Get a Library Card

​​Library cards are free to residents and property owners of Salem. Live outside the city limits? There’s a card for you. Salem Public Library is a member of the Chemeketa Cooperative Regional Library System (CCRLS). This membership gives you access to ma​​​ny of the items available at the other member libraries.​

​Step 1: Gather what you need to apply

You will need the following items to get a library card:

• A valid, government issued picture identification (such as a current Oregon driver license or identification card), which includes your current home address, or

• One form of government ID (passport, out-of-state driver license, etc.) and one of the following:
• Gas, sewer, water, garbage, or electricity bill
• Phone service or cell phone bill
• Cable or internet bill
• Rental or lease agreement
• Deeds

• If you are under 16, bring a parent or guardian with you.

Step 2: Go to the library

Take the required items to the check out desk at any library location to get your library card.

You can apply for a temporary account online, but will need to complete the registration for a card at the library. See the CCRLS registration page for information.

Card types

Three types of cards are available: a full-service card, a limited-use card for adults, and a limited-use card for kids.

Full-service card

With a full-service card you can:

• Check out 50 items at one time.
• Place holds on items
• Access databases for research from the library, home, or office
• Learn a new language
• Use a computer at the library
• Access CCRLS-provided electronic resources and databases
• Access eBooks
• Use your card at all public libraries within the CCRLS area, including Chemeketa Community College

1. Salem Resident: 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 and there is no fee. 

2. Non-Resident: If you live outside the city limits of Salem but within the CCRLS area (Yamhill, Polk, and Marion counties) and wish to receive a full-service card, you can purchase a library card for $60 per household per year. This entitles each member of the household to receive a full-service library card for one year.

3. Out-of-District Resident: 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 entitles each member of the household to receive a full-service library card for one year.​

​Not su​​​re if you’re in the city limits?

Use​​ this map tool​ to fin​d ou​​​​​​​​t.

​Limited use cards

A limited-use card is available for both adults and kids.

Adult card

Adults living outside the city limits of Salem, but within the CCRLS area (Yamhill, Polk, and Marion counties) 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 10 items from any CCRLS library at a time.
• Place 10 holds  at a time.
• Remotely accesss many of our online resources.
• Use all Salem Public Library services and collections when you visit either library.

Kids card

Children living outside the city limits of Salem, but within the CCRLS area (Yamhill, Polk, and Marion counties) and who are ages 18 and younger are offered a card through the C.A.R.E. (Create A Reader Everyday) program established by CCRLS. Create A Reader Everyday card holders can check out up to 25 items from the children’s and young adult collections and can reserve up to 25 items.

​Protect your library card

• ​Items checked out on your card are your responsibility. Treat your library 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.

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

• You will be asked to apply for a new card if you have not used your card within two years.