Your valid Cleveland Public Library card entitles you to charge out materials from any Cleveland Public Library or CLEVNET library and access electronic content (reserach databaes, MyTunes, eMedia) of the Cleveland Public Library. We also honor the library cards of other CLEVNET libraries for the circulation of our physical materials.
Who May Obtain A Cleveland Public Library Card
- Free library cards are issued by the Cleveland Public Library to permanent residents of the State of Ohio.
- People who go to school in Ohio or work on a permanent basis in Ohio also qualify for a free library card.
- Special cards, can be issued to businesses and educators, but are governed by procedures set forth by Library administration.
- Cuyahoga County Public Library cards need to be activated at a CLEVNET library before you can use it to borrow material from CLEVNET libraries, including the Cleveland Public Library. You can visit any CLEVNET library to have your card activated in our system.
Only one card is allowed per individual, with the exception of library cards issued to teachers in Cuyahoga County.
How to Apply for a Library Card
You must apply in person at the Main Library Lending Department or the Public Administration Library downtown, or at any other of the Library's 28 branches.
- Adult Applicants must present photo identification, such as a valid driver's license or State ID that contains their current address.
- Teenage Applicants (14-17) must present photo identification. The signature of a parent or guardian is required at the time of application and the parent or guardian may choose whether the applicant has access to the Library's DVD collection. To permit DVD checkout, the parent or guardian must be present at the time of application, present a valid proof of address, and accept financial responsibility for the account.
- Children (age 13 and under) Applicants: The signature of a parent or guardian is required at the time of application and the parent or guardian may choose whether the applicant has access to the Library's DVD collection. To permit DVD checkout, the parent or guardian must be present at the time of application, present a valid proof of address, and accept financial responsibility for the account.
- Homebound persons in Cuyahoga County who wish to obtain a library card and to use the Library's services should review the information regarding the Cleveland Public Library's Homebound Services.
Library card privileges must be renewed every two years. Valid photo identification and current proof of address must be presented when renewing library privileges.
Lost or Stolen Cards
You are responsible for materials borrowed on your card. If a card is lost or stolen, it is the borrower’s responsibility to report the loss or theft to Cleveland Public Library (216-623-2872) or to another CLEVNET-member library immediately. A police report is required when a patron claims materials were checked out without permission.
A new library card must be issued for lost, damaged or stolen cards; the cost for a replacement card is $1.00. All charges or loans attached to the lost card will be transferred to the new card.