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Apply online for a FREE Lexington Public Library card

Eligibility

If you live, work, go to school, or own property in Fayette County, you qualify for a free library card.

Adults living in Fayette County

Two forms of identification are required.

1. One form of identification must have your current Fayette County address and your birth date (e.g., driver’s license, preprinted check, recent piece of mail, or other legal document, birth certificate, or government-issued personal identification card).
2. The second form of identification should include your name and can be one of the examples above or any credit card, bank card, or insurance card.

If you do not have written proof of your current address, the Library will permit you to check out one item at the time you apply for your card. We will mail the card to verify your address.

Juveniles (any applicant under 18)

The above requirements also apply to juvenile applications. In this case, the juvenile’s parent or legal guardian must present identification and sign the application. Juvenile applicants cannot be processed online.

By signing the application the parent or legal guardian agrees to accept full responsibility for materials borrowed, lost, or damaged and any fines incurred, and further acknowledges "that my child’s reading, viewing, or listening selection is my responsibility " and "that neither the Lexington Public Library nor its staff will act in the place of a parent or legal guardian in this regard and that the parent or legal guardian is solely responsible for supervising children and for determining any restrictions as to review and use of library materials."

Kentucky residents living outside Fayette County

Due to contractual obligations, these registrations cannot be processed online.

If you are a non-Fayette County resident but work in Fayette County, you must present the above required identification as well as some proof of local employment (e.g., business card, company identification badge, company paycheck stub, or letter from employer). Your card will be valid for one year.

If you are a non-Fayette County student (in Fayette County) you may use your student ID, as well as the forms of identification listed above.

If you do not meet the above requirements and have a valid library card in one of the following counties:

• Anderson
• Bourbon
• Boyle
• Clark
• Estill
• Franklin
• Garrard
• Harrison
• Jessamine
• Lincoln
• Madison
• Mercer
• Nicholas
• Powell
• Scott
• Woodford

you may qualify as a reciprocal borrower. Present a valid library card from your county library and receive a Fayette County library card valid for one year.

If you are non-Fayette County resident, but own property in Fayette County, you are eligible for a card at no fee. Present a Property Tax bill, escrow statement from your mortgage company showing payment of taxes, or a valid deed. Your card will be valid for one year.

If you are a resident of Kentucky but non-Fayette County resident and cannot qualify as a reciprocal borrower, student, or employee in the county, you may pay an annual fee of $10.00. Your card will be valid for one year.

Responsibility

You are responsible for the use of your card. Lost or stolen cards should be reported immediately to the Library.