFPL.

Out of Town

Connecticut residents from other towns must present a photo ID and valid hometown library card that shows the expiration date to be added to NHFPL’s system and be eligible to borrow. Once added to our system, you will have access to our physical items and public computers. Out of town cards are not eligible to use our eResources or borrow Cultural Passes.

Borrowing Materials

  • Go to our E-Resources Page to check out ebooks, audiobooks, and more available to New Haven residents!
  • All print items may be borrowed for three weeks with three renewals of one week (unless there is a hold on an item) up to a maximum of 30 items.
  • All DVDs may be borrowed for one week with one renewal of one week (unless there is a hold on the item) up to a maximum of ten items.
  • All other audio visual items may be borrowed for three weeks with three renewals of one week (unless there is a hold on an item) up to a maximum of 10 items.
  • Items can be requested to be put on hold by using our website, in person at any of our branches, or over the phone. Once your item(s) is ready to be picked up, you will receive a phone call or email if you have provided one. All items will be held for 7 days.
  • Visit our e-books page to see borrowing rules for our electronic resources.

Contact Information

If you have questions, feel free to reach out any time.

(203) 946-8135