Library Cards

Boise residents and those owning property within Boise City limits qualify for a free library card. Your card gives you full access to all Boise Public Library services and the ability to borrow from all Lynx Consortium Libraries, including Ada Community Library, and more. 

See FAQs

How to Get a Library Card

You can apply online or in-person. 

Online: 

In-Person:

Visit any Boise Public Library location and bring the following items to register:

  • Photo ID: Must be issued by a unit of government, organization, school, or employer. Examples include a driver's license, passport, or other official photo identification.
  • Proof of address (if different than the address on your photo ID): For example, a piece of mail, lease or rent receipt, account statement or bill, or valid car registration. 

Applications are available in English, Spanish, French and Arabic.
Las solicitudes están disponibles en inglés, español, francés y árabe.
Les candidatures sont disponibles en anglais, en espagnol, en français et en arabe.

تتوفر التطبيقات باللغات الإنجليزية والإسبانية والفرنسية والعربية 

Boise Public Library is Fine Free!

Fees still apply to lost or damaged items and will be billed accordingly, and can be paid at any Boise Public Library location, or online. Additionally, fines from other libraries in the Lynx Consortium still apply. 

Pay Fees Online

Check-outs, Due Dates and Overdue Items

Even if checked out through Boise Public Library, items owned by other libraries may have different guidelines. Check your account or receipt for due dates. Please note:

  • Items that have been reserved by other customers cannot be renewed.
  • Interlibrary loan fees and due dates are set by the lending library. 
Type of Item Items Per Card Weeks Per Checkout Renewals Per Item
Books with Media 10 4 2
Books on CD (Audiobooks) 10 4 2
OverDrive/Libby eAudiobooks and eBooks 5 2 *Varies
All Other Books No Limit 4 2
DVDs 10 2 2
Blu-Rays 10 2 2
Video Games 5 4 2
Music CDs 10 4 2
Robots 2 2 None

*Not eligible for auto-renewal

Responsibilities

By using your library card, you accept responsibility for lost or damaged materials borrowed with your card or on the card for your dependents. Your library card is intended for your use only. Please contact the Library if you lose your card. Please review our policy manual for additional information. 

Other Types of Cards

If you do not live in Boise or meet other criteria for a resident library card, other options are available. Please call your neighborhood library or see our policy manual for information on non-resident, corporate/business, and temporary cards.

Library card artwork option by Julia Green, dragon reading to diverse group of children
Reading Time with Readworthy by Julia Green
Library card artwork option, colorful drawing of large feline with latinx/e styled skull-faced person emerging from a book.
Traversing into Wonder by Miguel Angel Almeida
Library Card artwork option, child reading book, with paper scenes emerging from the book
A Paper Fairyland by Bet and Cate Williamson