Library Cards


'Permanent' Library Cards are free of charge to Humboldt County residents with a permanent local mailing address. 'Express' Library Cards are free of charge and available without providing such an address. 

If you want to use just our online resources, you can sign up online now for an eAccount.

There is a $4.00 fee to replace a lost card.  Please report the loss or theft of a library card immediately.

To Library Home Page

The library logo - framed by a book, a mighty redwood stands by water and hills.

Print a Library Card Application for an Adult

This library card application can be read with a screen reader.

Print a Library Card Application for a Minor

A library card is one of the best gifts a parent can give a child.

How to Get a Permanent
Library Card



This Library Card does not need to be renewed.

  1. Print and fill one of the Library Card Applications above. A parent or legal guardian must sign the application for anyone under 18 years of age.  When you sign the application, you agree to return borrowed materials on time and to be responsible for lost or damaged items. 
  2. Provide your photo ID. Many types of photo ID are acceptable. 
  3. Provide proof of your local mailing address.  (If your mailing address is not local, you can place a deposit and still receive a card.  Ask library staff for details.)  
  4. Bring or email the filled Library Card Application to the library.
A Permanent Library Card allows you to check out as many books as you like, and as many other materials as shown here.  It also allows you to use Interlibrary Loan and request up to 1 Zip Book per calendar month.  

How to Get an Express Library Card

This Library Card must be renewed once a year.

  1. Print and fill one of the Library Card Applications above. A parent or legal guardian must sign the form for anyone under 18 years old. When you sign, you agree to return borrowed materials on time and to pay for lost or damaged items.
  2. Provide your photo ID. Many types of photo ID are acceptable.
  3. Express Library Cards are available without providing a mailing address.
  4. Bring or email the filled Library Card Application to the library.

An Express Card allows you to check out up to 2 items at a time, in any format.  

It can become a full-service, permanent Library Card when you provide a local mailing address and fill out any other needed parts of the Library Card form.

Your Library Card Brings You Many Benefits

  • Borrow books, movies, audio books, music, and magazines.
  • Your card is valid at every branch of the Humboldt County Library, including the Bookmobile. 
  • Your card can be used online.  24-hour access to downloadable eBooks, audiobooks, eMagazines, encyclopedia entries, and reliable information from databases that would otherwise charge a fee for use. Your library card number is your password when using these library materials.
  • Sign into the Library Catalog with your card to check your library record, see when your books are due, reserve a book, film, or CD from any library in the system, and renew materials online.  You can also sign up for email notifications about new books by your favorite authors, or on your favorite subject!
  • Interlibrary Loan & Zip Book services are available with a Permanent library card. When you don't see the book you need in our local library collection, this service can bring you books from other libraries throughout the nation.

Everyone is Welcomed at the Library

Everyone in the community can find something to enjoy at the library.