Library cards are free to anyone who meets any of the following criteria:
- Are a resident of the State of Ohio or a property owner in Hamilton County
- Are a staff member of the Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library
- You are a temporary/transitional resident of Hamilton County
- Are a resident of Boone, Campbell, and Kenton counties in Kentucky, and have a valid card from their local library systems, a picture ID, and an address verification. Note: Beginning January 3, 2027, residents of Boone, Campbell, and Kenton counties in Kentucky will no longer be eligible for a free Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library card through our reciprocal borrowing agreement. Current reciprocal cards will remain active through January 3, 2027. After that date, out-of-state residents may purchase a non-resident library card for $90 per year.
If you do not meet any of the criteria outlined above, a library card can be purchased at the price established by our Table of Fines & Fees.