Obtaining a library card is quick and easy!

Visit any of our locations or give us a call to register for a library card.

Ives Main Library203-946-8135
Fair Haven Branch203-946-8115
Mitchell Branch203-946-8177
Stetson Branch203-946-8119
Wilson Branch203-946-2228

Cards are valid for three years and may be used in any public library in Connecticut.

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

  • Photo ID with address (such as a driver’s license) issued within the past year OR
  • Photo ID AND documentation of your current New Haven address, such as a current bill, etc.

TEENS AND CHILDREN

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

COLLEGE & UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

  • If you are a college or graduate student residing 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.
  • 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 valid hometown library card that shows the expiration date and a photo ID to be added to NHFPL’s system and be eligible to borrow.

E-Cards

If you do not have proof of 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.


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