Sign Up for Your Library Card
It's easy to get a card with the Public Library - visit your local branch and sign up today!
Albuquerque/Bernalillo County Library cards are free.
- You must apply for a library card in-person at an ABQ-BernCo Library branch.
- You can print out the downloadable Library Card Application below, complete it and bring it to any of the Public Library branches. Or, you can request an application at a branch.
- Bring your current photo I.D. and proof of your mailing address on your first visit to the library.
- Your card is good right away at all branches of the Public Library, and for accessing all our eResources and eBooks.
- Use your library card to check out books, DVDs, audiobooks, music CDs, magazines, and more!
Downloadable Library Card Application
Already have your card? Check out our Quick Start Guide!
Why do I have to go into a library to apply for or renew a library card?
The Public Library is required legally to ensure that the patrons we serve live in the state of New Mexico. Our contracts with our electronic resource vendors, such as OverDrive/Libby and Hoopla, state that the services we pay for are intended for New Mexico state residents, whose tax dollars are used to pay for such services. As such, the Library's policy does require patrons to visit one of our 19 library branches and show their photo ID in order to apply for a library card, and to visit a branch at least once every three years with their photo ID to confirm that they still do live in New Mexico.
Checkout Limits - How Many Can I Borrow?
How many can I borrow?
| My Card Type | Total | Books & Magazines |
Media | Digital Downloads | Holds |
| Customer | 50 | 50 | 25 | varies by provider | 40 |
| Child | 25 | 25 | 25* | varies by provider | 5 |
| Youth | 5 | 5 | 5* | varies by provider | 5 |
| Juvenile Only | 25* | 25* | 25* | varies by provider | 5* |
| Adult Limit | 2 | 2 | 2 | varies by provider | 2 |
*Children's materials only
Checkout Periods & Renewing
Checkout Periods & Renewing
Renew your items:
- In person at any of the Public Library locations.
- Online using My Account, using computers at Library locations or from home/personal computers, 24 hours a day.
- By phone by calling Customer Service at 505-768-5141 or any branch during our regular hours. Please have your library card number available when calling.
Items may not renew because:
- the item is on hold for another borrower.
- the item is provided through the InterLibrary Loan service (ILL).
- the item is more than 28 days overdue.
- the item has been renewed the maximum number of times.
Checkout Periods
- All items: 3 weeks
- Digital Downloads
- eBooks and eAudiobooks: varies by service
- Freegal Music: 5 songs download per week and unlimited daily streaming
- hoopla: 5 items per calendar month (NM residents only)
NM State Library Resources
New Mexico State Library Resources
Are you unable to visit a library branch and apply for a Public Library of Albuquerque and Bernalillo County library card? If you are a New Mexico resident, we encourage you to take advantage of the wonderful and free online resources provided by the New Mexico State Library!
In addition to the online databases available through the New Mexico State Library, New Mexico residents can also access the Palace Project for free! The Palace Project is a reading app that contains a bookshelf of more than 15,000 eBooks and eAudiobooks. The Palace Project App can be downloaded onto Android or Apple phones and tablets. Simply download the app from your app store, search for New Mexico State Library, and start browsing! If you don't already have a New Mexico State Library card, you can get one in the Palace App in just a few minutes.
