Library card and account help

With a CCPL library card you can:

• Check out, download and stream materials
• Use a public computer at any branch
• Access premium online research databases
• Quickly register for a program or meeting room

Register for a Card

Maryland residents can register for a free Carroll County Public Library card in person or register online.

In Person: Visit any customer service desk with acceptable ID to register for a card.

Online: You may register register online for a temporary library card before visiting a branch with acceptable ID to pick up your library card. You will be allowed to place requests and check out up to 2 items before your 30-day temporary card expires.

Acceptable Identification

The following are the forms of ID that CCPL will accept for a library card:

• State issued Driver's License or MVA ID with current name and address
• Picture ID (such as passport, school, work, military ) AND one of the following with current name and address:
  • Voter registration card
  • Imprinted personal checks
  • Utility bill (no older than 3 months)
  • Settlement contract or lease (dated within last 3 months)
  • Automobile insurance card
  • Motor vehicle registration
  • Library-issued postcard (see branch for details)

Child and Teen Cards

• Ages 14 and older
  • Teens who are age 14 or older can apply for their own card if they have a current photo ID, such as a current Maryland driver's license or learner's permit, provisional license or school-issued photo ID. Otherwise, a parent or guardian 18 years or older must accompany them and present a current photo ID and sign the library card.
• Ages 13 and under
  • Children age 13 or under must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian 18 years or older to apply for a library card. The parent or guardian must show a current photo ID and sign the card to accept responsibility for materials borrowed and any charges incurred on a child's card.
• Non-Custodial Guardian Accompanying a Child
  • The guardian—including grandparents, aunts and uncles, adult siblings and foster parents—must live at the same address and be at least 18 years old. The guardian must show a current photo ID that matches the child's address and must sign the child's card. For children in group homes, verification of identity and address by the staff of the home is acceptable.
• Checking out DVDs and Video Games
  • We offer all CCPL customers a variety of items to check out. However, children under 13 are restricted from borrowing movies above the G rating and video games. For more information visit our customer service desk.

Cards from Other MD Libraries

To use a library card from another Maryland public library system, register it at any branch Customer Service Desk or Mobile Library Services vehicle stop. A current photo ID is required.

Once registered, you may borrow library materials or use any of our research resources.

A new library card may be issued if your current card's identification number is not compatible with our circulation system. Registration of library card not registered with a MD Public Library is not available.

Out-of-State Cards

Out-of-state library cards are available for the following:

• Non-Maryland residents with a current photo ID. An annual fee of $25 applies.
• An exception to the annual fee is made for anyone who works in or attends school (public, private and higher education) in Carroll County. Proof of employment or school ID is required.

All out-of-state library cards expire one year from registration.

Lost or Damaged Library Cards

If your library card is lost or stolen, report it immediately by visiting or calling any branch. You are responsible for any items checked out on your library card before the card is reported lost or stolen.

To get a replacement card, visit the Customer Service desk at any branch with acceptable ID to receive a new card.

Renew Your Library Card

An active card, that is not an Out-of-State card and is in good standing, does not need to be renewed if the card is used to check out items or access online research resources within a two year period. Cards which have no accrued fines or fees will be purged after two years of inactivity. If your card expires, visit the Customer Service desk at any branch with a current photo ID to apply for a new one.

Access Your Library Account

You can access your customer account via the library catalog. Enter your library card number or username and password.

Your library card number is located on your library card or keychain tag below the barcode. You can visit the library branch in person if you need to get a replacement card. Be prepared to show photo ID.

Renewing Materials

Eligible materials checked out on your account will be automatically renewed up to 5 times. If items on your account cannot be renewed, you will receive a courtesy notice with the due dates one day before those items are due. Full details on automatic renewals.

Set Up A Password

You will need to visit your local library branch to set up a password. Photo ID will be required to update your account.

Reset Your Password

If you have an email address associated with your library account, you can click Forgot your password? on the catalog login page. If you know your username or barcode, a new password will be sent to the email address we have on file.

If you do not have an email address associated with your library account, you will need to visit your local library to access this information. Photo ID will be required.

Update Your Contact Information

You can change your contact information online when you access your customer account via the library catalog. Enter your library card number or username and password, and then choose Contact Information and Preferences. Review your current information, make changes and click the Submit Change Request button at the bottom of the screen. You may also update your contact information at any of our library branches.

Account Blocks

You may have a blocking message indicating overdue materials, fees or a librarian note. Please contact your local library by email or phone for further assistance. Phone numbers may be found on our location page.

Notifications

CCPL takes its responsibilities very seriously, and we expect our borrowers to do so as well.

• You have the option to receive your checkout receipt by email instead of being printed.
• Our email and text messaging service will notify you regarding overdue material.
• Library accounts that remain unresolved for a period of 30 days, after a final billing notice has been sent will be referred to our collection agency.
• We can send email and text messages with notification of holds and one-day-in-advance date due notices to your cell phone.