Library Cards
Your library card is the smartest card in your wallet -- and it's free! Getting a library card provides you access to a wealth of information, including materials at the Oro Valley Public Library and throughout the entire Pima County Public Library System. Your library card also provides you free access to online resources, including Databases and Online Collections, to assist you with your research.
On this page, you will find answers to these questions:
- How do I get a library card? (Adults, Teens, Children, Winter Visitors)
- What are linked library cards?
- How do I replace a lost or stolen card?
- How can I update my library card information?
- Can I use the online databases without visiting the library to apply for a card?
- What are my responsibilities as a cardholder?
How do I get a library card?
Come in to the Oro Valley Public Library or any of the other locations. Your first card is free.
Adults (age 18 and up)
With a valid photo I.D. with name (i.e. Driver's License, DES, Food Stamp Card, Bank/Credit Union Card, State I.D., Military, School, etc.), and verification of your current address, you will be issued a full service card that enables you to check out up to 25 items. If your current address is listed on the photo I.D., no further documentation is needed for the full service card. With a photo I.D. but no proof of current local address, you will be issued a limited card and be allowed to check out 2 items. Adult library cards are valid for three years from the date of registration and may be renewed at the three-year anniversary date.
General Delivery is accepted as an address to issue a limited card only with a 2 item check out limit.
To upgrade to a full service card, you must provide verification of your current address.
Teens (age 13 through 17)
You may apply for a library card with limited borrowing privileges (5 items). To apply or upgrade to a full service library card, your parent/legal guardian's information and ID is required.
Children (up to 12 years old)
You may apply for a library card with limited borrowing privileges (2 items).
To apply or upgrade to a full service library card your parent/legal guardian's information and ID is required.
Winter Visitors
If you have a local address: If you are visiting Tucson or Pima County for an extended period and have a local address, you may receive a library card with full borrowing privileges. Please bring photo I.D. and proof of your current local address. If you do not have a local address: You may receive a limited card with a 2 item check out limit. Please bring a photo I.D. to the service desk. Read a Printer-friendly quick information sheet about your library card.What are linked library cards?
Library cards can be linked together to allow any person in the linked group to pick up and check out library reserves for anyone in the linked group. Linked cards allow quick access to view account information of persons in the linked group. Library cards must be linked at the library information desks. For more information on linked library cards, visit Pima County Public Library's webpage, Library Cards - Linked Library Cards.
How do I replace a lost or stolen library card?
Report the lost or stolen card immediately so that no one can use your card to check out. You are responsible for all items checked out on your card. Bring your photo I.D. to the information desk of the Oro Valley Public Library or any Pima County Public Library branch. See the section above about what I.D. to bring.
There is a small cost for a replacement card: Adult (18+ ): $1.50
Children and Teens (0-17): $0.50
How can I update my library card information?
Library cards will expire on a regular basis to ensure we have the correct information in our records. The verification of information and updating of the expiration date must be processed by a library staff person once it has expired.
To prevent your card from expiring, when you visit the library, ask library staff to check your expiration date and update your card if needed.
You can update your library card prior to its expiration online or in-person at the library.
Update Your Library Card Online
- Login to My Account
- Click on the Modify Personal Information link
- Change your address, phone, email address, or notification preference
- Hit Submit
- Logout
Update Your Library Card In-Person at the Library
Come to the information desk to update your library card. Please have your library card handy.
If your card is expired, call your local library ready with your library card and explain to staff that your card has expired. After verifying the information, the card will be updated to expire in another three years and may be used immediately.
Can I use the online databases without visiting the library to apply for a card?
Yes, you must be a Pima County resident. Those outside Pima County are not eligible for this service.
Fill out Pima County Public Library's online application, and the library will email you a database access code to use to login. Once received, you can use the online databases by logging in with your name and database access code.
What are my responsibilities as a cardholder?
Every cardholder must adhere to the library's Borrower's Agreement. Read the agreement.