Get a Library Card
About Your Library Card | How to Get a Temporary Library Card Online | How to Get a Physical Library Card | How to Reset Your PIN | Renew Your Library Card Online
About Your Library Card
- It’s free!
- It’s available to any Massachusetts resident 5 years and older. (See below for details!)
- It’s needed for all transactions, in person, online, or by phone.
- It can be used at all Somerville Library locations, as well as throughout the Minuteman Library Network.
- Its information should be kept up to date. Promptly inform the library of any changes in address, email address, or phone number.
- It’s a VALUABLE POSSESSION – please treat it as you would a credit card. Report it immediately if lost!
How to Get a Temporary Library Card Online
You can apply for a library card online by completing this form.
Your temporary library card allows you to:
- Login to My Account and establish a password
- Use e-resources and online research databases
- Place requests on books, DVDs, CDs, etc. in the Minuteman Catalog on hold at a Minuteman library
- Reserve a Cultural Pass
Please note: When you wish to obtain your permanent library card, please have your photo ID and proof of address in order to pick up your physical library card. For minors, a parent or legal guardian can provide these.
How to Get a Physical Library Card
- Cards may only be obtained in person. The library does not issue cards by mail.
- Adults need to bring a photo I.D. and proof of street address/residency (no P.O. Boxes!), e.g., Mass. ID, driver’s license, bills or ebills in their name, a lease in their name, checkbook, etc. We can mail out a postcard for address verification purposes if needed.
- Children under the age of 18
- Must be at least 5 years of age, and must be present in the library at the time of issue.
- Present a photo I.D., plus proof of street address/residency (no P.O. Boxes). We can mail out a postcard for address verification, if needed.
- If no photo I.D., a parent’s or legal guardian’s signature is required by mail or in person. If in person, the parent or guardian must present a photo I.D. and proof of street address/residency. Non-parental relatives, friends, or neighbors who are not the legal guardian cannot sign for someone else’s child.
How to Reset Your PIN
You can visit the Minuteman Library Network PIN Reset webpage, or call the library at 617-623-5000 for assistance with resetting it. You will need to have your library card in front of you or know your library card number.