(Updated October 2025: The current list is now updated, though it is worth looking through the comments to see a few other options from other helpful readers — if I personally wasn’t able to validate the process, I didn’t include those libraries, but that doesn’t mean you won’t have more luck!)
In case you want to jump straight to the list of libraries for non-residents, click below. Otherwise, I would appreciate if you read a little about pirating and how online libraries are becoming a more realistic alternative.
Online Libraries as a Response to Book Pirating
We’ve been having a lot of conversations recently in the book world on why pirating books is bad, and if you know anything about me, you know I’m real passionate about supporting the publishing industry and authors. Naturally, I hate illegal downloads, but let’s save the chat on why for another time. Right now, let’s discuss library access.
“Just use libraries!” is the overwhelming response I see to people who admit to stealing books. I’ve been guilty of this over-simplified answer as well. While this is absolutely a viable option for like 95% of the reading community (and studies have been done to prove that most pirating is done by this crowd, so libraries should absolutely be pushed as an alternative), there are a few who simply don’t have access, whether it be by virtue of location, lack of transportation, or just that their library doesn’t carry the books that they’d like to read.
(Another side note: Even if they aren’t at that particular branch, most librarians are happy to help you get the books you want if you ask them. They might not know there’s a desire for that book if you don’t mention it, and 99.9% of librarians are as in love with books as we are, so they get the struggle.)
Because no matter how great they are, often libraries around the world just don’t measure up to the library system we have here in the US. Which is where libraries for non-residents come into play.
If you’re looking for other ways to read that are free and don’t hurt the publishing industry (besides libraries for non-residents), check out my post on how to read books online for free.
Online Libraries Anyone Can Join
BUT, if you fall into this category (or even just want to widen your potential reading material), there are a few more options you might want to check out before you give up. There are quite a few libraries around the country that offer non-residential library cards which allow you to access their audiobook and ebook library catalogue — most only encompass the United States, but there are two options for libraries for non-residents that are also open to international readers.
They do cost a fee (some a bit pricier than others), but that’s because their residents pay for library services with their tax dollars. If you have the cash though, I definitely think it’s worth it for those on a budget to pay a fee costing the price of two or three books in exchange for a year’s access to a collection of free ebooks and audiobooks. One piece of advice, however — make sure you check out the catalogue for any library you consider, as they do vary in size and selection.
All of the libraries listed below have non-residential options and include online resources. For the sake of making things a little simpler, I went as far in the application process as I could without paying so that I could check out any extra requirements that might be a barrier for some people. For the most part, the ones that do require more information are usually just asking for some form of ID, but I have marked those where I found that to be the case.
Most libraries for non-residents also allow you to get your library card online, but if the application requires a mail-in or email-in form, I’ve included that info so you aren’t surprised. I have also included a few that do require you to visit in person, but only when someone else has had success doing so.
New to the 2025 update, I have also found a few libraries that participate in the Books Unbanned program, which is dedicated to providing teens and young adults with access to books — obviously, this is brilliant. (Do donate if you have the chance — programs like this are important and so, so valued!) The only requirement seems to be that you need to be within the age requirements, but some go all the way up to 26, which is pretty generous. These libraries are listed at the bottom with the program in parentheses.
Online Libraries for Non-residents
Libraries Offering Library Cards Online for non-residents
Georgia Public Library Services
Central Arkansas Library System
Brooklyn Public Library (Books Unbanned)
Boston Public Library (Books Unbanned)
San Diego Public Library (Books Unbanned)
Seattle Public Library (Books Unbanned)
LA County Library (Books Unbanned)
Suggest Libraries for non-residents & Other Resources
If you find that any of the information on this page is incorrect or have another resource you think belongs here, please comment below or shoot me a message! I’m hoping to periodically go through this page and continue to add to it so it stays up to date, but I am only one person and would very much appreciate your input. (Especially if you know of any libraries for non-residents I may have missed!)
I hope that this page makes things a little easier for someone out there who is searching for alternatives — wider accessibility, after all, is one of the biggest reasons why libraries are important, and I want this page to help a little more in making those resources visible.
Sources I Used
There are a couple of places that helped me in compiling this list of libraries for non-residents — I’m crediting them here:
An additional resource that is similar to the links above but specifically caters to readers with disabilities:
Bookshare.org — free for students, $50 for US readers. (Other countries vary in pricing — check their website for more.)
Also a huge thank you to everyone who has so generously commented on this post! I have really enjoyed seeing you all engage in conversations and exchange information when I haven’t been able to. If you didn’t find what you needed in this post, check down below because someone else might be able to help you out!
Much love,
I’ve had a Brooklyn Public Library non-resident card for a few years and this year when I went to renew I learned that they have decided to no longer offer this 🙁 Thank you for your list, so I can find another (my local northern MI public library is very limited for audiobooks).
