Your Library Card is your ticket to use of the Salem Public Library collections and services. Your card can be used to check out materials, place holds, and access databases from the library, or your home or office. This website can also provide helpful card-holder information about check-out periods, fines, options for renewing items you already have checked out, how to reserve materials and more.

Applying for a Library Card
You can apply for a library card in person during regular service hours at the Salem Public Library's Central Library or West Salem Branch.

Required Identification 
When you come to apply for a library card, you will need to bring proof of your identity and proof of your current address. The preferred proof is a valid, government issued picture identification (such as a current Oregon drivers license or identification card), which includes your current home address.

If this is not available, Salem Public Library will also accept other forms of government ID (passports, out-of-state drivers' licenses, etc.) coupled with a current utility bill or other acceptable items that verify your current address. Other acceptable items include recent:

• Gas/sewer & water/garbage/electricity bill
• Phone service/cell phone bill
• Cable/internet bill
• Rental/lease Agreements
• Deeds
• Student Loan (federal government) bills    

Types of Cards

Full Service Cards
With a full-service card, you may check out 50 items at one time, with a limit of 5 items in a subject area. Only 5 DVDs and 6 magazines may be checked out at a time. There are three ways to be eligible for a full-service card:

• Salem Residents: If you live or own property within the city limits of Salem, you pay for library service as a part of your property tax bill. You may obtain a free library card. Your Salem Library card can be used at all public libraries within the CCRLS area. This library card is also accepted at Chemeketa Community College.
• Non-Residents: If you live outside the city limits of Salem and do not pay property taxes to the City of Salem but do live within the CCRLS area (Yamhill, Polk, Marion, and parts of Linn County), you can purchase a full-service library card for $60 per year per household.
• Out-of-District Residents: If you live both outside the City of Salem and the CCRLS area, you can purchase a full-service library card for $85 per year per household. This yearly fee covers everyone who lives at your residence, allowing each of you to receive a full-service library card.

Limited-Use Cards

• Kids Cards: Children living outside the city limits of Salem, but within the CCRLS area (Yamhill, Polk, Marion, and parts of Linn County) and who are ages 14 and younger are offered a card through the C.A.R.E. (Create A Reader Everyday) program established by CCRLS. C.A.R.E. card holders can check out up to 25 items from the children's and young adult collections and reserve up to 25 items without paying a non-resident fee. The cards are good at any participating CCRLS library in Polk, Marion, and Yamhill counties.
• Adults: Adults living outside the city limits of Salem, but within the CCRLS area (Yamhill, Polk, Marion, and parts of Linn County) who choose not to pay the annual fee will be provided with a basic card for each household member. The basic card allows the cardholder to check out one item from any CCRLS library at a time. One hold may also be on file at any given time. All Salem Public Library services and collections can still be used on the premises.