You may apply for a library card in person at any of the Worcester Public Library locations as well as the Mobile Libraries. You may also apply for an eCard online that you may update to a physical card by coming into any of our Worcester Public Library locations.

Worcester Public Library cards are free to Massachusetts residents and are valid for two years unless otherwise noted. Non-residents working in Worcester may obtain a library card free of charge with proof of employment in Worcester (letter from employer on letterhead; business card; pay stub).

Children 11 or under need a parent or guardian’s approval.

Replacement cards are available free of charge.

In order to get a Worcester Public Library card, you need proof of current address. Acceptable Proof of Address includes but is not limited to:

·Valid Massachusetts Driver’s License with current address

·Valid Massachusetts State Identification Card with current address

·An imprinted bank check or deposit slip

·Rent receipt (confirming 30-day occupancy)

·Utility bill dated within the last 30 days

·Letter verifying residency and mailing address dated within the last 30 days from a social service provider, temporary employer that provides housing, or a short-term residence.

In the case of children and teens under 18 years of age, proof of address of a parent or legal guardian is acceptable.

If any adult, teen or child is unable to provide the above means of identification and address verification, they will receive a card with limited access until they can complete the necessary forms. In the case of address verification, the library will mail you a post card. When you return the post card to the library, you may use it as proof of mailing address and obtain a full access library card.

A Post Office Box or business address is not acceptable as proof of residency but may be used as a mailing address.

Unique Applicants for Library Cards

Institutions may apply for a library card. A verification letter from the institution (on official letterhead) with an administrator's signature is required for the organization to receive a card. Institutional library cards are kept in the Worcester Public Library location where the institution is registered. The institution must provide a list of authorized users.

Student Cards are provided to students attending Worcester Public Schools. These cards are used for the lending of books only during school hours and are subject to other limitations. Please ask staff at your child’s school for further information.

ARC (Academic and Research Collaborative) faculty, staff and students with a valid ARC card or a college ID may apply for a library card. The library card expiration date will correspond to the ARC card or college ID. Link to the list of ARC libraries http://www.worcesterarc.org/which.html)  

Updated: 12/17/2024