Oh no! Thank you so much for the update though — adding to my list of things to fix! Planning to go on the hunt for others soon!
I just added Broward a few weeks ago. I didn’t have to visit the branch nor did I pay a fee.
Lyn – did you find a replacement? I’m the same as you – Just learned I could not renew my Brooklyn library card. Now I’m looking and trying to figure out how you look at the selection to find one that’s selection choices are as good as Brooklyn’s.
Thank you!!! Several years ago I went looking for an out-of-state library & there wasn’t much help available. I finally found Brooklyn, but as Lyn noted, they’re stopping the service. Based on your list, I tried the Queens library & they have an even better selection of audiobooks – about 25% more, I think. Same $50/year fee.
Oh, fantastic! So glad to hear you found a replacement!
Thanks to a Reddit post I was able to sign up for a free library card from Broward County Florida using my out of state address.
https://www.broward.org/Library/Services/Pages/LibraryCard.aspx
Thank you for passing this on! I will add it to the list 🙂
In the list, you noted that you need to pay a fee and pick it up in person, but I was able to do it all online and wasn’t charged. Just FYI. 🙂
I’m in Houston and from what I can see Hoopla is only offered with movies and music but no books or audiobooks.
I’m in North Texas and use the Houston library through Libby.
The Brooklyn Public Library sent me this response when I tried to renew my $50/year out-of-state card:
>As of July 15, 2022, Brooklyn Public Library is no longer offering its fee-based out-of-state library card. Our priority remains serving Brooklynites and assuring that they can access the materials they need in a timely manner. BPL Library cards remain free for anyone who lives, works, pays property taxes or attends school in New York State. Existing out-of-state accounts will remain active until their expiration date and will not be renewable.
Thank you! I’ve added a note but will be fixing the table soon!
Broward doesn’t require an in person visit – I just signed up online last night 🙂 super quick and easy! And free!
Thank you for letting me know! I’ve just signed up as well–have a feeling they might regret this with the sudden influx of people they are getting! But will update soon 🙂
As of the end of September 2024, Broward ecards are no longer free for non-residents. I believe it’s going to be $28/year
Unfortunately Brooklyn Public library no longer allows out of state sign-ups. Current users (like me until today) are OK until their subscription expires. Very sad, they had a gr8 e-book collection.
Yes, I think this is what is driving so many people to this page! People searching for Brooklyn alternatives 🙁
I would add to that opening monologue by saying that for people who want to read in English, yet live in a country where that’s not the native language, it’s almost impossible to get to read books without buying them or pirating them. I know I would love to just walk into a library and read whatever book I want, but these libraries just don’t exist in my country. I know the point of this wasn’t to find international online libraries (not sure if these even exist), but it’s just another thing to keep in mind when talking about the pirating issue.
I actually did address this in my opener 🙂 Two of the libraries on this list are open to international readers
You are AWESOME!!! I cannot thank you enough for doing this work and offering as free information. I have been a BPL member for 3 years and just got the devastating news my card expires indefinitely in April. I was miserable until I found this helpful table/information you provided. There’s hope!!!
I contacted Monroe County Library today and was told they do not offer cards to non-residents at this time. I am also looking to replace my Brooklyn membership.
Yes I too just found out regarding Brooklyn Public Library not renewing their non-resident cards, very sad. Checking around I have found a couple not on your list: Cincinnati and Hamilton County Library (Ohio) at $90 per year and Dayton Metro Library (also Ohio) at $25 per year. My local library (Multnomah County Library in OR and Los Angeles Public Library (CA) both have non-resident cards but you must apply in person. I am planning to try one of the Ohio libraries and see how it goes. Thanks for your list!
Thanks for these tips! I just signed up at Broward, too. I am a local member of the Charleston County Library, but their audiobook selection is relatively small. There are a lot of incomplete book series, which is a big put off. My Indianapolis library card expired recently, and having moved, I couldn’t renew my card. The loss of all those audiobooks hurt! I’ve only had a quick glance, but the Broward County selection looks very promising. What a relief!
The Charleston County Public Library does not offer out-of-state library cards anymore. They are only available to people in adjacent counties.
Just want to thank you for taking the time to post this information.
I’m another disappointed Brooklyn user searching for a subsitute. I think I’ll give Queens a shot based on Mr McLachlan’s post.
You might consider adding the Free Library of Philadelphia to your list. They don’t have as good a selection as Brooklyn, but it isn’t horrible, and its free to senior citizens.
Prince George’s county memorial library And Kansas City public library have a non-resident options. When I got mine it was free.
Richland Counth Public Library in SC offers non-resident cards! They use hoopla and Libby.
