Registering for a Library Card
A library card is free for any Colorado resident. To get a full-use library card, customers must visit any Denver Public Library (DPL) location and present a valid school or government-issued photo ID and verification of current Colorado address; this verification can be shown on the photo ID itself (like on a driver’s license) or by other means (like on a current utility invoice with an account name that matches the photo ID). This helps DPL issue only one card per person, ensure equal access to DPL resources and promote account accuracy. Customers can start their application online to get immediate, limited access to DPL’s digital resources before their visit.
Youth are also eligible for a DPL library card. A parent or legal guardian must be present with their own valid photo ID and address verification to sign for and activate a full-use library card for a child under the age of 13. Youth aged 13 and older, who are able to present school or government-issued photo ID, may obtain a full use library card without parental or guardian permission. Parents or guardians of library cardholders under the age of 13 agree to the same responsibilities of cardholders as their children (listed below).
Other Types of Library Cards
DPL offers several library card types to meet the diverse needs of our community. To ensure equal access for everyone, each person is limited to one primary Denver Public Library account, with the exception of educators.
Educator Library Card
A separate, associated library card for teachers and educators who live or work in Denver to gather materials for instructional use.
Group & Business Library Card
Businesses and organizations based in Denver may apply online for Group/Business Library Card. A designated offi cial from the business or organization assumes responsibility for all materials checked out for business purposes.
Provisional Library Card
Offers limited borrowing privileges for new Colorado residents without address verifi cation, visitors staying in Colorado for at least one month, or unaccompanied or emancipated teens between the ages of 13-18.
Computer User Library Cards
For customers wanting computer/internet access only. Unoffi cial photo ID is acceptable.
Multiple User Library Card
Customers wishing to allow additional named users residing in their same household to pick up holds on their behalf may apply for a Multiple User Card. In furtherance of the privacy rights discussed below, the primary card holder will need to consent to the listed additional users having information regarding the primary card holder’s DPL borrowing record. Regardless of whether materials are picked up by other additional users, the primary card holder remains responsible for all materials borrowed from DPL and is liable for any lost or damaged materials borrowed under their account. All additional users must also have their own DPL accounts in good standing, and staff assistance is required for any additional user attempting to check out hold shelf items on behalf of the primary card holder.
Your Privacy is Protected
Customer privacy is important to DPL. All library cardholder records are confi dential, and borrowing history is protected. DPL follows Colorado Law (including, without limitation, C.R.S. 24-90-119: Privacy of User Records) to guarantee the privacy of customer records. The DPL recognizes children’s rights to access and privacy as outlined in articles V and VII of the American Library Association Library Bill of Rights, as amended. DPL staff may only disclose account information to the cardholder upon presentation of their library card or a valid photo ID. Refer to our Privacy Policy for more information.
Cardholder Responsibilities
When customers use their DPL library card, they agree to the following:
- Verify prior to checking out any borrowed materials that the borrowed materials are in good and complete condition.
- Use the borrowed materials only for the purposes for which they are designed.
- Return all borrowed materials in good and complete condition by the indicated due date.
- Pay replacement fees for any lost or damaged items.
- Report a lost or stolen library card immediately to prevent unauthorized use. Customers are responsible for any items checked out on their library card until it is reported lost or stolen. A valid school or government issued photo ID is required for replacement cards.
- Keep contact information associated with your library card account (name, address, phone number) current with DPL.
- Parents and guardians are responsible for their child's borrowed materials and any associated fees related to their library card.
Blocks and Fees
While Denver Public Library does not charge overdue fi nes for late returns, customers are responsible for returning materials by the indicated due date.
- To ensure materials remain available to everyone, accounts with long overdue items are blocked from continued borrowing.
- Long overdue items are declared lost and the account holder billed for the replacement cost.
- Borrowing privileges are fully restored once overdue items are returned in good and complete condition or replacement fees are paid.
- Delinquent accounts may be referred to a collection agency and a collection fee assessed to the customer’s account for recovery expenses.
Library Card and Borrowing Policy Adopted by the Denver Public Library Commission, May 16, 2013.
Amended by the Denver Public Library Commission, October 16, 2025.