Library Cards

welcome to the library card information page

A library card is your pass to information, entertainment, education, and opportunity.

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Get a Library Card Now!

Sign up online and we’ll set you up with a card instantly.

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Renew, Update or Manage Existing Card

Already have a Kansas City Public Library card? Manage it online!

  • Renew an expired card
  • Update your mailing address, phone number and email
  • Change or recover your PIN
Get Started

Not sure if you have a card?

Go ahead and sign up. The system will allow you to recover an existing card on file.

Let the Borrowing Begin!

Time to let loose with your library card. Register a username in the Library’s catalog and start managing your library activity with a personalized profile.

Login and Register a Username More info about registering
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books | eBooks | digital audiobooks | streaming movies & TV | online learning | digital music | digital news | digital comics | research databases

Read about our borrowing policies »

No Late Fines

As a cardholder at the Kansas City Public Library, you enjoy Freedom from Fines. We don’t charge late fines on overdue items, and we don’t have fine-related restrictions on use of public computers or access to digital materials. Learn more about what this means for your borrowing habits.

Learn more »

Types of Library Cards

KC Area Residents

If you live in metropolitan Kansas City (Missouri or Kansas), you enjoy full access to KC Library services.

  • Borrow physical items (books, DVDs, CDs) from any of our locations.
  • Place holds on physical items in our catalog.
  • Access our collection of digital services – eBooks, streaming music and movies, research databases, digital magazines and newspapers, and more.
  • Use public computers at any KC Library location.

If you have verified your account in person with identification and proof of address, you will enjoy extended checkout and hold limits.

Out of Area Users

Even if you don’t reside in our service area, you can still use some Library privileges:

  • Borrow a limited number of materials from our physical collections.
  • Use public computers at any KC Library location.
  • Most digital resources are not available.

Educator Cards

Teachers and homeschool educators can apply for Educator Cards to obtain longer checkout periods and keep borrowing separate from personal accounts. Learn more »

Kansas City Public School Students

Students enrolled in Kansas City Public Schools will automatically receive borrowing privileges at all Kansas City Public Library locations in addition to school libraries. Updates to these accounts should be made through the school district.

Your Library Catalog Activity

Once you have a Library Card, you can use the online catalog to track your borrowing, holds and shelves. You can also leave ratings and comments for titles in our collection, make purchase recommendations and curate reading lists.

The first time you login you will be prompted to create a username. This allows you to login with an easy to remember username and keep your library card number private.

Go to the Catalog

Library Card FAQs

I Lost My Card, What Should I Do?

Please contact us immediately to report the lost card, then visit your nearest library location with ID to replace it.

My Card Expired! How Do I Renew It?

Every year or two, the Library needs to check in with you to verify or update your name, mailing address, phone number or email address. This allows us to maintain accurate information for courtesy emails, overdue notices and other communication about your library account. You can renew by:

Do I Have to Sign Up for a Card Online?

No, we would be happy to issue a card to you in person at any of our locations.

I Forgot My PIN!

If you don't recall your PIN, visit the Library Card portal, select "Update an Existing Card" and select the "Forgot PIN" button.

How Do I Change My PIN?

If you want to change your PIN, visit the Library Card portal and select "Update an Existing Card." Review your contact information, the click "Change PIN."

How Do I Change My Address, Phone, and/or Email?

To change the information on your account, visit the Library Card portal and select "Update an Existing Card."

Why Did I Receive a Card that Expires in 30 Days?

If the Library Card Portal cannot authenticate your address as a valid residential mailing address, we cannot extend full privileges right away. Please contact us and we can help you obtain a full privilege card if you qualify.

Need Help?

Contact us at 816.701.3400 or send us an email if you have any questions about Library Cards or encounter problems signing up.