Anyone who resides, works, pays property taxes or attends school in the District of Columbia is eligible for a DC Public Library borrower's card.

Reciprocal borrowing exists for residents of Montgomery and Prince George's Counties in Maryland and Fairfax, Loudoun, Arlington and Prince William Counties and the cities of Falls Church and Alexandria in Virginia to obtain free library cards from the District of Columbia Public Library. Others may apply, after payment of the appropriate fee, for a non-resident library card.

To apply for a card, adults must present current traceable identification which gives both their name and address: for example, driver's license, rent receipt, utility bill, bank book, apartment lease or letter on letterhead stationery from a shelter for the homeless.

Cards for young children will be issued upon request by the parent or a school age child may apply for a card. [Note: A child’s record cannot be reviewed by the parents under the "District of Columbia Confidentiality of Library Records Act of 1984" (DC Law 5-128). The child must initiate such a request.]

Applications for a library card may be made in person at a library or online:  Apply for a Library Card Online.