Library Card

• How and Where to Apply
• Eligibility
• Renewing Cards
• Lost Cards

Where and How to Apply

• To apply for a library card, you must come to the library in person
• You will then fill out a registration form.

Personal Identification Is Needed

• Personal identification and proof of current street address is required for registration.
• P.O. boxes are not accepted
• Acceptable Identification (with printed current street address)
  • Driver's license with current street address printed on the front
  • Checkbook
  • Bank statement
  • Utility bill
  • Auto registration
  • Lease agreement
  • Tax statemen

Library Card Use

• Portsmouth Public Library cards are not transferable.
• Please have your library card with you when borrowing materials

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Library Card Eligibility

Free Cards are issued to...

• Residents of Portsmouth.
• Persons aged 5 and over are entitled to a card in their individual name.
• Students in Portsmouth Schools, including those from other towns.
• City of Portsmouth Employees. (Please bring most recent paycheck stub for verification)
• Portsmouth Property Owners
• Businesses, non-profit organizations, day care centers, nursery schools and state agencies located within the city are also eligible for a "business" library card. For more detailed information about business library cards, click here.

Purchased Cards

• Persons not living in Portsmouth may purchase a library card
• Available as a family membership. All users must reside in the same household.
• Cost
  • $80 for one year
  • $45 for six months
  • Senior rate (65 years or older) $75.00/$40.00
  • Fee is set by the Board of Trustees & the City of Portsmouth
• Non Portsmouth businesses, organizations & schools are not eligible for a Portsmouth library card

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Renewing Your Library Card

• Library cards are valid for two years.
• To re-register, proof of current residence must be shown.
• Library cards will not be renewed for borrowers with outstanding overdue items or fines, until their account is cleared.

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Lost Library Cards

• You are responsible for all materials taken out on your card until the date the card is reported lost.
• Report your lost card immediately.
• If your card is not found after one month a new card may be issued for a charge of $1.00.