Programs & Services

Statewide Library Card Program

The Statewide Library Card Program increases the availability of library materials for Pennsylvanians by allowing eligible residents to register for a free library card in person at any participating public library.The program is designed so that you can use the library that is most convenient to you, be it one near your workplace, your family, or while you travel in the commonwealth.

Please use our library directory to find your local public library.  Inquire before your visit to learn what identification may be required to apply for a library card.

If your library participates in the Statewide Library Card Program, and you live in an eligible service area, an Access Pennsylvania logo should be displayed on the library card.  After you have a library card at the library in your home area, you can use the card, along with other identification, to apply for a library card with borrowing privileges at other Access Pennsylvania libraries.

Eligibility

To be eligible to participate, Pennsylvania residents must live in a municipality that supports a state-aided public library for its residents (as outlined in the Pennsylvania Public Library Code).

To determine if you are eligible to participate, check to see if your home address is located in a municipality that is included on the unclaimed municipalities tab on the library service areas spreadsheet (Excel).  If your municipality is listed, you are not eligible to participate in the Statewide Library Card program.  The list is updated annually.

Pennsylvania residents who are not eligible to participate may register for a free POWER Library E-Card to use state-funded POWER Library e-resources.  Or, they may investigate purchasing a library card from a nearby library.