Get a Library Card

City Resident Cards

City of Chattanooga residents and nonresidents who own property and/or a business inside the city limits qualify for a card at no cost!

Once you receive your library card number via email, you can immediately check out all online resources, including e-books, e-audiobooks, and streaming services. You can also place holds to pick up physical items.
To get a physical card, just stop by any library location. Please note: your card number will be updated, so if you have used OverDrive or hoopla prior to picking one up, you will need to update your card number the next time you use either service.
New or recently relocated residents who need to manually verify their address can use our Secure Upload Form.

City of Chattanooga Employee Cards

Regardless of where you live in the state, all City of Chattanooga Employees can get a library card for no cost! Apply for your card during City Orientation, through The Landing page, or visit a library location to apply in-person.

Nonresident Cards

Residents outside of the City of Chattanooga limits can get a full access library card for $50 or by volunteering 20 or more hours at the library each year. Click here to learn more.

Head Start and Early Head Start Students

Through a partnership with the City of Chattanooga’s Office of Early Learning, all students enrolled in Head Start and Early Head Start programs can receive a full access library card at no cost.

Applications are verified through Chattanooga Head Start.
Once verified, parents/guardians will receive an email from us.
Full access library cards can be picked up from the Downtown Library’s 2nd Floor or a specific Head Start location.
Cards are good for a year and automatically renew each year the student is enrolled.

After graduating from Head Start, students can continue to receive a library card at no cost through the Hamilton County Student program!

Hamilton County Student and Teacher Cards

Through a partnership with the Hamilton County Department of Education, all students currently enrolled in a Hamilton County public school and current teachers can receive a full access library card at no cost.

For Students:

Full access library cards are issued through their public school library.
Cards are good for a year and automatically renew each year during school registration.
Hamilton County Virtual School students or those without a school librarian can get a card through our online permission form. Click here to apply.
Email HCDEcards@chattanooga.gov for more information and questions.

For Teachers:

Apply online for an HCS Teacher Card

Full access library cards are issued to all teachers with an HCS identification badge. Apply online with the link above, or bring your badge to any library locations.
Cards are good for a year and need to be renewed manually.

Applying in Person

If you need a temporary card, a child’s card, or cannot register online, you can pick up an application for a library card at any Chattanooga Public Library branch location. When you turn in your completed application, make sure to include your photo ID and proof of current residence.

Temporary Resident Cards

Residents of shelters or temporary housing facilities in Chattanooga may apply for a Temporary Resident card, upon showing a photo ID and a letter from the housing facility director that states the individual is currently residing in the facility and able to receive mail at that address.

Only three items may be checked out at a time.
Card expires in three months and may be renewed for an additional three months with the receipt of another letter from the housing facility director.

Children (17 years and younger)

There is no age requirement for a library card. The child applicant must be present during application process, and the parent or guardian must sign the child’s application form.

Proof of ID for Library Cards

Driver’s License (temporary Tennessee license acceptable, learner’s permit also acceptable with additional photo ID)
Tennessee Department of Public Safety ID
Passport
Military, school, or employee ID
International Driver’s Permit

Feel free to contact us with any questions.