Choose the Right Card for You:
- Get an E-Card: In a hurry? Have your ID handy? It takes just 2 minutes to sign up online and receive your library card number by email. Start enjoying free e-books, magazines, audiobooks, streaming movies and more – instantly – on your favorite phone, e-reader, tablet or computer. Visit us in-person to upgrade to a full card. Please Note: If you already have a library card, you do not need an E-Card, you already have access to all digital library materials!
- Get a Library Card: Apply in person at your nearest library location for your free Resident Card. Gain access to the full collection of books, DVDs, audiobooks, e-content and research databases! Added benefits include: use of public computers; meeting or study room space; free in-person and online programs for children, teens and adults; and G.E.D. Test Prep® and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes from the Center for Adult Learning. Must show proof of Duval County residence. Please note: A Nonresident Card and computer guest passes are available (for a small fee) to those who do not live in Duval County.
- Get an Educator Card: Looking to supplement your curriculum and help your students improve their reading? Check out twice as many DVDs and Traveling Tales Kits, place multiple holds on a single title and enjoy extended loan periods – up to 6 weeks for most items (or longer with renewals). These cards are offered exclusively to educators working in Duval County public, charter, and private schools (even if you live outside of the county), as well as licensed childcare centers and homeschool parents.
- Use Your Student Card: A library card in every student's pocket. A student ID at school is also a virtual Student Card. That means a student number is also a library card number! Simply enter a student ID to access a fine-free library card! The Student Card is available for free to all students at any public school system in Duval County.
No Overdue Fines. Ever.
In 2021, overdue fines were eliminated permanently for materials borrowed and returned to Jacksonville Public Library. If you get a little off schedule, don't worry. We've got your back!
Borrowed materials still have due dates and lost or damaged items still incur replacement fees. This just gives you a little cushion when things don’t go as planned.
Still Have Questions?
Check out our Top Ten Frequently Asked Questions (below) or call us at (904) 255-2665.
Library Card FAQ
All residents of Duval County (regardless of age) qualify for a Jacksonville Public Library card with acceptable proof of residency. Any person age seventeen (17) and under may obtain a library card if their parent or legal guardian meets the requirements for a resident card and has ID for the child. Review the different card types, their benefits, and requirements here.
Acceptable proof of residency imprinted with name and current street address is required. Examples are listed in the Circulation Policy here.
Persons residing outside of Duval County can purchase a three-month, a six-month or a one-year Nonresident Card.
To renew your library card, just stop by any of our 21 library locations with proof that you reside in Duval County. Acceptable proof of residency in Duval County is listed under Proof of Residency in the Library's Circulation Policy.
Six weeks (42 days) after the final due date (overdue) of borrowed material, the material is considered lost. At that time the replacement cost of the item is added to your account along with a $5 processing fee.
Nine weeks (63 days) after the final due date of borrowed material, your account will be sent to a collection agency and additional, non-refundable collection agency fees may be applied to your account.
If you return a long-overdue item in good condition, the replacement cost and $5 processing fee will be waived. Collection agency fees may still apply.
The processing fee and replacement cost will be removed from your account. No overdue fines will be charged. If it has been longer than 63 days overdue and has been sent to collections, a collection agency fee may apply.
If you paid for losing an item, those fees cannot be refunded even if you find it later. The fees collected for lost items are put into the library’s collection budget and the fee is cleared from your account. This was approved as part of the Library's Circulation Policy on August 22, 2019 by the Board of Library Trustees.
If an item you had was either lost, damaged or not returned, you may incur fees. Fees have not been waived (only overdue fines) as they are needed to maintain or replace library materials so others can borrow them. Call us at (904) 255-2665 with questions.
Yes, PLEASE! We would love to recover any materials that you may have been holding onto because of overdue fines. If you return a long-overdue item in good condition, the replacement cost and $5 processing fee will be waived. Collection agency fees may still apply.
