Get a Library Card

If you are a resident of the City of Athens or Limestone County, you are entitled to a free library card to access the cardholder privileges and materials of the Athens-Limestone County Public Library.

Library Card Access & Privileges

80,000+

books, audiobooks, and DVDs

50,000+

e-books and e-audiobooks

PLUS

computer lab access

Apply in Person

Stop by the library circulation desk for an application or click here to download, complete & print the form. When submitting your form in person, bring and show your photo ID and proof of current address (if your ID does not reflect it). Proof of current address can be any official document with your name and address listed, such as a utility bill, car registration, rental agreement, etc. If you have no proof of current residence, you can get a library card, although you will be limited to checking out two items at a time until we can see proof of current residence.

Library Card Policies

You must present a library card to check out materials, access public computers, and use printing services. If you forget your card, the staff can look up your account with a photo ID to verify your identity. See below for summaries of our card policies.

Responsibility

Your signature on an Athens-Limestone County Public Library card application indicates you accept responsibility for using the library, including the replacement cost of lost and damaged materials. Parents and guardians are responsible for their children’s use of the library.

Lost, Damaged, or Stolen Cards

Patrons must report lost or stolen library cards and remain responsible for all transactions made with their cards until we are notified. Materials checked out on your card remain your (or a parent’s or guardian’s) responsibility until the items are returned to the library.

Replacement cards cost $3.

Check-Out Limits

All new patron accounts have a check-out limit of two items, with full privileges granted when these two items are returned. Click here to read more about our loan policies.

Cards for Kids

Any child, regardless of age, may be issued a library card with a legal guardian’s signature. For full privilege library status for those under age 18, staff must see a parent or court-appointed legal guardian’s ID and proof of address. A limited card may be issued for those ages 16 and 17 who present proof of ID. Limited cards may not check out more than two items at any time. Parent and child must both be present when the card is issued.

Non-Resident Cards

People who do not meet the residency requirement to receive a free card may purchase individual non-resident cards for a non-refundable fee of $20 per year. Non-resident cards have a per-check-out limit of 5 digital items and 25 physical items, excluding DVDs and books on CD, with these media types each limited to five.