Applying for a library card

You can pick up an application for a library card at the circulation desk of any Sarasota County Library branch location or download an application below. Turn in your completed library card application at the circulation desk of any branch along with required documents.  

• Library Card Application English
• Library Card Application En Espanol

All borrowers must be registered and have a valid library card to check out materials. A valid library card can be used at all ten Sarasota County Libraries.

• Sarasota County residents may obtain a card for free.
• Manatee and Charlotte County residents may register as reciprocal borrowers for free and check out physical materials in Sarasota County.  
• Library users from any of the Tampa Bay Library Consortium (TBLC) participating libraries may also register as reciprocal borrowers and check out physical materials.
• Non-residents may elect to purchase a non-resident card which offers the same privileges as resident cards: check out of circulating materials and use of ebooks, databases and public computers.

Resident library cards and reciprocal borrower cards may be renewed at a library or over the phone.

How to Apply for a Library Card

Learn how to apply for a library card

 Apply for a Digital Library Card

Can't get into the library?  If you are a Sarasota County resident and don't have a traditional library card, apply for a digital card and get instant access to most of our digital resources including ebooks, eaudiobooks, magazines, movies and more.

Additional Library Card Policies

Learn about additional library card policies

Reciprocal Borrowing Agreements

Learn about reciprocal borrowing agreements

Complete guidelines for the TBLC Reciprocal Borrowing program are available here.

Note:  eBooks and other downloadables are not included in the Reciprocal Borrowing program.