How to Get a Library Card

Getting a Library Card

Cuyahoga County Public Library cards can be used at all CCPL branches, all Cleveland Public Library branches and CLEVNET member libraries*. They may also be used to borrow from libraries participating in SearchOhio and OhioLINK.

If your card is lost or stolen, please notify library staff immediately.

* Your Cuyahoga County Public Library card must be activated by other participating library systems before you can borrow from them.

Applying for a Card

Cuyahoga County Public Library card applications are available at all 27 CCPL branches. You can also apply online.

  • All Ohio residents are eligible to get a Library card.
  • There is no age requirement to become a Library cardholder.

Before you can borrow physical items from the Library you must provide a valid form of identification. Please contact your local branch for information on acceptable forms of ID. Once you have completed the application process you may access our Digital Collection immediately.

Apply Online

Special Access Cards

Educator Cards

Educators may apply for an Educator Card at any one of our 27 branches. Educator Cards may only be used at CCPL. They are not usable at other library systems.

Benefits

  • Borrow up to 150 items.
  • Except for booked special items (which are not renewable), you can renew items up to 20 times if not on hold for others.
  • We'll send you email notices for items that need to be renewed.

Requirements & Restrictions

  • Limit one card per educator. The educator is personally responsible for the use of the Educator Card and all financial obligations incurred.
  • ​Verification of educator status must be provided; proof of status can be any of the following documents:
    • Copy of a Letter of Acknowledgement of Participation in a Home School
    • School/Employee ID Badge
    • Pay Stub from School Employment
    • Teaching Certificate/Degree
  • No additional materials may be checked out on an Educator Card if there is $150 in overdue fines on the account; billed items; and/or materials are more than 30 days overdue.
  • Immediately inform the Library if your card is lost or stolen; you are responsible for all financial obligations incurred through the use of the card.
  • If an Educator Card is not used for 2 years, it will be removed from the Library’s records and will no longer be valid.

Institution Cards

Institutions may apply for a Institution Card at any one of our 27 branches. Institution Cards may only be used at CCPL. They are not usable at other library systems.

Benefits

  • Borrow up to 250 items.
  • Except for booked special items (which are not renewable), you can renew an item up to 20 times if it is not being held for anyone else.
  • We'll send you email notices for items that need to be renewed.

Requirements & Restrictions

  • Each Institution may apply for up to two cards. Each card will have a unique number. An Administrator's signature is required on the application.
  • Verification of institution status must be provided (Employee ID/Badge and/or pay stub from institution)
  • No additional materials may be checked out on a card if there is $250 in overdue fines, fees, or billed items and/or materials are more than 30 days overdue.
  • Please immediately inform the Library if your card is lost or stolen. You are responsible for all financial obligations incurred through the use of the card.
  • ​​If an Institution Card is not used for 2 years, it will be removed from the Library's records and will no longer be valid.

Opportunity Cards

Opportunity Cards will issued to customers who do not have sufficient ID. Opportunity cardholders will have access to our Digital Library and can borrow up to 3 physical items.

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