How to Get a Library Card

See what you can do with a library card! Borrow books, movies and music Use our computers and the Internet Download eAudiobooks  Reserve or renew items online, or check due dates Use the Library's online research tools from home or in our libraries Boise residents and those owning property within Boise City limits qualify for free Boise Public Library borrower cards.  Your card gives you full access to all of our services for one year, and you'll be able to use it at any Boise Public Library location and in most southwest Idaho public library systems.

Choose from seven card designs

Borrower Card - Apply in Person or Online

Apply Online - It's Easy!

1. Go to the Online Library Card Application and fill out the information.
2. Visit a Boise Public Library location in person to activate your card.  You must activate it BEFORE you can do any online transactions.  Please allow 2 business days for information to be added to the database before visiting the library.
3. To receive your permanent library card bring in two forms of identification: photo ID and proof of your current address. If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian will need to be present to approve your application and show photo identification and proof of current address.

Apply in Person

1. Visit any Boise Public Library location.
2. Fill out application (Print one* or pick one up at the library)
3. Show 2 forms of identification: photo ID and proof of your current address. If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian will need to be present to sign the application and show photo ID and proof of current address.

Other Types of Cards Available

Temporary Library Cards

If you do not have a permanent address, but are living within the Boise City limits, you may apply for a temporary library card valid for a period of two months. The temporary card will allow you to access all of the same services at Boise Public Library locations, but a total of only two items may be checked out on your card at any time. 

To get a temporary card, you will need to present two forms of identification: a photo ID and proof of your temporary address.  The proof of address may be either a letter from a cooperating service agency agreeing to accept your mail OR a piece of mail addressed to you at the temporary address and postmarked within the past ten days. If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian will need to be present to sign the application and show photo ID and the proof of address.

Internet Only Cards

Individuals who can provide photo identification but who cannot provide the other documents necessary to obtain a Borrower’s card or a temporary card may receive an Internet-only card valid for one year. This card can be used at Boise Public Library locations for Internet access only. 

Visitor Library Cards

Temporary residents of Boise may receive a temporary library card with borrowing privileges, valid for a period of two months. The fee is $50, of which $45 will be refunded when you have returned your cards, cleared your account, and terminated your membership. The number of items to be checked out will not exceed two (2) at any one time, and will not exceed a total value of $45.

Non-Resident Library Cards

Nonresident cards offering full borrowing privileges are available to persons who reside outside of the City of Boise but are able to visit Boise Public Library locations in person. The fee is $69.30 per year. Students in the Boise School District and senior citizens (62 and older) may receive a nonresident card for $17.33 per year.

Corporate/Business Library Cards

Businesses in the Boise City limits needing access to the Library's resources and Interlibrary loan service for work-related projects may apply for a BusinessLink library card.  These cards are valid only at Boise Public Library locations.  An authorized officer of the business should: 

1. Read the information on the business card application to be sure you understand the terms and fiscal responsibilities of the business applying for the card
2. Complete and sign the printed application. 
3. Bring the application to the Main Library downtown, and present photo ID and business identification showing his or her affiliation with the company (letterhead, business card, ID card with name).

To Renew Your Card

Regular borrowing cards will remain active as long as there has been activity on the account within the past 18 months.   Inactive cards and all other renewable cards may be renewed for the designated period by following the steps listed for originally obtaining the card.

Library Card Information

Click here to learn more about your responsibilities as a card holder, and for information on loan limits, renewing items, overdue fees and more.

Last Updated: 09/14/2009