How to Get a Library Card
Borrower Card - Apply in Person or Online
Apply Online - It's Easy!
-
Go to
the Online Library Card
Application and fill out the information.
- Visit a Boise Public Library location
in person to activate your card.
You must activate
it BEFORE you can do any online transactions.
- To receive your permanent library card bring in a 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
- Visit any Boise Public Library
location.
- Fill out application (Print
one* or pick one up at the library)
- Show a 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 with principal offices 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:
- Read the information on the business card
application about the terms and fiscal responsibilities of the business applying
for the card;
- Complete and sign the printed application;
- 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). A card may be issued only after staff
has verified that the applicant has approval to apply for the card on behalf
of the business.
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:
08/30/2011
