How can I obtain a library card?

Onondaga County Residents:

Adults need a valid photo ID that shows a current Onondaga County mailing address.  Children applying for a library card should be accompanied by a parent or guardian. There are 3 ways to get started:

  • Just stop in to any NOPL location with the identification mentioned above to obtain your library card.
  • Download and complete a library card application prior to coming in (saves time!).
  • Start the application process online. Patrons who are at least 13 years old can begin their library card application online. When you register online, you will receive a temporary barcode number that you can use to request materials. Then come into any library and verify your current address with a photo ID  to receive your permanent library card. After you have your permanent card you will be able to check out items and use online resources.
Download an Application
Start the Process Online

Membership Guide

Common questions about Membership:

Policies and card holder responsibilities, fines and fees, returning materials, and renewals.

Family members may choose to share a card, but cards are issued to individuals only and the cardholder is responsible for all items checked out on the card. Some Onondaga County Public Libraries may restrict a card’s use to the individual to whom it is registered.

It can be used at any library within Onondaga County to place holds and check items out, as well as use databases and download eBooks, Audiobooks, and music. (Digital resources and access to them varies by library and may be restricted to cardholders at the purchasing library.)

  • 3 weeks for most library items including books, audiobooks, non-fiction DVDs, and music CDs.
  • 7 days for DVDs, holiday books, video games, and magazines.
  • 7 days for NOPL Express books with 1 renewal.
  • 3 days for Fast Flicks DVDs.

NOPL offers many unique items for checkout, visit nopl.org/unusual for a full list and policies.

Please Note: Other libraries’ loan periods may differ from NOPL’s. Please check your receipt at checkout or view your account online for due dates.

A total of 3 Fast Flicks DVDs and 2 video games may be checked out on a card at any given time. Limits may exist on checking out and holding other materials. Please contact your NOPL branch if you have any questions.

NOPL does not collect late fines on traditional items, but items must be returned to avoid fees:

  • Overdue fines will accrue on some special items; our Unusual Items Collection and any other item labeled to accrue fines.
  • Cardholders will receive return notifications at 7, 14, and 21 days overdue
  • Item(s) not returned after final late notice (30 days) will be billed an item REPLACEMENT fee if not returned
  • Other fees, such as LOST or DAMAGED may apply

To pay in cash or by check, stop in at a NOPL library in Brewerton, Cicero, or North Syracuse. If your account balance is $3.00 or more you can make an online payment through your account. Please call your branch if you have any questions.

Returning Materials:

All NOPL materials, with the exception of Fast Flicks DVDs, Interlibrary Loans, NOPL Express books, Unusual Items, and Video Games, may be returned to any library in Onondaga County. Each library branch has a 24-hour outdoor book return.

Renewals:

Materials owned by NOPL will be automatically renewed if they meet the following conditions*:
• Renewals are available on the item
• No one else has requested the item for qualifying items, you will be notified 3 days prior to the due date that they will be automatically renewed (no loss of borrowing time occurs).

* Fast Flicks DVDs, video games, and Interlibrary Loans do not have renewals.

Items owned by other libraries may be eligible for renewal unless another patron has placed a request for the item. Renew in person, by telephone, or through your catalog account. If you do not have a PIN please present your card at the Service Desk or call your NOPL branch for assistance.

Out-of-County

Out-of-County Borrowers:

NOPL has now eliminated the library card fee for residents of counties outside of Onondaga County. To obtain a library card, please visit NOPL’s Brewerton, Cicero, or North Syracuse branches.