Home About the Library Using the Library Library Cards

Library Cards

Eligibility Criteria

  • Permanent residents of Ohio
  • Those who go to school in Ohio
  • Those who work on a permanent basis in Ohio
  • Those who own property in Ohio

Only one card is allowed per individual, with the exceptions of library cards issued to teachers who work or live in Cuyahoga County; 3 for Me library cards issued to youth aged 17 and under with borrowing privileges restricted to print only; and ConnectED cards issued to students in grades K-12.

Apply for a card online

Valid government-issued photo identification along with proof of current address (if not listed on the ID) is required for first-time, in-person use at the Cleveland Public Library. Until ID is provided, eCards obtained through the online application will be valid for electronic content (eMedia, databases and other digital materials) only.

Apply for a library card in person.

Adults aged 18 and older must fill out an application and present valid government-issued photo identification along with proof of current address (if not listed on the ID). You can Print the Adult Library Card Application and bring it with you to any Cleveland Public Library location.

Acceptable forms of photo identification include: a driver’s license, state ID card, passport and US military ID.

Acceptable proof of a current address: a printed personal check showing the current address, a utility bill or postcard with a recent (within last 30 days) postmark received at the address shown on the application.

Disabled

The Library does not charge overdue fines for circulating materials borrowed by patrons aged 60 and over, or those who are totally and permanently disabled. To qualify for a disabled card, the patron must present a permanent Golden Buckeye card issued by the Ohio Department of Aging at the time of application.

Homebound persons in Cuyahoga County who wish to obtain a library card and to use the Library’s services should call 216-623-7005.

Youth aged 17 and under

Youth aged 17 and under who are not accompanied by a parent or guardian may apply for and be issued a library card that excludes DVD borrowing privileges. Photo identification is required for applicants aged 14 through 17 years old.

Acceptable forms of photo identification for youth include: a school ID, a report card or a class schedule with the applicant’s name on it. You can Print the Children’s Library Card Application and bring it with you to any Cleveland Public Library location.

Youth aged 17 and under who wish to borrow DVDs must be accompanied by a parent or other adult accepting financial responsibility at the time of application. The parent or other adult accepting financial responsibility must present valid, government-issued photo identification and proof of current address. The parent or other adult accepting financial responsibility may choose to allow DVD borrowing privileges at that time.

ConnectED Card

ConnectED, a library card with borrowing restricted to ten print books, online databases and computer usage, may be issued to any student enrolled in grades K-12. Identification is not required to register for the card. Youth may apply for this card without the signature of a parent or guardian.

3 for Me Card

Youth aged 17 and under may apply for one 3 for Me card with borrowing privileges restricted to three print titles only. The 3 for Me card can be used as a primary library card or as a secondary library card. Youth may apply for this card without the signature of a parent or guardian.

Educators

Teachers from public and private, parochial, and charter schools as well as licensed child care centers can apply annually for a Cleveland Public Library Educator Card.

Complete and print the Educator Card Application form and bring it along with identification to any Cleveland Public Library location.

Acceptable identification for educators include:

  • a current school-issued or program-issued photo ID;
  • a current letter on the school’s or program’s letterhead confirming employment and state issued photo ID;
  • or, during a class visit, a state issued photo ID (no letter necessary).

Library card privileges must be renewed every two years. Educator Cards must be renewed annually. Valid photo identification and proof of current address must be presented when renewing library privileges.

Using your Card

Your valid library card entitles you to:

  • Charge out and place holds on materials from any Cleveland Public Library or CLEVNET library.
  • Access electronic content including eMedia, databases and other digital materials.
  • Computer access at the Library.
  • Access to the Cleveland Digital Public Library and TechCentral MakerSpace.
  • Much more!

Protect your card

  • Protect your card as you would a credit card. You are responsible for all materials checked out on your card.
  • If your card is lost or stolen, report it immediately.

Your library account

  • Keep your information current. Let us know when your address, phone number or email changes so you will receive notifications on time.
  • To update your address, bring a valid, government-issued photo identification to any CPL location, along with proof of current address (if not already on ID).
  • You can update your email and phone number online.

Access your account online

  • Access your account through the My Account link at search.clevnet.org.
  • Your password is either the last four digits of your phone number or the month and day (MMDD) of your birth unless you specified a different password.
  • Passwords can contain letters and numbers and can be changed on the Personal Information tab of your online account.

Your online account allows you to:

  • View and renew materials that you have checked out.
  • Place, view or modify holds.
  • View and pay fines.
  • Modify your hold and overdue notifications.
  • Create personalized lists.

Due Dates

  • Although the standard loan period is 21 days, loan periods may vary depending on the format and owning library.
  • Be sure to check your check-out receipt to determine the due date for each item.
  • Most materials can be renewed multiple times, provided there are no holds for those items.

Returning Materials

  • CPL and CLEVNET materials may be returned to any CPL or CLEVNET location. A complete list of CLEVNET libraries can be found at clevnet.org.
  • Specialty materials, such as those borrowed through Interlibrary Loan or reference loans must be returned to the location specified when the material is checked out.
  • Digital checkouts (eBooks and other eMedia) are returned automatically.

Overdue Materials

  • After 28 days past due: You will be sent a bill for the replacement cost of the item(s) via email or postal mail. If you return the item(s), you owe only the overdue fines. Overdue fines are generally less than $5.00 per item.
  • If your account remains $25.00 or more past due: Your account is referred to Unique Management Services (UMS), a library materials recovery agency. A non-refundable fee is added to your library account to cover the cost of the recovery service. UMS will contact you by mail and/or phone to resolve the account.