Library cards

To get a library card right away, bring proof of your current address to any Hennepin County library. If you don’t have proof of address or aren’t sure what to bring, Ask Us.

You can also apply online, and your card will be mailed to you. Please note: It can take 2-3 weeks for your library card to arrive by mail.

Apply for a library card online

To get a library card right away, bring identification showing the address of your property to any Hennepin County library.

You can also apply online, and your card will be mailed to you. Please note: It can take 2-3 weeks for your library card to arrive by mail.

Your card will expire after 12 months but may be renewed pending confirmation of property address.

Apply for or renew a library card online

If you live in Minnesota outside of Hennepin County, you can register your local library card with Hennepin County Library.

Exceptions: Minnesota residents whose public library is not a member of one of the regional public library systems (Clarkfield, Crosby, East Grand Forks, Hendricks and Taylors Falls) are not eligible to register their library card but may apply for a nonresident fee card.

To register your card right away, bring your local library card and proof of your current address to any Hennepin County library. 

You can also register your local library card online. If you include an email address in your application, you will be notified when the registration is complete (within five business days).

Register your library card online

Hennepin County employees

If you work for Hennepin County but are not a resident of Hennepin County, you can register your library card from another Minnesota library system (see above) or apply for a Hennepin County Library non-resident employee card. Non-resident employee cards expire after 12 months but may be renewed pending verification of employment status.

Apply for a non-resident employee library card online

Organization cards are available free of charge to organizations and schools located in Hennepin County. A contact person for the organization submits the application form online and is the responsible party for all items checked out on the organization account.

Organization cards allow organizations to have up to 100 items checked out at one time and also up to 100 items total on request and/or the hold shelf.

Organization cards do not allow the checkout of downloadable content or remote access to subscription online resources.

Organization cards expire after 12 months but may be renewed pending confirmation of organization name, address, and contact person.

Applications must be submitted online, and your card(s) will be mailed to you.

Apply for or renew an organization card online

Individuals who are not Minnesota residents or Minnesota residents whose public library is not a member of one of the regional public library systems (Clarkfield, Crosby, East Grand Forks, Hendricks and Taylors Falls) may obtain a Hennepin County Library card for an annual fee ($60).

Fee-based cards allow patrons to borrow physical materials but do not allow the checkout of downloadable content or remote access to subscription online resources.

Fee-based cards expire 12 months after the issue date.

Applications must be completed in person at any Hennepin County library.