Get a Card

library cards
 

Individuals displaced by Hurricane Helene may apply for a free temporary Borrower card or Computer User card by visiting any GCLS location:

  • For a temporary Borrower card, photo ID & proof of your temporary residential address are required. Checkout limited to two items at a time. Card initially valid for one month.
     
  • For a Computer User card, only photo ID is required.
 

Get a Greenville County Library System card for free access to books, music, movies, and TV shows to borrow, download, or stream. Use your Library card to search online databases, use public computers, check out museum and park passes, and much, much more.

 

Greenville County Resident Cards

 
  • Cost: Free (replacement card: $1)
  • Minors ages 17 and under can get a card if a parent or guardian signs the application and shows a form of valid ID with proof of address. / Aquí está la solicitud en español para una tarjeta de la biblioteca
  • If minor is not present when application is completed, proof of minor’s existence is required, such as a birth certificate, report card, social security card, insurance card, or school ID
  • Free canvas tote bag for ages 5-12 with first library card
  • Juvenile, Teen, and Unrestricted Minor cardholders cannot access museum & park passes or reserve meeting spaces.

Ages 0–4

  • Little Learners Card
  • Checkout limits: 20 picture books and 10 children’s music CDs
  • Learn about our Little Learners Club

Ages 5–17

  • Juvenile Card
    • Checkout limits: Standard, but with the following exceptions:
    • Patrons with this card type may only borrow juvenile materials, and access public computers and online databases.
    • Patrons with this card type cannot access Interlibrary loan.
  • Teen Card
    • Checkout limits: Standard, but with the following exceptions:
    • Patrons with this card type may only borrow juvenile and young adult materials, and access public computers and online databases.
    • Patrons with this card type cannot access Interlibrary loan.
  • Unrestricted Minor Card
    • Checkout limits: Standard, including the ability to borrow juvenile, young adult, and adult materials; and access public computers, online databases, Interlibrary Loan Service, and digital materials.
  • Ages 18+
  • Cost: Free (replacement card: $1)
  • Required: Photo ID & proof of address
  • Checkout limits: Standard
  • Card update: Every two years
  • For: Residents of Greenville County living in temporary housing.
  • Cost: Free
  • Required: Photo ID & proof of address
  • Checkout limits: Two items at a time
  • Patrons with this card type will not be able to access the following services
    • Interlibrary loan
    • Museum & park passes
    • Meeting space reservations
  • Card update: Every 90 days upon request
 

Other Card Types

 
  • For: Adults who own property in Greenville County and their children
  • Cost: Free
  • Required: Photo ID, proof of address, Greenville County property tax payment
  • Required for minors: Parent/legal guardian must complete and sign an application at any Library System location. Aquí está la solicitud en español para una tarjeta de la biblioteca.
  • If child is not present when application is completed, proof of child’s existence is required, such as a birth certificate, report card, social security card, insurance card, or school ID
  • Checkout limits: Standard
  • Card update: Every year
  • For: Adults or minors who attend school in Greenville County
  • Cost: Free
  • Required: Photo ID, proof of address, proof of enrollment in Greenville County educational institution
  • Required for minors: Parent/legal guardian must complete and sign an application at any Library System location. Aquí está la solicitud en español para una tarjeta de la biblioteca.
  • If child is not present when application is completed, proof of child’s existence is required, such as a birth certificate, report card, social security card, insurance card, or school ID
  • Checkout limits: Standard
  • Card update: Every year
  • For: Residents of Anderson, Laurens, Pickens, or Spartanburg County
  • Cost: Free
  • Required: Photo ID, proof of address, verification of home county library membership in good standing
  • Checkout limits before verification: Two items at a time
  • If found to be in good standing with home Library System
    • Checkout limits: Standard with the following exceptions
    • Patrons with this card type will not be able to access the following services:
      • Interlibrary loan
      • Museum & park passes
      • Download & streaming services
      • Reserve meeting rooms (available on a walk-in basis only)
  • Card update: Every year
  • For: Those who are not residents of Greenville County or one of the reciprocal Counties mentioned above
  • Cost: $46 yearly
  • Checkout limits: Standard
  • Card update: Every year
  • For: Adults ages 18+
  • Cost: Free
  • Required: Photo ID (no residency requirement)
  • Access: 3 hours use of public computers per day
  • Checkout limits: No materials may be checked out.
  • Card update: Every year

Photo ID & Proof of Address

When you arrive at your nearest Library System location to get a library card, you will need to bring a photo ID and proof of address. If your SC driver’s license or state ID card has your current address listed, that's all you need. Otherwise, bring one item from each of these lists.

Photo ID (bring one):

  • Driver’s license
  • State ID card
  • School ID card
  • Passport
  • Company ID badge
  • Matricula Consular card (issued after 2002)
  • Other government issued or internationally issued ID

Proof of Address (bring one):

  • Lease agreement or mortgage document
  • Report card with current street address
  • Utility bill (no older than 30 days)
  • Check featuring current address
  • Piece of mail featuring your street address (no PO boxes) post-marked within the last 30 days
  • Receipt from RV park or Inn or letter from shelter, agency, or employer verifying temporary housing status
  • Current paid tax bill or proof of current enrollment in school for non-resident property owners or students

Updating Your Account

Library card accounts are periodically updated. If you've provided your email address (either at registration or by updating your account online) you will receive an email notification when your account needs to be updated. You can update your account by visiting your nearest library location and presenting your library card, your photo ID, and proof of current address. During this visit, you will also need to return or renew any overdue materials and pay any outstanding fines on your account.


Cardholder's Responsibility

All Library cardholders (or parents/guardians signing for a minor cardholder) are responsible for abiding by Library policies and assume responsibility for all use of their card.

Once you sign up for a card, please:

  • Report any future changes to the account information you provide including updates to your mailing address and/or other contact information.
  • Report the loss or theft of your Library card promptly in an effort to avoid unauthorized use.
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