Las Vegas (Clark County) has also killed their online access. They have something like over 200,000 eBooks and audiobooks, but as of 3/27/23, it’ll only be accessible for Clark County residents. Major bummer. The San Diego public library offers out-of-state resident access for a fee or last time I checked. Not the biggest selection, so didn’t sign up at the time.
The Houston library checks your name matches the address some how… not able to obtain no-resident access 😫
July 2023—
These are the only ones I’ve been able to get for free
San Jose public library
Broward county library
Prince William public library
I was able to get a out of state library card at Houston Library. I was disappointed to find out that Hoopla was only for movies, and music, no books or audio books.
i was able to get a out of state Houston card but i was disappointed to learn that their Hoopla doesn’t include books or audiobooks, just music and movies,
The Spokane WA public library offers a non-resident card for $42 per year. https://www.spokanelibrary.org/get-a-library-card
NY Public Library says Queens Library card holders may use their existing card once it is linked to their NYPL account.
https://www.nypl.org/help/library-card/terms-conditions
I’m not sure if this is possible with the Queens non-resident card or if you have to go into a NYPL branch to link your card. But if it works, that would be a huge win as they seem to have a massive digital library.
It looks like my local library (Glendale, Arizona) allows non-residents to purchase a library card. This gives access to the Greater Phoenix Digital Library, which is very good.
https://www.glendaleazlibrary.com/cms/one.aspx?portalid=15414440&pageid=15546408
I’m yet another Brooklyn-alternative seeker! I’m grateful for the other comments, especially the one comparing Queen’s audiobook selection to Brooklyn. But what about ebook selection? It would be incredible if you could add a column stating the size of each library’s ebook/audiobook selection somewhere in your chart, although I know that would be a decent amount of work. Thank you for what you’ve done here!
I finally got my NR library card from Fairfax County! I will say, though, I waited a WHOLE MONTH for it. Their website says five days processing time, but once that time passed, I emailed them. They then told me the new processing time was ten days due to the volume. Understandable at first. I applied on March 31st and didn’t get the library card until April 27th. Not complaining by any means; I know some people may get worried and not understand why it’s taking so long. This is why. I guess many people are signing up for this card, and at this price, I don’t blame them! So just be patient; you’ll get it eventually. But if you want access to essential programs and books as soon as possible, I suggest you start now.
Thank you for this helpful list! FYI, Queens and Orange County now charge a fee.
Thank you all so much!!
Thank you so much for this information. I wanted to add that arlingtonlibrary.org in Arlington, Texas offers non residents access to ebooks and audio books for $25 per year.
The Chicago Public Library has a free eCard.
They need a Chicago Zip code.
https://www.chipublib.org/get-a-library-card/
Just saw your blog post mentioned on the FB page Bookriot. I shared a link to the Bookriot post and to your blog too on my FB page Used Book Stores of Southern California. I just want to say THANKS for this valuable service. More than just e-books, some of these libraries provide online access to their old newspaper collections. The cost is much less than paying an online company for access and your money supports a great cause. I was with Brooklyn then switched to Fairfax VA. Now I have to explore some others. Thanks again.
I saw some of this info posted on the FB page Bookriot. I shared their post on my page (Used Book Stores of Southern California), but then saw that you are the original source. So, I let my followers know about your blog, and I’m leaving you a reply to say THANKS! Remote library cards are a great way to access various databases that tend to be available only to local users. One example is old newspapers. Some of these libraries have collections that are not posted on the corporate pay sites.
A remote library card is much cheaper and your money serves a great cause.
I signed up for Broward and had no issues. I then saw this blog about the $50 year fee. How does that work? It didn’t say anything about the fee when signing up.
From the excellent Central Arkansas Library System (https://cals.org/library-card-basics):
For any patron who does not reside or pay taxes in our service area, CALS offers a non-resident card for an annual fee of $54. The fee is based on the average property tax payment per parcel across the service area.
Orange County now lists (Aug 3 2023) the annual cost for a card at $125.
Thank you thank you thank you! This saved me!! The library card from where I used to live needed to be refreshed in libby and I can’t find the card anywhere. But I live in TX now and was able to get the Houston library card easy peasy online. Whew!! Thanks so much!
Hey,
I have just digital card at the Queens Public Library. I had to pay the fee of $50 and recieved an e-mail with my account/card number and pin within minutes. I have already connected to the Libby App, send a book to my kindle and I am currently listening to an audiobook – All while in Germany! Thank you 🙂
I have Austin Public Library in TX and it’s great. Huge database
Non-resident Library Cards are available for $120 annually or $30 quarterly. Nonresidents can apply for a free limited access Library Card by presenting their current/valid TexShare card from a participating library system.
