Get a Library Card

[Note: this page is outdated]

Library cards are free for Detroit residents, Highland Park residents, Detroit students, and Detroit companies. A library card allows you to check out books and other materials, stream movies and music, borrow laptops and hotspots, and more.

Don't have a library card? You can still come to the library to attend events and classes, access services, read books, and get librarian assistance - all at no cost.

Detroit & Highland Park Residents

To get your free library card, visit any library location and bring ...

  • A Valid Photo ID 
    We accept:
    • State of Michigan ...
      • Driver’s License

      • Personal Identification Card

      • Department of Corrections “Parole,” “Discharge,” or “Temporary” ID

      • Address Confidentiality Program ID
    • Detroit ID (Detroit Municipal Identification Card)
    • U.S. Passport
    • Employee photo ID issued by a federal government agency
  • Proof of Residency
    A current utility bill or rental agreement in your name. Without proof of residency, you may still be able to obtain a restricted card, valid for three months.

 

Detroit Students

If you go to school in Detroit you can get a free library card, even if you don’t live in the city. This applies to public and private  schools (preschool - 12th grade, colleges and universities) located in Detroit. 

Visit any library location and bring ...

  • A valid student ID or proof of current enrollment 

 

Detroit Companies

If your company is in Detroit, you may apply for a free Detroit Public Library card.

If your company is not located in Detroit, you may apply for a Non-Resident Company Card for a $100 annual fee.

To apply for a company card, submit a request on company letterhead to:

Circulation Dept. 
Detroit Public Library 
5201 Woodward Avenue
Detroit, MI 48202

Not a Resident, Student or Business?

  • If you’re a library card holder at a MILibraryCard library, you can borrow print items from DPL for free. This does not apply to electronic or online resources, such as Hoopla or Libby. View list of participating MILibraryCard libraries here.
  • Non-residents may obtain a library card with full benefits for an annual fee of $100 per person or household. Learn more about non-resident options for library cards.
  • Without a library card, you can still come to the library to attend events and classes, access services, read books, and get librarian assistance at no cost.

Library Card FAQs