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Get a Library Card

Thanks for your interest in joining the Lexington Public Library!  Your library card is the key to checking out books, downloading audiobooks, taking online classes, and much more.  Please select an option below to find out if you qualify for a library card and how to apply.
 

Do you qualify?

Do you live in Fayette County?

Fayette Co. residents are eligible for a free library card.  You have 2 options:

 

Traditional Library Card

  • This option includes a wallet-sized card and a key chain tag with your library card number.
  • Please apply in person at any of our locations.  You'll need to bring a valid picture ID with your current address or a valid picture ID and proof of current address (e.g. pre-printed check, recent bill, or piece of mail).
  • For juveniles (under age 18), a parent or legal guardian must apply and present identification.
  • If you'd like, you can complete the application form in advance of your visit here.  Applications will be kept on file for 30 days.

 

Digital Library Card

Do you work in Fayette County?

Fayette Co. workers are eligible for a free library card.  For juveniles (under age 18), a parent or legal guardian must apply and present identification.

 

Please apply in person at any of our locations.  You'll need to bring:

  • A valid picture ID with your current address or a valid picture ID and proof of current address (e.g. pre-printed check, recent bill, or piece of mail)
  • Proof of local employment (e.g. business card, company identification badge, company paycheck stub, or letter from employer)

If you'd like, you can complete the application form in advance of your visit here.  Applications will be kept on file for 30 days.

Do you own property in Fayette County?

Fayette Co. property owners are eligible for a free library card.  For juveniles (under age 18), a parent or legal guardian must apply and present identification.

 

Please apply in person at any of our locations.  You'll need to bring:

  • A valid picture ID with your current address or a valid picture ID and proof of current address (e.g. pre-printed check, recent bill, or piece of mail)
  • A property tax bill, escrow statement from your mortgage company showing payment of taxes, or valid deed

If you'd like, you can complete the application form in advance of your visit here.  Applications will be kept on file for 30 days.

Are you a student at a school in Fayette County?

Fayette Co. students are eligible for a free library card.  For juveniles (under age 18), a parent or legal guardian must apply and present identification.

 

Please apply in person at any of our locations.  You'll need to bring:

  • A valid picture ID with your current address or a valid picture ID and proof of current address (e.g. pre-printed check, recent bill, or piece of mail)
  • Student ID

If you'd like, you can complete the application form in advance of your visit here.  Applications will be kept on file for 30 days.

Do you live in a reciprocal borrowing county?

Residents of the following counties are eligible for a free library card:  Anderson, Bourbon, Boyle, Clark, Estill, Franklin, Garrard, Harrison, Jessamine, Lincoln, Madison, Mercer, Nicholas, Powell, Scott, and Woodford.  For juveniles (under age 18), a parent or legal guardian must apply and present identification.

 

Please apply in person at any of our locations.  You'll need to bring:

  • A valid picture ID with your current address or a valid picture ID and proof of current address (e.g. pre-printed check, recent bill, or piece of mail)
  • Library card from your home county

If you'd like, you can complete the application form in advance of your visit here.  Applications will be kept on file for 30 days.

Do you live in Kentucky?

Kentucky residents who aren't eligible for a free library card can pay a $10.00 fee.  For juveniles (under age 18), a parent or legal guardian must apply and present identification.

 

Please apply in person at any of our locations.  You'll need to bring:

  • A valid picture ID with your current address or a valid picture ID and proof of current address (e.g. pre-printed check, recent bill, or piece of mail)

If you'd like, you can complete the application form in advance of your visit here.  Applications will be kept on file for 30 days.

Do you live outside Kentucky?

Sorry, you don't qualify for a library card.  Please contact your local library.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is my PIN?

Your default PIN is the last 4 digits of the phone number on file for your account.

How can I update my contact information?

You can update your contact information by accessing your online account.

I lost my library card. What should I do?

Please report a lost or stolen library card right away to prevent unauthorized use.  We can issue a replacement card on your next visit to any of our locations.  Please bring a photo ID.

I already have a library card. Can I add it to my digital wallet?

You can add your library card to your digital wallet on compatible iOS and Android devices.

How do I get a Student Success library card?

Student Success library cards are issued in partnership with local schools.  Please contact your school to find out if they participate in the Student Success program.

How do I get a Teacher Card?

The Teacher Card is a library card specifically designed for all kinds of teachers in Fayette County, including, but not limited to, those in public and private schools, daycare centers and preschools, homeschools (one card per family), student teachers, college professors and teaching assistants, and religious school teachers. Teacher Cards have an increased reserve limit of 30 items. The loan period for 28-day items is increased to 6 weeks.

You can apply for a Teacher Card at any of our locations.  Teacher Cards expire every two years and will be renewed upon verbal or written confirmation of teacher status. 

Responsibility

You are responsible for the use of your library card.  In the case of a juvenile (under age 18), the parent or legal guardian who submits the application is responsible for the use of the library card.  Please report lost or stolen library cards immediately.