Apply for a Library Card Online

Answer a few questions below to find the best Library card to apply for or jump right to the application form for an Individual Library Card, Virtual Library Card, or Organization Library Card.

Find the Right Card For You

 

Basics: Individual/Organization

I live... *



Why is this important?

Madison Public Library cards are only available to people who live in the Madison, WI area or the South Central Library System. If you live outside this area, please contact your local library to apply for a card.

I want to apply for a card for... *



Why is this important?

Most of Madison Public Library's cardholders are individuals but we also offer Organization Library Cards to schools, daycares, etc. that allow them to check out materials for use in their classrooms.

Valid ID

I... *



Why is this important?

  • Our Library Card Application requires that you provide a copy of a valid photo ID (driver's license is easiest but others are also valid). Only Library circulation staff will be able to view it and will promptly delete the file after processing your application.
  • We are starting a special program where Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) students can apply for Library Cards even without a valid ID. We'll use the info you provide to confirm with staff at MMSD that you're a student.
  • If you can't provide a copy of a valid ID and aren't a student, you can still sign up for a Virtual Library Card. You can also apply for a Virtual Library Card now and then visit your local library to show your ID to convert your card into a Full Use Card when the Library is open.

Valid ID

I... *



Why is this important?

  • Our Library Card Application requires that you provide a copy of a valid photo ID (driver's license is easiest but others are also valid). Only Library circulation staff will be able to view it and will promptly delete the file after processing your application.
  • We are starting a special program where MMSD students can apply for Library Cards even without a valid ID. We'll use the info you provide to confirm with staff at MMSD that you're a student.
  • If you can't provide a copy of a valid ID and aren't a student, you can still sign up for a Virtual Library Card. You can also apply for a Virtual Library Card now and then visit your local library to show your ID to convert your card into a Full Use Card when the Library is open.

The card for you is...

Individual Library Card

Apply now

Features

Limits

  • You may have up to 100 items checked out on your card at any one time.
    • Of those 100, there is a limit of 40 DVDs, 5 Video Games, and 5 vinyl records.

What You'll Receive

  • A confirmation email that your request was submitted.
  • Once your request is processed, your new library card will be mailed to the address you list on your application.

Virtual Library Card

Apply now

Features

Requirements / Restrictions

  • Madison Public Library Virtual Library Cards are only available to people who live in the South Central Library System (Dane, Green, Sauk, Columbia, Adams, Portage, and Wood counties) of Wisconsin.
  • Virtual Library Cards will NOT allow you to log in to LINKcat to place holds or check out physical materials.

What You'll Receive

  • A confirmation email that your request was submitted.
  • Once your request is processed, your new library card number will be emailed to you. 

MMSD - Limited Use Library Card

Apply now

Features

Limits

  • You may have up to 3 items checked out on your card at any one time

What You'll Receive

  • A confirmation email that your request was submitted.
  • Once your request is processed, your new library card will be mailed to the address you list on your application.

Organization Library Card

Apply now

Features

Limits

  • Your organization may have up to 100 items checked out on your card at any one time. Any authorized cardholders from your organization may check out items.
    • Of those 100, there is a limit of 40 DVDs, 5 Video Games, and 5 vinyl records.

What You'll Receive

  • A confirmation email that your request was submitted.
  • Once your request is processed, your new library card(s) will be mailed to the address you list on your application.

Not Available

You have indicated that you live outside our service area. You should contact your local library to apply for a card. If you have any questions about this, you can contact our Circulation department by emailing madcirc@madisonpubliclibrary.org or calling (608) 266-6357.

Types of Library Cards

Card Benefits

 

Virtual
Card

MMSD
Card

Limited
Use
Card

Full
Use
Card

Org.
Card

Access to public computers at Madison Public Libraries

 ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Access Wisconsin's Digital Library (home to more than 71,000 eBooks, Audiobooks, and stream-able videos)

 ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Access online resources including newspapers, online magazines, research databases, and even more eBooks

 ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Log in to LINKcat to place holds on and check out physical books, CDs, DVDs/Blu-ray Discs, etc. You can pick up physical items using our Curbside Pickup Service.

   ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Check out up to 3 items
   ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Check out up to 100 items (limit of 40 DVDs, 5 Video Games, 5 vinyl records)
       ✔ ✔

Application Requirements

 

Virtual
Card

MMSD
Card

Limited
Use
Card

Full
Use
Card

Org.
Card
Live in Madison area or SCLS county
 ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Student at MMSD
   ✔      
Valid photo ID
     ✔ ✔ ✔
Permanent address
       ✔ ✔
Letter from head of organization on official letterhead
         ✔

Card Responsibility

 

Virtual
Card

MMSD
Card

Limited
Use
Card

Full
Use
Card

Org.
Card
Cardholder
 ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Guarantor (parent, guardian, etc.)
     ✔ ✔  
Authorizing organization
         ✔

Contact

Have a question? Contact our Circulation Department by phone (608-266-6357) or email.