My Brooklyn card just expired, as I am super bummed. At this point, I’m thinking libraries are trying to protect residents to ensure they have access to the resources libraries provide, without worrying that out-of-area people are using them. It makes me sad, but I get it.
Disappointed in Brooklyn’s new policy. I suspect they will regret the revenue from out of state members.
For alternatives, I joined Queens, Broward, and Houston.
Thank you for posting this article and the feedback from other readers.
Thank you for putting together such a a detailed and expansive list!
Charlotte Mecklunburg, NC ($45) and Asheville/Buncombe County, NC ($20) both have out of town library access.
You do have to go in person Asheville Buncombe County to sign up.
Online application for Charlotte Mecklunburg:
https://www.cmlibrary.org/get-a-card/non-resident-library-card-application
Ashville/ Buncome County Public Library is $20 a year for non-residents. You do have to go in person to get a card.
Triangle Research Libraries Network: Duke University, UNC-Chapell Hill, and NC State have a $125 community support level library card. It allows you to use all three libraries. Also if you work at Duke University you have free access to all three.
https://find.library.duke.edu/trln
https://library.duke.edu/
https://library.unc.edu/
https://www.lib.ncsu.edu/
SLC Library offers a non-resident card for $80 a year. This was $20 or so just a couple of years ago!
Stark Library in Ohio offers a library card to non-residents, you just have to email them. This is what they sent me:
“Full Name (including middle)
Physical Address
Telephone Number
Birthdate
Email Address
To ecard@starklibrary.org and someone will respond on how to finish up registration with the $50 a year fee.”
I don’t know if it expires though
Super resourceful! Thank you for taking the time to put this together.
Broward is making people pay now
It appears this is true — haven’t fully investigated yet! But, I’m sure paying is still well worth it honestly — they had an amazing selection!
Fairfax County has recently ceased Overdrive downloads…. Libby only
Grand Prairie, TX is free to any resident of the US for a digital card with access to Libby
Houston Public Library is no longer offering non-resident cards. It’s a bummer since they had a great selection.
Texas no longer accept non-resident cardholders.
Houston is no longer offering renewing of cards for non-eesidents
Houston is no longer allowing non-resident library access.
In response to an inquiry I received this response: Unfortunately, the Houston Public Library discontinued renewals and applications for Digital Non-Texas Resident library cards on April 7th, 2025.
An update as for Monroe County:
I checked them out recently and they do offer online signups, with the Card Number being sent via email, with a physical card later sent by snail-mail.
FYI, the New Orleans Public library sent out an email on 8/25/2025 that the fee will be increasing to $100 a year, and you can only apply and/or renew in person. Makes me really sad; if they had enough non-residents that they had to make a choice that extreme to “prioritize [their] constituents and taxpayers”, then I feel they’re going to lose a lot of revenue.
From Huston Library today “ Will my current card still work?
Your out-of-state card will remain valid until its expiration date. After April 7, 2025, renewals will not be possible”.
Unfortunate
Also NOLA will require all non residents to renew in person now.
It seems Broward County now requires you to apply in person. Thank you for this list. I’m getting tired of hearing “just use your library” by out of touch influencers that live in big cities who fail to realize that not everyone has access to a huge selection of books.
Just wanted to thank you for putting together this list! It’s been majorly helpful! God bless you~
New Orleans Public Library has made updates to their non-resident policy 8/2025
~ Key Changes: You have to sign up in-person, and the rate has increased to $100
On September 25, 2025, the cost of a non-resident card will increase to $100 for individuals and $150 for families. The increase is not retroactive and will go into effect upon a non-resident cardholder’s next card renewal.
As of August 21, 2025, non-resident cards are only available to residents of the United States.
As of August 21, 2025, non-resident cardholders must sign up, renew, and pay for NOLA Library cards in-person at one of our Library locations.
A few notes on recent developments:
> Fairfax County has increased its yearly price to $50, although some of the longer-term cards are still a pretty good deal. Good selection, although Fairfax’s Hoopla offerings do not include books.
> Last week New Orleans Public Library increased its price to $100 for individuals and $150 for families. Steep increase notwithstanding, the impressive selection of NOPL + the generous Hoopla allotment (20 per month) might make it worthwhile.
> The Broward Co. Hoopla allotment is only 3 per month.
> The Charlotte-Mecklenburg allotment is 6 per month.
> Something I’m wondering about that’s possibly increasing in frequency/relevance: might some libraries be willing to consider people who are employed by a company in, say, the State of New York and work remotely from another state to “work in” NY State? It might be a stretch, but it seems worth checking. I’ll post an update when I find out.
Houston PL has decided to no longer offer non-resident cards. I had one but they wouldn’t allow me to renew when the year expired. It was a sad day.