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Get Carded Today

Are you ready to start using all the services and resources the Des Moines Public Library offers? 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!

Get Carded! Sign Up Here:

Last Name / Apellido

First Name / Primer Nombre

Middle Name / Segundo Nombre

Address / Dirección

Apt./ Lot / Lote

City / Ciudad

Zip Code / Zona Postal

Email / Correo Electrónico

Confirm email / Confirmar correo electrónico

License / ID Number / Número de Identificación

Phone # / Teléfono

Birth Date / Fecha de Nacimiento

Choose a 4-digit PIN /PIN de Cuatro Dígitos

Digital Signature of Applicant / Parent / Guardian / Firma Digital

I AGREE TO / ESTOY DE ACUERDO CON

Return all items on time / Regresar todos los artículos a tiempo
Pay all fines or fees / Pagar todas las multas y tarifas
Report loss or theft of my card promptly / Reportar inmediatamente la pérdida o robo de mi tarjeta
Follow the policies of the library / Seguir los reglamentos de la biblioteca
Report Change of name or address promptly / Reportar inmediatamente un cambio de nombre o dirección
This card is not transferable / Esta tarjeta no se puede transferir

Please use your finger or mouse to create your signature in the box below.

The person whose signature appears below or their/parent/guardian is responsible for all materials borrowed on this card.
La persona, o su padre/tutor, cuya firma aparece abajo es responsable por todos los materiales que se piden prestados con esta tarjeta.

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

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.

How to apply for an Educator Card:

Fill out the online application.
Download the Educator Card application and guidelines.

Guidelines for the Educator Card

The purpose of the Educator Card is to provide access to items for educators and homeschool families with a school or personal residence within the city limits of Des Moines and Rural Polk County.
A maximum of 50 items are checked out for 6 weeks at a time with no option to renew. No late fees will be assessed, but lost fees still apply if items are not returned within 40 days of the due date.
DVDs and digital materials may not be checked out on this card.
Cards must be made for an individual educator or caregiver, not an institution.
Educator cards may not be used to check out any items aside from those intended for use in the classroom or for student education.

The person who signs this application form agrees to the terms of the Educator Card program above and will take full financial responsibility for any lost library materials loaned to them through the Des Moines Public Library on this program. Please notify the library promptly of any change in ownership management or personnel, which may affect the use and/or return of library materials.