Get a Library Card 

Salem Public Library is a member of the Chemeketa Cooperative Regional Library System (CCRLS). It offers several types of library cards.

Apply in Person

Visit any library service desk and bring the following:

• A valid government-issued photo ID with your current home address (such as an Oregon driver’s license or state ID card).
• Or, if your ID does not include your current address, bring one government-issued ID (like a passport or out-of-state driver’s license) and proof of your current address. Examples of proof include:
• Utility bills (gas, water, sewer, garbage, electricity)
• Phone, cable or internet bills
• Bank statements
• Rental or lease agreements
• Property deeds

If you are under 16 years old, you must bring a parent or guardian with you.

Apply Online

You can apply for a temporary library account online through the Chemeketa Cooperative Regional Library System registration page. This account gives you immediate access to online and downloadable services. To complete your registration and receive a physical library card, visit the library within 90 days.

Types of Library Cards

Full-Service Card

A full-service card allows you to:

• Check out up to 50 items at a time.
• Place holds on up to 25 items.
• Access research tools and online resources through the library website.
• Download eBooks and eAudiobooks using Libby and cloudLibrary.
• Stream movies with Kanopy.
• Check out Cultural Passes and Library of Things items.
• Use your card at all public libraries in the Chemeketa Cooperative Regional Library System.

Eligibility for a Full-Service Card

1. Salem Residents: If you live or own property within Salem city limits, you already pay for library services through your property taxes. There is no additional fee.
   
   
2. Non-Residents: If you live outside Salem city limits but within the Chemeketa Cooperative Regional Library System area (Yamhill, Polk, and Marion counties), you can purchase a full-service card for $75 per household per year. Each household member will receive a card.
   
   
3. Out-of-District Residents: If you live outside both Salem city limits and the Chemeketa Cooperative Regional Library System area, you can purchase a full-service card for $100 per household per year. Each household member will receive a card.

Limited-Use Cards

Adult Limited-Use Card

Adults who live outside Salem city limits but within the Chemeketa Cooperative Regional Library System area can receive a free basic card. This card allows you to:

• Check out up to 10 items at a time from any library in the system.
• Place holds on up to 10 items.
• Access some online library resources for research and information.
• Download eBooks and eAudiobooks using Libby.
• Stream movies with Kanopy.
• Use all Salem Public Library services and collections when visiting the Main Library or the West Salem Branch.

Youth C.A.R.E. Card

Children and teens ages 0–18 who live outside Salem city limits but within the Chemeketa Cooperative Regional Library System area (Yamhill, Polk, and Marion counties) can apply for a C.A.R.E. (Create A Reader Everyday) Card. This card allows the cardholder to:

• Borrow up to 25 children’s or teen items from any library in the system.
• Place holds on up to 25 children’s or teen items.
• Access some online library resources for research and information.
• Download eBooks and eAudiobooks using Libby.
• Stream movies with Kanopy.
• Use all Salem Public Library services and collections when visiting the Main Library or the West Salem Branch.

Passport Card

Salem Public Library participates in the Oregon Library Passport Program. An active library card from another participating library must be provided.

Agency Card

The Salem Public Library offers an Agency Card for agencies, non-profit organizations, or institutions located within Salem city limits. The card must be renewed each year. Borrowed materials follow the library’s standard loan and renewal policies, including rules for damaged or lost items.

For more information, contact the Salem Public Library at library@cityofsalem.net or 503-588-6315.

Protect Your Library Card

You are responsible for all items checked out on your library card. To protect your account, keep your card secure, just as you would a credit card.

• If your card is lost, notify us immediately so we can place a hold on the account to prevent unauthorized use.
• Please let us know if you move or change your phone number or email address. Keeping your contact information up to date ensures you receive notifications about reserved items and overdue materials.
• If you have not used your library card in two years, you will need to apply for a new one.

City Limits
Not sure if you live within Salem city limits?

Use the city limits map to check. You can select an area on the map or type in an address to find out if it is inside or outside Salem city limits and which county it belongs to. You can also view a full-screen version of the map in a new window.