Get a Card

Get Carded Today

UPDATE: We are unable to offer digital card applications June 16-June 27 due to a systems upgrade. Please visit any of our six library branches if you need a library card during this time.

Are you ready to start using all the services and resources the Des Moines Public Library offers? You can stop into any DMPL building for a physical library card!

With a free library card, you can...

Stream and Download popular eBooks, eAudiobooks, digital magazines, and award-winning films and television shows.
- Once you have your library card number and PIN, be sure to download the Libby app, available on the App Store and Google Play to get eBooks and eAudiobooks!
- Check out Kanopy to find streaming movies.
- Residency restrictions may apply to digital media content.
Browse and Borrow hundreds of thousands of books, DVDs, CDs and more inside all six of our library buildings.
Keep up with the news with free digital access to The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Wall Street Journal.
Research and learn using our databases, online resources, research tools and more - including free access to Consumer Reports.
Check out loads of materials, and much, much more!

Download and print our library card application:

The Des Moines Public Library issues free library cards to residents of Iowa.

Visit any of the six locations to apply for a Des Moines Public Library card and bring a current photo ID and proof of permanent address. A current driver’s license or state ID card with correct current address will meet this requirement.

Acceptable proof of permanent address:

Billing statement received at the address
A check with printed address
Voter registration card
Rental agreement
Car registration
Paystub/Paycheck

The cardholder agrees to pay all fines, abide by the policies of the library, and promptly report loss or theft of the card and any change of name or address.

Borrowers must apply for library cards in person.
Must provide proof of current name, address, and a photo ID.
A valid Des Moines Public Library card is necessary to check out materials and access most library services.
Library cards are renewed every three years.
There is a $1 fee to replace a lost card. Promptly report a lost or stolen card. Picture identification is required to replace a lost or stolen library card.
The cardholder is responsible for all materials borrowed on their card.

Children who are at least five years old may get a library card.
Those under age twelve must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Cards for children will not be issued to parents/guardians if the child is not present.
Parent/guardian account is not required for child applying for a library card.
Parents/guardians are responsible for items checked out on their children’s cards.
Age 12 to 17: Parent or guardian does NOT need to be present if a child has their own photo ID. If parent/guardian is not present child will automatically be restricted to no DVD checkouts. Parent/guardian must be present to grant permission to borrow DVDs.