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.
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
Children, families, reading, and access to information
There is no minimum age requirement to obtain a Library card. There are many factors that parents/guardians may take into consideration when or if they’d like their child(ren) to have their own card and those differ from family to family. Therefore, the Library does not presume to impose age restrictions. All patrons are welcome to check out or access any materials in our collections and the Library respects the responsibility that parents and guardians have for their minor’s reading and information needs.
Parents or guardians of Library District may request to have their child’s account deactivated. They can obtain a "Request for Deactivation of a Minor’s Library Card form" at any of our library locations. After the parent completes the form, it will be forwarded to Library Administration for processing. The account will not be deleted from the system but will be in a deactivated status not allowing check out of materials, access to computers or access to online resources such as eBooks and databases.
Many minors have library accounts that are facilitated through their school (Kansas City Public Schools, Académie Lafayette) parents will need to contact the school to have those accounts deactivated.
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.
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.
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.
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:
- Logging in to the Library Card Portal and reviewing your contact information.
- Calling 816.701.3400
- Visiting one of our library locations in person
- Talking with a librarian via our Live Chat services
- Emailing us
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.