Standard Library Card

How to Apply

Applying for a Pratt Library card is easier than ever! Print and fill out a Library Card Application form, and bring to any Pratt Library location with proper ID.

In Spanish/en español: Solicitud de una tarjeta de biblioteca, Solicitud de primera tarjeta de biblioteca.

ID and Proof of Address

One of the following photo IDs may be presented without proof of address:

• Driver's license
• State-issued identification card
• City-issued municipal ID
• MTA ID
• Government-issued ID: Passport, Permanent Resident Card, Military, Department of Corrections, or Certificate of Citizenship/Naturalization
• School-issued ID: public school, private school, college or university
• Employer-issued ID
• Shelter ID
• Bank-issued photo ID: credit and debit cards

Students under 18 may present a recent report card or official document from their school to register for a library card if parent or guardian is not present.

Don’t have a photo ID? Photo ID is preferred for registration, however applicants who do not have a photo ID may present one item from each of the following categories to get a library card. Both pieces of information must have the applicant’s name.

Acceptable non-photo ID:

• Birth Certificate
• Social Security card
• Health Insurance card
• Other official document with name

Acceptable piece of proof of address:

• Current lease
• Change of address card
• Most recent utility bill (dated within 60 days)
• Piece of mail (postmarked within 60 days)
• Letter from a shelter manager (dated within 60 days)

Restrictions

There are no age restrictions for library card applicants. However, parents or guardians must sign library card applications for children under 7. All parents or guardians registering their child must have the child present at the time of the application.

Parents or guardians who register their child for a library card are responsible for materials borrowed by those children, and for monitoring their children's access to Library resources, including the Internet.

Using Your Card

During registration you will select a Personal Identification Number (PIN) for your library card. With this PIN and your library barcode you can review your account activity, renew books and materials, change your PIN, access library databases from home, and download audiobooks and eBooks.

Items eligible for renewal can typically be renewed three times. For a full list of renewal limits, please see the Checkout Limits and Renewals page.

The Pratt Library card may be used at public libraries throughout Maryland. Anyone carrying a valid library card from another public library in Maryland may register that card with the Pratt Library, though additional identification with signature and address is required.

Keeping Your Card Updated

The Pratt Library card is permanent. The cardholder's name and address must be verified every two years in person. Cardholders with Firm, Non-Resident, and Teacher cards must renew their cards annually.

If you change your name, address, or telephone number, come to the Library in person to update your record. You may update your email address or phone number online under Change My Contact Information.

If your library card is lost or stolen, please notify the Library immediately or within 48 hours at (410) 396-5325 or crc@prattlibrary.org. The cardholder is responsible for any items borrowed until the loss of the card is reported.

Questions?

If you don't find what you need using the links above, please contact your local branch, or the Circulation Department at (410) 396-5325 or crc@prattlibrary.org.