Library Card FAQs

How do I get a library card?

If you are 18 or older, you can apply in-person at any KCPL library location. All you need is some form of identification and proof of residence. You can also apply for a temporary card online.

If you are under 18, you will need a parent or guardian in order to sign up for a card.

We also offer special cards for teachers & educators, as well as organizational accounts. Please contact us for more information.

What does it cost to get a library card?

Library accounts are free to all Maryland residents, including Washington College students. There is $10 for non-Maryland residents. 

What if I don't have a permanent address?

You can use a letter from the Department of Social Services or from a local organization that works with people experiencing homelessness to verify that you currently have no fixed address.

Where can I use my library card?

You can use your library card at public libraries within the eight counties that are part of the Eastern Shore Regional Library consortium: Kent, Queen Anne's, Caroline, Talbot, Dorchester, Wicomico, Somerset, and Worcester.

Your card allows you to borrow items from any public library in these eight counties.

If you have a library card from one of these library systems, you can use it in Kent County and do not need to get a new KCPL card.

How many items can I check out at a time and how long can I keep them?

A juvenile account can borrow up to 25 items at a time. An adult account can borrow up to 50 items at a time.

The following material types have a limit on the total number of items that can be borrowed at the same time: DVDs (20 total); new DVDs (9 total); music CDs (10 total); audiobooks (10 total); and board games, kits or video games (1 total).

Most materials can be checked out for 21 days. DVDs, kits, magazines, video games and board games can be checked out for 7 days. Items that have not been placed on hold by someone else will be automatically renewed on their due date and can be renewed up to 3 times.

How do I request materials to borrow?

You can request items by logging into your library account.

You can also call us at 410.778.3636 for help with requesting items.

When your requested items are available, you will be contacted by email, text, or phone based on the notification preference you selected in your account.

What if I lose or damage an item I've borrowed? Can I replace it?

We understand that sometimes items get damaged.  The library will charge a fee for replacing the damaged item as well as a $5 processing fee.  The cost of the item will vary depending on the type of material and the library that owned it.  

We do not accept replacement copies for items. Please do not purchase a replacement yourself, we will take care of finding the right material.  

What about fines and late fees?

The library does not assess any fines or late fees. The only time your account will be charged is if an item is lost or damaged. 

Items that are not returned within 42 days after their due date are considered lost. If you return an item that has been marked as lost, the replacement fee will be removed from your account.

If you are charged a replacement fee, you can continue to borrow items as long as the amount you owe is under $50. For more information, please see the Material & Service Fees Policy (pdf).

How do I get things that aren't listed in the catalog?

If we do not own an item, we can search for it in Marina, Maryland's statewide Interlibrary Loan service, to see if we can order it for you from another library in Maryland. If no public libraries in Maryland own a book you are looking for, we can even look for it in libraries outside of Maryland. Please contact us to place your request.

We also consider requests when making purchasing decisions. If you would like to suggest an item be added to our collection, please let us know.

Can you tell me what I've checked out in the past?

In order to protect your privacy, we do not keep records of your items after they are returned. However, you may choose to keep a history of items you check out going forward by logging into your account and checking the "Maintain reading history" box under "Contact Information and Preferences."

Can someone else pick up my holds for me?

Yes!  You can add an association to your library account to allow another library card holder to pick up materials for you.  The association needs to be created prior to sending someone to pick up your materials. Please contact us for more details.

My library card account login isn't working. What should I do?

First, it's important to determine which account you are trying to access.

Main KCPL Account

When you got your library card, we automatically created your KCPL account, which allows you to log into the catalog in order to see what items you have checked out, place holds, renew items, and other basic functions. If you are having trouble accessing this account, double-check that you are entering your username and password correctly. If you do not remember your password, you can use the "Forgot your password?" link to reset your password. If you continue to have trouble logging into your account, please call 410.778.3636 and we can help troubleshoot the problem.

Accounts for Digital Library Services

If you use resources in our Digital Library, you may have created a free account to manage your use of a specific service (for example, using Libby/OverDrive or hoopla to download ebooks). These accounts are separate from your main library account and must be set up individually. If you are having difficulty logging into one of these accounts, you can visit the Help page for that specific service for more information. If you need additional assistance, please call 410.778.3636. We will need to know which service you are trying to access and will ask other questions to help find a solution.

What if I've lost or damaged my library card?

Bring your photo ID the next time you visit the library and we will be happy to replace your lost or damaged card free of charge!