Find high quality resources using our subscription databases, Libguides created by our librarians, and other online resources here.
To get a library card, you can:
Anyone who resides, works, pays property taxes or attends school in the District of Columbia can get a card. Library cards expire after three years. Library cards can only be renewed in person at any DC Public Library branch. We ask you to renew in person to make sure that we have all of your current contact information.
Or, if you are a resident of one of the following counties or cities you can get a DC Public Library Card for free:
If you live elsewhere, you can apply and pay for a nonresident card.
Please note: The DC Public Library is not permitted to issue electronic download only cards to those outside our service area (as listed above - D.C., Maryland and Virginia). If you live outside these areas, you may apply for a regular library card by visiting any library location in person. The cost is $20, and the card is good for one year.
Adults must present two current forms of traceable identification, one to prove identity and one to prove place of residence. Examples include:
We also ask for your e-mail address, which is used to provide you with library information ONLY, including notice of items on hold or due, and information about library services and activities.
Please report the loss at once to any branch library, by phone or in person. You are responsible for materials taken out with the card until the card is reported lost or stolen. The library charges a small fee for a new card.
Online registrations expire after thirty (30) days; otherwise cards expire after three (3) years. If your card has expired, please visit any library location to renew. Library cards can only be renewed in person at any DC Public Library branch. We ask you to renew in person to make sure that we have all of your current contact information.
If you need to update your account information, please visit any library location and staff will help you. If changing your address, make sure to bring identification with you that proves identity and place of residence (see examples of accepted identification). If you have forgotten your PIN, please visit this page to reset it.
Looking for a job, internship, or volunteer opportunities?
DC Public Library will be a host site for Mayor Marion S. Barry's 2017 Summer Youth Employment Program (MBSYEP). Every summer, youth work in the neighborhood libraries by helping customers, shelve books, and learn new skills to put on their applications and resumes. Youth applications became available on January 27th, 2017 at 12:00pm. Applications must be received by Saturday, March 4th, 2017 (** date extended**)!
Visit one of the pages below for links to helpful information and resources.
The DC Public Library and the D.C. Public Schools have teamed up to suggest books you might enjoy. The lists include a variety of books for seventh- to 12th-graders, to satisfy every reading interest.
Find an award-winning book to read by visiting the links below. Please note that the library may not always have every title available. Award lists are updated annually.
Use the library 24 hours a day from anywhere to find information to help you with your homework, all free with your DC Public Library Card:
Our staff will help you find information to help you do your homework. View locations and hours of DC Public Libraries.
Place item holds remotely, renew materials, scan books to find them in the library collection, find library locations and much more. Best of all, like the DC Public Library, it's free!
The library offers eBooks for multiple platforms, including Kindle, Nook, and other types of eReaders with the OverDrive app.
Follow DC Public Library's podcasts to get a glimpse into the minds of library customers and staff. Find out more on our Podcasts page.
We also have presences nearly everywhere you like to play, read and interact online:
Download and Stream
eBooks, audiobooks, magazines, music, and video or continue your life-long learning with online courses. All free with your DC Public Library card.
eBooks & Audiobooks in OverDrive
Popular best-selling fiction and nonfiction titles, including kids and young adult books, available for streaming and download to your mobile device or desktop computer. For instructions visit our OverDrive guide.
Safari eBooks Online
Current and up-to-date eBooks in Computer Technology, Programming, and Personal & Professional Development from top publishers such as O’Reilly, Sams, Microsoft Press and more.
RBdigital Magazines (formerly Zinio Digital Magazines)
Read popular magazines on your tablet, mobile device or computer. Zinio customers can continue to use their same login credentials to access magazines in the new RBdigital Magazines app. On September 8, 2017 the Zinio for Libraries app will be discontinued. For instructions visit our RBdigital Magazines guide.
Access Videos on Demand
Stream world-class documentaries, award-winning educational films, and instructional videos from PBS, BBC, History Channel, A&E, National Geographic, Ken Burns and other respected sources.
Criterion Collection
A selection of the most significant films of all time.
InstantFlix: Powered by IndieFlix
Thousands of award-winning independent movies, shorts, documentaries and web series from major film festivals from around the world.
Video in OverDrive
Classic films, modern features, documentaries, children’s videos and more.
