For immediate access to the catalog and to place a hold, you can register for a temporary online card by going to the Catalog > click on "Patron Account" > click on the link in the sentence "If you are not registered for library services, click here to register now" Temporary card numbers will expire after 30 days. To finish your registration and get your permanent library card, please come to the branch you designated in your registration. Be sure to bring a photo ID with your current address. For a permanent library account please follow the guidelines below:

• Library cards are free to all residents of the state of Maryland.
• Cards are issued at any Washington County Branch
• Out-of-State Library cards are available to residents within the tri-state area (Central/Western PA, and the Eastern Panhandle of WV) for a fee of $18/year

Adult Card

A state-issued photo ID and proof of address must be presented to receive a library card:

• Maryland Drivers license with current address

If photo ID does not have the current address, please present the ID plus 2 forms of proof of current address. Acceptable forms of proof of address are:

• Maryland voter's registration card
• Rental receipt, lease or deed
• Postmarked official mail (e.g. utility bill)
• Vehicle registration
• Checks imprinted with name and address
• Washington County tax bill with correct address
• Current pay stub
• current library card from any public library system in Maryland

Juvenile Card

Children below the age of 14 will be issued a Juvenile card. To receive a card the child must be accompanied by a parent/guardian with the required ID.

Young Adult(YA) Card

Minors between the ages of 14-17 will be issued a Young Adult (YA) card. To receive a card the teen must be accompanied by a parent/guardian with the required ID, or present:

• Maryland Photo ID with current address
• Rental receipt, lease or deed
• Postmarked mail (must be accompanied by ID verifying name)
• Vehicle registration
• Checks imprinted with name and address
• School ID
• Learner’s Permit
• If the teen already has a card, he or she may present the card to be upgraded to YA status when they turn 14. YA card holder privileges are limited to borrowing DVD's from the YA collection, but may borrow books from both the YA and Adult collections.

Lost Card

Please report lost or stolen card to library staff immediately. There will be a waiting period of 60 days before a replacement card is issued, allowing time to locate your lost card. You must use I.D. to check out materials during the waiting period. When your new card is issued, you will be charged a replacement fee of $1.00.

Expired Card

Library cards expire every three years in order to make sure that we have your current contact information. In order to renew your card, visit your nearest branch and have your Library card and proof of current address handy. There is no charge to renew your card for Maryland Residents.

Non-Maryland Residents within the tri-state area (Central/Western PA, and the Eastern Panhandle of WV) will have to update their cards yearly and pay the $18 renewal fee.