Get a Library Card

All residents of the State of California are eligible to get a library card.

Applicants must provide photo identification and proof of mailing address with the application:

  • Photo ID may include California driver’s license or California ID, student or work photo ID, passport, or any other state or federal issued photo ID.
  • Proof of mailing address, if not on the photo ID, may include a piece of mail received at the customer’s current address, a utility bill, rental agreement, personalized check, or car registration.
  • Valid email address: it is recommended that applicants provide an email address in order to receive important information about the cardholder's account, including due date reminder notices and auto renewal notices.

For children (ages 0 to 12) and teens (ages 13-17) a parent or legal guardian must be present to sign their child or teen’s library card application when applying in person. Parent/legal guardian must provide ID/proof of address as described above. Parents/guardians are responsible for all materials borrowed on cards belonging to their children who are under the age of 18.

Applications are accepted in person and via email.

In-person: Applications are welcome at any time during the library's open hours, except in the 15 minutes before the library closes. 

Email: Applications via email must include a signed library card application(PDF, 232KB) with the photocopy/scan/photo of their state-issued ID and proof of address as described above. Send to: library@southpasadenaca.gov. 

  • The email address on the application must be the same as the address from which the library card application is sent.
  • Email applicants will be issued a library card number via email and a physical card will be sent via USPS; email applicants cannot pick up new cards in person. If you wish to pick up a card in person, please visit the library to apply for a card.

General Information

Eligibility: Anyone who wishes to borrow materials from the South Pasadena Public Library is required to have a South Pasadena Public Library card. South Pasadena residency is not required. There is no charge for a first-time library card. 

Application: Each library card applicant or the parent or guardian must complete and sign a library card application. Adults must present valid identification with verification of current address. A parent or legal guardian must sign a minor's application as well. Download the Library Card Application(PDF, 232KB).(PDF, 537KB)

Identification: Examples of acceptable forms of identification are a valid driver’s license, a current California State ID card, an up-to-date student body card, and an active military ID card.

Proof of Address: If the acceptable form of ID presented does not contain a current address, documentation verifying current address needs to be combined with the ID. Examples of documentation bearing the applicant’s name that can be used to verify a current address are a recent rent receipt, pre-printed personal checks, and a recently postmarked letter delivered by U.S. Mail.

No Limitations:
 If acceptable ID is shown at the time of application, the borrower's card will be issued and can be used immediately without limitations.

Borrowers Under 18: Minors of any age are eligible for a library card in their own name as long as a parent or legal guardian completes and signs the application and shows ID with proof of current address at the time of application. By signing the application the parent or legal guardian accepts responsibility for all material checked out on the minor’s card.

Teachers and Classes: Teachers with School ID can apply for Educator Cards that permit longer loan periods and extended borrowing limits. Teachers scheduling class visits are encouraged to consult with a Children’s Librarian beforehand about the guidelines for registering multiple students with parent/legal guardian signed applications during the visit.

Signature Statement -- Library Card Application:
"I agree to comply with the rules of the South Pasadena Public Library and to accept financial responsibility for all items borrowed on this card.”

Replacement Cards: Cards whose barcodes cannot be read due to wear will be replaced free of charge.

Lost or Stolen: Library cards should be safeguarded as would a credit card. Lost or stolen cards should be reported to the library immediately. Once reported, a block will promptly be placed on a missing card. A new card will be needed in order to check out materials.