Apply for a Library Card Online

By Lynn Hutchins | Information and Circulation Department, Central Library

Did you know you can get a library card online?

What CAN I do with my eCard?

An eCard gives you immediate access to the following:

• Electronic resources – magazine, newspaper, and journal articles from online databases.
• Place reserves using our online catalog (We will upgrade you to a full-use library card when you pick up your items, so please bring appropriate identification at that time.)
• Access Downloadable Audiobooks and eBooks (You will need to come to the library to upgrade your card to a full-use library card after a month.)

What CAN'T I do with my eCard?

You will be asked to upgrade to a full-use library in order to do the following:

• Check out items from any of the 40 Jefferson County public libraries
• Access the Internet from any library public access computer (Public computers can be accessed with full-use cards, limited-use cards, or guest passes. You can get a limited-use card if you are unable to provide verification by picture ID and/or some acceptable proof of address. A limited-use card is for PC use only.)

You can sign up right now online and begin browsing the Birmingham Public Library’s collections and resources today.

Your eCard will expire in one month. Be sure to upgrade to a Full-Use Library Card so you can check out materials from any public library in Jefferson County, Alabama. You can email the circulation department for a quick upgrade at bplcirc@cobpl.org.

Being a cardholder and accessing these services is free.