Get a Library Card

Did you receive a notice that your library card needs to be updated? Update your card online.

Library cards are free for Maryland residents. Out-of-state residents may register for a St. Mary’s County Library card for a fee of $20.00 per year.
When you apply online, you will be issued a temporary card number valid for 180 days. Before the end of 180 days, please visit one of the library locations to pick up your permanent card. Please bring a valid ID/proof of address. Be sure to write down your temporary library card number when it appears on the screen! If you didn’t save the card number when you signed up online, please contact us and include your name and birthdate. We will email you the number.
If you provide an email address when you apply online, the Library will use it for notification of requests & overdues, and communication from the Library.
Apply Online Today!

Apply In Person
- Visit any branch to apply for a Library card. Please bring valid identification and proof of current mailing address.
  - Photo proof of identity must be presented: Driver’s License, Age of Majority Card, ID issued by a state Motor Vehicle Administration, passport, military ID, ID of parent if a minor with no other ID.
  - If proof of identity does not include current mailing address, additional documentation verifying address must be provided. Proof of address can be: utility bill showing local address, checkbook showing local address, postmarked envelope from a business or professional person showing current local address. Those presenting military ID or current St. Mary’s County Public Schools ID are not required to provide additional proof of address.

Cards are free to Maryland residents.
Out-of-state residents pay $20.00 per year.
There is no minimum age to get a library card, but a parent/guardian must sign for applicants under the age of 16. A child must be present to receive a card. Your signature on your child’s application indicates that you accept responsibility for supervising your child’s use of the library. The borrower or guardian is responsible for the card’s security, for any material checked out, and for any charges incurred.
Customers should report lost or stolen cards immediately as well as changes to their name or contact information (address, phone, email).
St. Mary’s County Library cards may be used at any public library in Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s County as well as any public library in Maryland.
SMART Cards: All SMCPS students automatically have a virtual SMART card (unless a parent/guardian opted out). SMART Cards provide access to all of the online and print resources that St. Mary’s County Library has to offer. See all the information about SMART Cards.

Library card number/username: smcps + school network username (eg. smcpsabc1234)
Password: Student’s birth month and date (eg. if the student’s birthday is September 1, the password is 0901)

Not an SMCPS Student? Kids under 18 are eligible for a Kids Card. Visit any Library location to register!
- Limit of 5 items (books, books on CD or playaways, multimedia kits)
- No fines or fees for late or lost items
- Lost items will count against the borrow limit (if you lose 1 book, your new limit would be 4)