Your Fulton County Library System card can open the door to a world of information. The library system offers books, eBooks, e-Audiobooks, DVDs, CDs, books on CD, books on MP3, and videos for you to borrow to use and enjoy, with additional services available online through the library system’s website. Cardholders may borrow up to 50 items at one time. Cardholders may also reserve meeting rooms at no charge.
How to apply for a library card
Visit one of Fulton County Library System's 34 branches, complete an application, show us some identification with your current name and address, and we’ll issue you a card that you can use right away. You’re welcome to apply online too. After you submit the application online, you will receive an email with instructions on how to permanently activate your card at any branch. Once you have picked up your card you may begin enjoying all the resources the library has to offer. Please note, that upon completing your library card application, you will be added to our patron e-news list. You can opt out at any time, should you not wish to receive news and updates from the Library System.
How do I get a library card if the library is closed?
Residents who do not currently have a library card can apply for one online and have a temporary library card issued, the "Online Library Card Application." The card will allow access to one of our most popular digital resources, OverDrive, as well as the Libby app for downloading of ebooks and audiobooks. To convert this online card to a physical card simply visit one of Fulton County Library System's 34 locations, show us some identification with your current name and address, and we’ll issue you a physical card that you can use right away.
Who can apply for a library card?
We issue free cards to everyone who lives in Fulton County, as well as people who live inside the legal city limits of the City of Atlanta, including the part of the City of Atlanta that is in DeKalb County.
We also issue free cards to people who are currently teaching in Fulton County and the City of Atlanta in DeKalb, (including homeschooling parents), to people who are going to a school in Fulton County and the City of Atlanta in DeKalb, and to people who own property or a business in the area.
Please note: Sometimes people who have an Atlanta mailing address may not live in Fulton County or in the City of Atlanta in DeKalb. We’ll be happy to check your address.
Library cards for children
Children enjoy libraries, and parents are invited to apply for even the youngest members of their family. A parent or legal guardian must sign applications for children who are under 13 years old.
Library cards for teachers
We support education! If you teach at any licensed educational organization in Fulton County or in the City of Atlanta, including the City of Atlanta in DeKalb, or if you are a homeschooling parent in the same area, we offer you an educator’s card.
Library cards for business and property owners
When you own a business or property in Fulton County or the City of Atlanta in DeKalb you’re eligible for a free library card with the Fulton County Library System. Visit any of our branches, complete a short application, and show us a current business license or current paid property tax bill. In many cases, we can issue a card right away. We do need the signature of the business or property owner before we can open the account.
Non-residents' cards
Non-residents may apply for a library card at any of our library branches by completing an application, showing identification with a current name and address, and paying a non-refundable fee of $40 per person per year. The $40 fee gives you full borrowing privileges with the Fulton County Library System.
Identification requirements for a library card
Here are some kinds of identification that you can use to obtain or activate your library card. To obtain a library card, you must show a form (or forms) of identification that shows who you are and where you live.
• Driver's license
• Student ID card
• Voter registration card
• Printed checks with current address
• Rent receipts or lease
• Social services identification
• Fulton County property tax receipts
• Current utility bill
• Parent/Guardians may use their ID to obtain cards for their children
Your Privacy
The Fulton County Library System will follow applicable Federal and State laws relating to the confidentiality of library records.
Using Your Card / Your Responsibilities
You are responsible for all items borrowed on your card. Most cards are valid for two years. Renew your card by presenting the card and identification with your current name and residential address at any library branch. We will renew your card after you have cleared all fines, fees, and overdue materials from your record. You may use your library card to borrow at all libraries in the Fulton County Library System (except the Auburn Avenue Research Library, a special collection all of whose materials must be used on the premises). You will need your library card to borrow materials and to use library computers. Library cards are issued to an individual and the library system expects the card to be used only by the person who signed it. Special situations will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
Lost or Stolen Cards
If your card is lost or stolen, please notify the library system immediately. This can be done by calling your nearest branch. Replacement cards cost $1 each.
Borrowing & Returning
Items checked out can be returned to any branch. This does not include interlibrary loan items. Interlibrary loan items must be returned to the branch where they were checked out.
Loan Periods: You may borrow up to 50 items for the following time periods:
• Popular or "Browse" Materials - 14 days (no renewals)
• CDs - 28 days (10 per card, two renewals)
• DVDs and VHS - 7 days (5 per card, two renewals)
• All other materials - 28 days
Renewals: Avoid library fines! You may renew most materials two times. Popular or "Browse" materials and anything that’s been requested by another library patron cannot be renewed. You may renew materials by visiting your account, logging on to your account using your library card number and your PIN, and renewing your checkouts. We strongly encourage you to return materials by the due date. Overdue materials will impact your borrowing privileges.
Fines / Lost & Damaged Items
Fines for overdue materials are as follows:
• Adult/Young Adult Books and other materials - 10 cents a day, maximum
$5 per item
• Adult/Young Adult DVDs and Videos - $1 per day, maximum $5 per item
• Children's books - 5 cents a day, maximum $3 per item
• Children's VHS and DVDs - $1 per day, maximum $3 per item
• Lost library cards - replacement cards cost $1 each
Lost & Damaged Materials: Replacement cost for lost or damaged materials is based on the library's average cost charts. Please save your receipt when you pay for lost or damaged material. If you find library materials you have paid for within 30 days of the payment date, bring the material and your receipt to your library branch to receive a refund. The library system cannot issue refunds more than 30 days after you’ve paid for the material.
Theft: Anyone stealing or damaging material with intent to steal will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
