Get a Library Card

FOR DULUTH RESIDENTS

Residents of the City of Duluth qualify for a Duluth Public Library Card.

What can I access with my Duluth Public Library Card?

Duluth cardholders can access all physical materials the library offers such as books, magazines, community passes, and toys, along with digital resources such as research databases, Comics Plus, Hoopla, and Libby.

What should I bring to get my library card?

• Government-issued photo ID (state-issued driver's license, state-issued ID card, passport, tribal ID, military ID, etc.) and proof of your current address, if it is not listed on your ID.

What if I cannot provide proof of address?

If you do not have proof of address, do not worry! You are likely eligible for an Easy Access Card. An Easy Access Card will allow you to access digital resources and check out up to 4 physical items. When you can provide documentation that verifies your current address, your Easy Access Card will be converted to a standard card.

I Only Want Digital Access

• Access to ONLY electronic materials—e-books, audiobooks, magazines, and databases
• Available to residents of the City of Duluth only 
• Access to materials in 5-10 business days 
• Register online and check the box indicating “I want to check out only electronic materials”
• Your application will be processed by library staff and a card will be mailed to you. You should receive it within 5-10 business days. If you want immediate access, visit one of our locations and apply for a standard card.
• A Digital Access Card can be converted to a Standard Card at any time. Visit one of our locations with a government-issued ID (e.g., state-issued driver's license, state-issued ID card, passport, military ID, tribal ID, etc.) to verify your identity.

FOR AREA RESIDENTS

Minnesota Residents

Minnesota residents outside the City of Duluth and within the 7 counties of the Arrowhead Library System ( Carlton, Cook, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake, Lake of the Woods, and St. Louis) qualify for an Arrowhead Library Card.

What can I access with my Arrowhead Library System Card?

Arrowhead Library System cardholders can access the physical materials the library offers, such as books, magazines, community passes, and toys, along with digital resources such as research databases, Comics Plus, and Libby.

What should I bring to get my library card?

• Government-issued photo ID (state-issued driver's license, state-issued ID card, passport, tribal ID, military ID, etc.) and proof of your current address, if it is not listed on your ID.

What if I cannot provide proof of address?

If you do not have proof of address, do not worry! You are likely eligible for an Easy Access Card. An Easy Access Card will allow you to access digital resources and check out up to 4 physical items. When you can provide documentation that verifies your current address, your Easy Access Card will be converted to a standard card.

Wisconsin Residents

Wisconsin residents can register their home card and access all physical materials available at Duluth Public Library for an annual fee of $55.00.

What can I access as a Fee Card user at Duluth Public Library?

Fee Cards may be used to check out books, movies, music, community passes, and all other physical materials. Downloadable audiobooks and ebooks, and access to databases are not included, due to licensing agreements.

What should I bring to register my card as a Fee Card?

• Government-issued photo ID (state-issued driver's license, state-issued ID card, passport, tribal ID, military ID, etc.)
• Library card from your home library
• $55 annual payment, due upon registration

FOR NEW RESIDENTS

Depending on address, new residents to the area will either qualify for a Duluth Public Library Card or an Arrowhead Library System Card.

What can I access with my library card?

New cardholders can access all physical materials the library offers such as books, magazines, community passes, and toys, along with digital resources such as research databases and apps.

What should I bring to get my library card?

• Government-issued photo ID (state-issued driver's license, state-issued ID card, passport, tribal ID, military ID, etc.)
• Proof of Address If your local address is not listed on your ID, a piece of mail or other documentation such as a lease agreement can be used to verify your address.

What if I cannot provide proof of address?

If you do not have proof of address, do not worry! You are likely eligible for an Easy Access Card. An Easy Access Card will allow you to access digital resources and check out up to 4 physical items. When you can provide documentation that verifies your current address, your Easy Access Card will be converted to a standard card.

FOR VISITORS

Visitors from outside the Arrowhead Library System can register their home library card at Duluth Public Library.

Minnesota Residents

Minnesota residents from outside of the 7-county Arrowhead Library System ( Carlton, Cook, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake, Lake of the Woods, and St. Louis) can register their home library card at Duluth Public Library.

What should I bring to register my card as a visitor?

• Government-issued photo ID (state-issued driver's license, state-issued ID card, passport, tribal ID, military ID, etc.)
• Library card from your home library

Out-of-State Residents

Visitors from out-of-state can register their home card and access all physical materials available at Duluth Public Library for an annual fee of $55.00.

What can I access as a Fee Card user at Duluth Public Library?

Fee Cards may be used to check out books, movies, music, community passes, and all other physical materials. Downloadable audiobooks and ebooks, and access to databases are not included, due to licensing agreements.

What should I bring to register my card as a Fee Card?

• Government-issued photo ID (state-issued driver's license, state-issued ID card, passport, tribal ID, military ID, etc.)
• Library card from your home library
• $55 annual payment, due upon registration

FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS

• Students attending college in the region may qualify for a Student Card. Student cards must be renewed yearly.

What can I access with my library card as a College Student?

Student cardholders can access all physical materials the library offers such as books, magazines, community passes, and toys, along with digital resources such as research databases, Comics Plus, Hoopla, and Libby.

What Should I Bring to Get My Card?

• Government-issued photo ID (state-issued driver's license, state-issued ID card, passport, tribal ID, military ID, etc.)
• Student ID Your student ID serves as “proof” of your local address.

FOR YOUTH UNDER AGE 18

All youth of birth age and older qualify for a library card. Applicant, regardless of age, must be present to receive a library card. In addition to qualifying for a standard library card, all students enrolled in ISD709 are opted in to the Port Card program.

Ages Birth to 5 Years

Child and parent must both be present for a card to be issued. Parent must have a library card in good standing, with under $25 in fines. Parent will be asked to verify identity and residence with a government-issued photo ID.

Ages 6-13 Years

Youth must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or relative. Parent will be asked to verify identity and address with a government-issued photo ID. If child is accompanied by a caregiver, the parent or guardian will need to contact the library via telephone to verify identity and give permission.

Ages 14-17 Years

Parent need not be present. Teen will be asked to verify identity and residence with their student ID, learner’s permit, or driver’s license.