Library cards are available at all locations!
Complete an application form online.
When you come to the library to borrow physical materials for the first time, present photo identification. If your photo ID has your current address, that's all you need. If not, please bring another piece of suitable identification.
If you live in a different Indiana library district and your home library participates in the Statewide Borrowing Program, present your photo ID and current street address along with your home library card in good standing.
If your home library is not on the list for Statewide Borrowing libraries, you may purchase a Full Access Card or a Public Library Access (PLAC) Card. Simply check with library staff for the best choice.
Not sure what your home library district is? Give us a call or use the Ask a Librarian form.
You are responsible for all items checked out on your card.
Questions? Contact the Circulation Department at 219-769-3541, ext. 364.
You live in one of the following school districts (or own property or a business located in these districts):
| • Griffith Public Schools | • Hanover Community School Corporation | • Highland School Town | • Hobart School City | • Lake Central School Corporation |
| • Lake Ridge Schools | • Lake Station Community Schools | • Merrillville Community School | • Munster School Town | • River Forest Community School Corporation |
Not sure? Check our map to see all the library districts of Lake County or enter your address here (Use the Search by Address tab) to see which library district you pay taxes to.
If you own a business in our library district but do not live in our district, you can apply for a card here.
You have priority access to materials at all 9 of our locations as well as full digital access (ebooks, audiobooks, music, research databases, etc).
You have limited privileges at some other public libraries in Lake County and other Indiana counties. Please check with staff for details.
You live in a district which pays taxes to another library system, or you are a non-resident teacher or student, or your card has been issued to a business or institution, not to an individual.
You have limited borrowing privileges at the Lake County Public Library, but may subscribe to LCPL for full access. Here's how it works:
Upgrading costs $50/year
You get complete access to all of our materials
You can use our inter-library loan services and make purchase requests
Borrowing Privileges for Non-Residents, Teachers, Businesses, and Students
I don't live in your library district, but I teach in the library district.
I go to school in your library district, but live in a different district.
If you are not sure which is your home library district, take a look at this map of the seven library districts in Lake County.
You can also enter your address here to see which library district you pay taxes to (use the Search by Address tab).
Recognizing the importance of volunteers and their service, the Lake County Public Library presents special "fine free" library cards.
Adult Gold Cards
Volunteers (18 years or older) who complete 100 hours of service will earn a Gold Card. The Gold Card may only be used by the named cardholder and not by any other family member.
Juvenile Silver Cards
Juvenile volunteers (under the age of 18) who complete 50 hours of volunteer service will earn a Silver Card. The Silver Card may only be used by the named cardholder and not by any other family member. The card will expire on the 18th birthday of the cardholder but can be renewed annually as long as the volunteer is actively volunteering. The Silver cardholder has until his/her 21st birthday to earn the additional 50 volunteers hours to convert to a Gold card.
Gold and Silver Cardholders' Responsibilities
Do not lend card to family members or friends.
Use your card (library purges all library cards after three years with no use).
Renew or return materials if you receive an overdue notice.
Pay for lost or damaged materials when you are billed.
Follow the Library's Code of Conduct.
Failure to follow the above could result in loss of your special library card privileges.
