Get a Library Card

Orange County Public Library Cards

How to Get a Free Full Privilege Library Card

To get your borrower's card, come to one of our three locations. You will need to complete a brief registration form and provide proof of your current address, such as a driver’s license, lease, or bill that displays your name and current address.

Free Full Privilege Card Based on Residency

If you are a resident of one of the following counties, you can get a free library card at the Orange County Public Library:

  • Alamance
  • Caswell
  • Chatham
  • Durham
  • Orange
  • Person

Free Full Privilege Card Based on Employment

You can also get a free library card at the Orange County Public Library if you are an employee of: 

  • Chapel-Hill Carrboro City Schools*
  • Durham Tech
  • Orange County Government
  • Orange County Schools*
  • Town of Carrboro
  • Town of Hillsborough
  • UNC-Health Care


Other Types of Library Cards/Accounts

Educator Cards: Borrow up to 30 items for your classroom. 


*Orange County Schools, Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools and The Expedition Charter School 
The library has worked with your school system to start your registration process. Come by one of our locations to activate and pick up your card. 

Other Schools, Day Care, Pre-School and Home School Teachers
Come to one of our locations and complete a brief registration form and provide proof of your current address, such as a Driver’s License, lease or bill that displays your name and current address as well as proof of employment with a local school organization. You must have a full privilege library account in good standing. Read more about Educator Accounts.

Computer Use Card: No ID Required

With a computer use card, you can use one of our computers and internet. You can also use our online resources, including Overdrive, where you can download e-books and more to your Kindle, Nook, or other devices. Visit the Cybrary or Main Library.

SEA (Student Easy Access) Accounts

The library works with local schools to provide no-fine accounts for school-aged children in Orange County. SEA account holders are limited to checking out 10 materials and are not allowed to check out games. Read more about SEA Accounts.


Additional Information

Forgotten & Lost Cards

If you forget your library card, you can still borrow books and more, if your library account is in good standing and you have a photo ID with you. Lost cards can be replaced for $1.

No Proof of Residency

If you are unable to provide proof of residency in Orange County, alternate arrangements may be made at the discretion of the Circulation Supervisor or Branch Manager.

Visitors

Visitors from beyond the "free card area" can pay a $25 annual fee for a borrower’s card. A photo ID is required.

Circulation Policy, Fines & Fees

Circulation Policy | Fines and Fees.