Online Library Card Application
To sign up for a library card, please use the form below.
You will be assigned a new Temporary Access Card and PIN, granting instant access to some of our best eResources.
Our Temporary Access Cards expire within 30 days of sign-up. You can visit any NHFPL branch to upgrade to a full card! Click here to see what you’ll need to bring.
English – Please fill out the form below.
Español – Por favor, rellene el siguiente formulario.
FAQs
Who can get an instant Temporary Access card?
Any New Haven resident can get a Temporary Access Card.
What can I do with my Temporary Access Card?
Temporary Access Cards allow you to use our eResources collection featuring ebooks, streaming movies and music, databases, and more!
You can put up to two items on hold with a Temporary Access Card, but you will need to upgrade to a full Adult, Teen, or Children’s card to borrow those items.
Your Temporary Access Card will also log you onto Library computers for up to two hours per day systemwide while it is valid. To continue using our computers, you will need to upgrade to an eCard or a physical card with borrowing privileges.
How do I upgrade to a physical card?
Visit any of our branches with your ID and proof of address to upgrade to an Adult, Teen, or Children’s card (depending on your age). You’ll gain access the full library collection including Hoopla, physical books, DVDs, hotspots/laptops, games, and more to access the full library collection including Hoopla, physical books, DVDs, hotspots/laptops, games, and more.
Teens may use a report card to prove their identity if they do not have a photo ID.
Don’t have all the required documents? You can still stop by your nearest branch to upgrade to an eCard. It will give you access to our eResources and public use computers inside the library, but you won’t be able to borrow items to take home after your visit.
What if I already have a card?
If you have a card in our system, you’ll get an email after applying that includes your card number and its expiration date. If you’ve already signed up for a Temporary Access Card that expired, you will need to come in and upgrade to a physical card in order to access our materials online and in person.
How much does this cost?
Nothing! All New Haven Library cards are 100% free.
When does my card expire?
Your Temporary Access Card will expire 30 days after it is issued. Please visit us when you’re ready with your ID and proof address to receive your physical card, which expires after 3 years. Teens may use a report card to prove their identity if they do not have a photo ID.
How do I change my PIN number?
To change your PIN number, please call the Circulation Department at (203) 946-8135.
What will my information be used for?
The Library takes your privacy seriously and does not retain PII (Personally Identifiable Information) not required for its operation. Your email address will be used to send your library card and PIN and to communicate with you about your selected library services. You may unsubscribe from these emails at any time. Please see our privacy policy for more information.
I’m having issues with my card. What do I do?
If you are having trouble with your library card, call us at any one of our locations during business hours and we will be happy to help. You can also email us or submit a question to our staff.