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Get a Library Card!
Jersey City Public Library’s card is free for anyone who lives, works, pays property taxes, or attends school in Jersey City and those who reside in Hudson County.
There is a limit of one library card per person.
Library cards are available in 4 new designs!
Who Can Get a Virtual Card?
Jersey City residents can apply online for a virtual library card. This card allows access to all of Jersey City Free Public Library’s (JCFPL) digital resources including eBooks, streaming media, and databases. Virtual cards are valid for 60 days and must be converted to a full-access library card to get access to our print collection and public computer terminals.
Parents/guardians with children can also apply online or in person for a card for their child. Enter the child’s name, date of birth, and other additional information.
How Do I Get a Virtual Card?
- Filling out the online application
- Receive your library card number via email (please check your spam or junk folder)
How Do I Convert to a Full-Access Card?
- Respond to the emails with the required documentation
- Provide a photo ID and proof of residence dated within 90 days. The card will expire if we do not get proof of residence within 60 days. If your card is expired contact your local branch.(Please do not apply online again)
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How to access my library account
To access your library card account, please input your User ID (barcode found at the back of the card with no spaces) and your PIN.
My Account
You can also reset your PIN if you forgot it at Forgot PIN.
Library Card Renewal
Library Cards have no expiration dates. Please notify staff of any updates to patron contact information. Before accounts can be renewed, all outstanding bills must be paid. Library cardholders are required to provide two forms of address verification: one must be a Photo ID, and the other a current proof of address. Please email your ID and proof of address to
renewal@jclibrary.org.
Library Card Renewal
Acceptable Forms of Documentation
Photo ID:
Current, unexpired photo ID issued by local, state, or federal government, such as a driver’s license, non-driver ID, permanent resident card, passport, US government employee photo ID, or issued by an employer, school, or university/college.
AND
Proof of Residency:
Driver’s license, bills (e.g., water, electric, gas, internet, telephone, etc.), medical, credit card, bank statements, and lease. The documents must be issued within 90 days, showing the date, registrant name, and address.
OR
Proof of Employment:
Paystub, employment contract, or letter on company letterhead naming the registrant as an employee signed by an authorized employer. The documents must be issued within 90 days, showing the date, registrant name, and address of employment.
OR
Proof of Real Property:
Lease, mortgage statement, or property tax bill. The documents must be issued within 90 days, showing the date, registrant name, and address.
OR
Proof of School Enrollment:
Report card, transcript, school letter on letterhead, letter offering enrollment on school letterhead, class schedule, or tuition bill. The documents must be issued within 90 days, showing the date, registrant name, and address of the school.
Types of Library Cards
Residents of Jersey City – Anyone age 18 or above:
Photo ID and Proof of Residence which are listed in the “Acceptable Forms of Documentation” section.
Juvenile Residents of Jersey City (Temporary Juvenile Card) Ages 17 and younger:
Juveniles ages 17 and younger not accompanied by an adult may be issued temporary cards valid for 1 year. The juveniles must provide a photo or school ID.
Non-Jersey City Residents who own property, attend school, or work in Jersey City:
Photo ID and Proof of Employment or Proof of Real Property or Proof of School Enrollment as listed in the “Acceptable Forms of Documentation” section.
Non-Jersey City Residents who live in Hudson County (Reciprocal Card):
Anyone who lives in the Hudson County area is eligible for a JCFPL card. Photo ID and Proof of Residence as listed in the “Acceptable Forms of Documentation” section dated within 90 days. Each applicant must also present a current library card, which is in good standing, from his/her hometown library. JCFPL Staff may call the hometown library to verify that such a card is current and in good standing.
Non-Jersey City Residents (Subscription Card):
You may sign up for a subscription account if you don’t fall into any of the other categories. It is $50 per year and gives you access to all of our online resources. Please email webmaster@jclibrary.org your request. We require the following information: Name, Address, Phone, E-Mail, and Birth Date.