Library Cards

Your Library Card is your ticket to a diverse spectrum of 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. 

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 , or at any Chemeketa Cooperative Regional Library Service (CCRLS) library.

Required Identification 
When you come to apply for your library card, you should bring valid Picture ID (such as a current Oregon Driver License or ID Card) that has your current residence on it. If you do not have the current residence on your Picture ID, we will need a current utility bill for verification of address.

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 two 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 theCCRLS 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 throug 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 three 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 limited-use card for each household member. The limited-use card allows one item from any CCRLS library to be checked out to the cardholder at any 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.   

• Items checked out on your card are your responsibility. Treat your card as you would a credit card. Lending your card to others is not a good idea. 

• If you lose your card, please let us know immediately. We can place a "stop" on the card to prevent others from using it. Replacement cards cost $1. 

• If you do not have your library card with you, you can still check out materials with a valid piece of identification such as a current Oregon Driver's License.

• Please inform us if you move or change your telephone number. Our electronic system for notifying patrons about reserves and overdue fines requires up-to-date telephone information.

• If you have not used your card within two years, you will be asked to apply for a new one.