Get a CCPL Card
The Smartest Card on the Planet
Get your Cuyahoga County Public Library card and start borrowing items from our collection of books, audiobooks, eBooks, movies and music (plus millions of items from the collections of partner libraries throughout the State of Ohio!). Our online application offers instant digital access so there’s no reason to wait!
Apply Online
Adult Application
- All Ohio residents are eligible to get a library card.
- Verified applicants will be granted full cardholder privileges and have instant access to our entire collection of physical and digital materials, and electronic resources.
- A library barcode and PIN will be sent to the applicant via email. The PIN will be the last four digits of the applicant's phone number.
Child/Teen Application
- There is no age requirement to become a library cardholder.
- Verified applicants will be granted Opportunity Card privileges. Learn more.
- A library barcode and PIN will be sent to the applicant via email. The PIN will be the last four digits of the parent/legal guardian's phone number.
- Parents/legal guardians who would like full cardholder access for their child may visit their local branch for assistance. Please bring acceptable forms of ID.
Apply at Your Local Branch
Library card applications are available at all CCPL branches.
Eligibility Requirements
- All Ohio residents are eligible to get a library card.
- There is no age requirement to become a library cardholder.
- When applying for a card in person at a CCPL branch an ID with the applicant's current address is required. Please contact your local branch for information on acceptable forms of ID.
If your card is lost or stolen, please contact your local branch immediately.
Borrowing Policies
Before you use your library card for the first time, please take a moment to review our borrowing policies. As of January 26, 2022, CCPL no longer charges daily overdue fines on most materials.
Where can you use your CCPL card?
- All Cuyahoga County Public Library branches
- SearchOhio member libraries
- OhioLINK member libraries (includes college and university libraries across Ohio)
- All Cleveland Public Library branches
- All CLEVNET member libraries*
* Your Cuyahoga County Public Library card may have to be activated by other participating library systems before you can borrow from them.
Special Benefits Cards
Educator Cards
Educators may apply for CCPL Educator Cards at any one of our 27 branches. Educator Card holders may borrow up to 150 items.
Institution Cards
Institutions may apply for CCPL Institution Cards at any one of our 27 branches. Institution Card holders may borrow up to 250 items.
Opportunity Card
If your library account has fees over $10 (but less than $100), you may qualify for an Opportunity Card.
Others who may be able to take advantage of Opportunity Cards are children who lack a parent/guardian signature for a library card application and adults who are homeless or in transition.
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