Visit our Video Collection for more online streaming.
Learning Express Library
Study guides and test-preparation books to prepare for tests or pass licensing, certification or competitive entry-level exams. Topics include high school standardized tests, GED test, graduate school exams, civil service, U.S. citizenship, math, writing, and military.
Lynda.com
Free unlimited access to high-quality instructional videos taught by industry experts on topics such as Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Web design, Social Media, Business and Career Skills and much more. Videos for all levels of learners.
Universal Class
Personal and professional development classes led by real instructors who provide continuous feedback on your progress. Continuing Education Credits are available.
The Memory Lab is now open at Northeast Neighborhood Library and Studio Lab Express offers programming at Shepherd Park Neighborhood Library and other library locations throughout the city.
Please check the MLK Interim Services page for updates on the Martin Luther King Jr. Library modernization and interim services.
Sign up for email updates on the Labs at bit.ly/labs-email.
The Labs at DC Public Library, originally located at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G St. NW, is made up of spaces that give you an opportunity to learn new skills, turn your ideas into action and collaborate with others.
Scroll down for details on what the Memory Lab, Studio Lab Express and Fab Lab can do for you. You can sign up for classes for the Labs online.
The Memory Lab, at Northeast Neighborhood Library at 330 7th St. NE, provides equipment for digitizing home movies and scanning photographs and slides. You can also take classes and find resources for your personal archiving needs.
Orientations are not required but drop-ins are strongly encouraged. You must provide your own storage environment, such as an external hard drive or a Google Drive/iCloud account.
Find out more at dclibrary.org/labs/memorylab.
Studio Lab Express will explore innovative DIY classes, events and experiences focused on exploring, learning about and celebrating the possibilities in photography, videography and music and sound recordings -- from the sparks of ideas to post-production.
Based at Shepherd Park (Juanita E. Thornton) Neighborhood Library at 7420 Georgia Ave. NW, the Studio Lab offers programs for all ages.
Get more information at dclibrary.org/labs/studio.
The Fabrication Lab -- or "Fab Lab" -- offers programs for all ages in emerging and computer-assisted technologies, along with "maker" tools old and new.
Equipment reservations are temporarily unavailable while an interim space is secured. Sign up for email updates at bit.ly/labsemail and check the MLK Interim Services page for updates on the Martin Luther King Jr. Library modernization and interim services.
Find out more at dclibrary.org/labs/fablab.
The Internet provides lots of useful information and fun activities, but the information you find is not always true or up-to-date.
The following kid-friendly search engines should make it easier for you to find good information for any purpose, kid-friendly activities and additional help with your homework. Please note that the library is not responsible for information you find through an Internet search.
To help you find accurate information for your homework, the library has provided a special Web page. Click here to get help with your homework.
Caution to kids: Sometimes you might meet people online who want to do you harm or who want to keep contacting you in order to get you to buy something. To avoid this, follow a few simple safety rules when using the Internet:
These tips were adapted from the Kids’ Pledge, a family contract for online safety from
Safe.com. Read a copy of the contract.
The following links will give you additional tips for responsible and safe Internet use as well as online manners.
Story time programs introduce young children to books, rhymes, music and other fun activities. Every week the library offers programs matched to the typical attention spans and developmental levels of different ages of children. Library story times incorporate the early literacy skills, such as vocabulary building, phonological awareness, and letter knowledge, that children must master before they can learn to read.
Click here to find a story time near you.
DC Public Library offers adult literacy services through the Adult Literacy Resource Center. Learn more.
The Adult Literacy Resource Center is located in
Library Express at 1990 K St. NW, lower level (entrance on 20th St between K St. and I St.)
during the MLK Jr. Memorial Library's modernization.
For more info, please call 202-727-1616.
NOTE: The Adult Literacy Center no longer offers proctoring services. Contact the College Information Center for more information on proctoring services, at 202-442-8398.
If you think you need to improve your reading, writing and math skills for the GED test, you can call our Literacy Helpline at 202-727-2431 for information about organizations that offer classes. You can also use our directory to find classes as well. Click here for our directory which lists GED and literacy classes.
Call 202-727-1616 for more information about Skills Tutor, Internet-delivered basic reading, math, workforce readiness and "employability" skills for adult learners.
