You must be 18 or older to apply online.
A Free Library card is available at no cost to anyone who
lives, works, pays taxes, or goes to school in the City of Philadelphia. In addition, anyone who is
65 or older or who has a valid card with an Access PA sticker from another Pennsylvania library can obtain a Free Library card without charge. Veterans and members of the Armed Services can also obtain a Free Library card without charge.
Would you like to begin checking out materials today? Please fill out this
application and bring current address identification to any
library branch.
You can also apply online using the below form; you should receive your card within the time frame outlined below.
Out-of-state residents can obtain a card by paying an annual fee of $35.00. If you wish to pay by mail, please print out the
Printable Registration Form and send your check for $35.00. If you wish to pay online, please complete the form below.
Out-of-state residents who wish to
renew their library card, please print out the
Printable Registration Form (indicate your current card number) and send your check for $35.00.
The library does not have an online payment option available at this time for renewals.
Please select your type of registration, then click on the NEXT button.
We cannot issue a library card if the required fields are not filled out. Cards should arrive in the mail in 5-10 business days. For those applicants outside the city limits of Philadelphia, the card should arrive in 10-14 business days.
You will be asked for identification the first time you borrow materials with your new card.
Due to the large volume of recent registrations, those applicants outside the city of Philadelphia may experience an added delay of 5-7 business days. We apologize in advance for the delay and thank you for your patience as the Free Library strives to meet the growing demand for our services.
