My Account

Get a Library Card

Here's your ticket for FREE access to books, music, movies, and more.

Get a Library Card

Apply at Any Branch

In order to apply for a new library card, you must:

  • live in Marion County, Indiana (except Speedway)
  • be 18 or over OR applicants under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian’s signature. Children must be present to get a Library card.

Receive your card by visiting any IndyPL location. Bring an acceptable form of identification and complete an application to receive your card on-site.

You may fill out an application ahead of time and take it with you to your library branch. Applications are available in 12 languages.

Amharic / አማርኛ
Arabic \ العربية
Chinese (simplified) / 中文
English
French / Français
Haitian Creole
Hakha Chin
Karenni
Punjabi / ਪ"ਜਾਬੀ
Spanish / Español
Swahili / Kiswahili
Yoruba / Èdè Yorùbá

Apply or Renew Online

In order to complete an online application for a new library card account, you must:

  • live in Marion County, Indiana (except Speedway)
  • be 18 or over
  • have a phone in your name and address
  • have a valid email address

If you live in Marion County, are 18 or older, and have a phone account in your name, you may be able to renew your library card online also.

We realize that not everyone will be able to meet these criteria. If you are unable to register for a card online or renew, please visit any Indianapolis Public Library location to complete an application in person.


Library Circulation Policies

The rules for how to borrow, renew, request, and return library materials.

Fees

The Library offers a variety of convenient items and services for a small fee as well as charging for lost or damaged materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for a free Library card?

To be eligible for a free library card you must be one of the following:

  • a resident of Marion County, excluding Speedway
  • a Marion County property owner
  • a teacher in a Marion County preschool, elementary or high school
  • a student enrolled in a preschool, elementary or high school or in a college or university located in Marion County
  • an owner of a business within Marion County

Children under the age of six are eligible for a My First Library Card for fine free borrowing of print materials.

What kind of identification do I need to apply for a Library card?

Applicants applying in person must present a picture ID with name and current address. If your picture ID does not have your current address, or if your ID does not have an address, you should also bring a piece of mail postmarked within the last 30 days, or a current lease or checkbook with your correct address. If you do not have a picture ID, please contact your nearest branch for information on obtaining a library card.

Can I get a Library card if I do not live in Marion County?

Persons who reside in unserved library districts in the state of Indiana may purchase a non-resident Library card for an annual fee.

Persons who live in another library district and have a library card from their “home” library or who have purchased a non-resident library card may purchase a Public Library Access Card (PLAC). The Public Library Access Card is sponsored by the Indiana State Library and is valid for 1 year. The fee is set by the Indiana State Library annually.

The PLAC card may be purchased at any Indiana public library.

Is there a way for me to reduce my fees?

Yes, we will work with you regarding your fees. Please talk to a staff member at any IndyPL location or contact us.

Does my Library card expire? How do I renew it?

Library cards expire after three (3) years. Non-resident, PLAC library cards and some special cards expire after one (1) year.

Visit one of our library locations to renew your library card. You will need to present a valid form of identification with your current address. All fees must be paid in full at the time of renewal.

When renewing a card for a child under the age of 18, the parent/guardian listed on the child's library account must show his/her current identification.

If you live in Marion County, are 18 or older, and have a phone account in your name, you may be able to renew your library card online. We realize that not everyone will be able to meet these criteria. If you are unable to renew your library card online, please visit any Indianapolis Public Library location to renew your library card in person.

PLAC card holders must present a valid, fine-free library card from their home library.

What do I do if my Library card is lost or stolen?

Until your Library card is reported lost or stolen, you are responsible for all materials and fees charged to your card.

Immediately after noticing your Library card is missing, call or visit any Indianapolis Public Library location to report it lost or stolen.

To replace your Library card please visit any of our locations in person. You will need to present a valid form of identification with your current address.

It's never too early to start visiting the Library!

Introduce young children to the wonders of the Library without worrying about fines and fees.

Learn about My First Library Card
It's never too early to start visiting the Library!