Get a Library Card

Resident card — free

Anyone who lives within the boundaries of the library's active subdistricts, or owns property there, can get a library card at no cost. The subdistricts match the Fox, Northwest and Windsor school districts; their residents support the library through real estate and personal property taxes. Look up your school district ↗

Children under 18 need a parent's or guardian's signature on their application. The parent or guardian is responsible for supervising the child's use of the library and its resources, and for paying any charges on the child's card.

eCard — free, 18 and older

Anyone 18 or older who lives in, or owns property in, the library's active subdistricts can apply online for a free eCard. It gives access to the library's online resources only.

Upgrade it to a Resident card at any branch with a photo ID and proof that you live within the Fox, Northwest or Windsor school district boundaries. eCards aren't available to reciprocal cardholders. Apply for an eCard

Non-resident card — $20 for 3 months, $40 for 6 months, $80 a year

If you don't live in or own real estate within the library's tax-paying subdistricts, you can buy a non-resident card. It covers your household: extra cards can be issued to your spouse, children, foster children or legal wards who live with you. You're responsible for all charges on these cards.

Library card gift certificates: friends and family can buy a gift certificate for any of these amounts for someone who lives outside the district. They bring it to any branch to get their non-resident card.

Educator card — non-resident fee waived

For educators employed at Jefferson College or at any public, private or parochial school (grades K–12) within the library's active subdistricts. Bring written proof of employment, such as a current check stub or a statement on school letterhead. Renew the card at the start of each school year (September 1).

Corporate card — day cares, businesses and government offices

For organizations operating within the library's active subdistricts. Write a letter of application on your letterhead that lists the authorized users of the card, is signed by the person legally responsible (the owner, operator or manager), accepts responsibility for all damages, fines and lost materials, confirms every user will follow library policies, and gives the number of people you serve (for example, enrollment).

Day cares: bring proof of identity and address, with a letter on letterhead accepting responsibility for everything checked out on the card and listing up to five employees who may use it.

Organizations outside the active subdistricts pay the non-resident fee.

Reciprocal card — St. Louis County and Municipal Library Consortium

Since September 1, 2021, residents of the St. Louis County Library service area can get a Jefferson County Library card at any branch with a photo ID and proof of residency.

These Municipal Library Consortium libraries share Missouri Evergreen with us: their cardholders can borrow at Jefferson County Library, and our cardholders can borrow there. Brentwood, Ferguson, Kirkwood, Maplewood, Richmond Heights, Rock Hill, University City, Valley Park and Webster Groves public libraries.

Reciprocal cardholders can't use Hoopla or borrow WiFi hotspots, and can't get an eCard.