Search
Close this search box.

Borrowing Materials

Getting a Library Card

It's easy to get a library card!

Your library card unlocks so many of our services and resources. Apply now to get your card and enrich your life with everything the library has to offer.

Library Card

Borrowing Books

Find all of the details about borrowing books and other materials from the library including how to Renew, Hold, or Return what you’ve checked out, in addition to helpful information on Check Out Periods and Fines.

Get a Library Card

Getting a library card is easy!

You can apply using our online form and get a temporary library card number. You are not able to access our online and downloadable services with a temporary card number, although this does allow you to enter your details for yourself.

For more information on the three different types of cards, see below or (click here to see types).

Who can get a Metro or Metro Lite card?

  • Anyone from Marion, Cedar Rapids, or Hiawatha
  • Anyone from communities who contract with the Metro Libraries (Robins, Alburnett, rural Linn County)
  • Other Linn County communities with public libraries
  • Other Iowa communities with public libraries that participate in Open Access

Library card applications for Metro and Metro Lite cards for children from birth through age 13 must be signed by a parent or legal guardian. Both child and guardian must be present.

If you don’t have current I.D., you can get a Quick Library Card that limits you to checking out no more than three items and limits your holds to five. Quick Cards must be renewed after 12 checkouts.

Whichever card you apply for, you’ll get your card right away and can start taking advantage of all the services we offer.