Library Card Sign-Up Month

About Library Card Sign-Up Month

Since 1987, Library Card Sign-up Month has been held each September to encourage individuals to get a library card. During the month, libraries unite in a national effort to ensure every one signs-up for their own library card.

Throughout the year, library staff assist card holders by providing access to services, programs and collections.  Libraries save YOU and your family hundreds of dollars all with the use of your library card.  Curious to see how much you'd save using your library card? Try our library card calculator

Help us celebrate this special month but encouraging your family, friends, neighbors, co-workers or even the person you met at the coffee shop to get a library card.

 

Getting Started

Are you ready to start using all the services that your library offers? Each year, our library locations host thousands of free events, classes, and programs to help you succeed. With a library card you can access everything we offer, including computers in our libraries, thousands of books, DVDs and CDs to borrow, and digital media to stream and download. Register for a library account to get started today.

 

What can you do with a Library Card?

 

Account Holder Information

  1. The person signing the card agrees to abide by library system policies and accepts responsibility for fines or other charges resulting from the account's use.
  2. The account holder agrees to abide by library system policies and accepts responsibility for fines or other charges resulting from the account's use.
  3. The account is to be used only by the person named on the account.
  4. The account is valid at all Metropolitan Library System libraries.
  5. Responsibility for the choice of materials borrowed rests with the person named on the account and not with the Metropolitan Library Commission, the library system, or its employees.
  6. Responsibility for the linking and unlinking of accounts in the online catalog rests with the persons named on the accounts and not with the Metropolitan Library Commission, the library system, or its employees.
  7. Guests who lose their library card or change their address should notify the library system within three weeks of the date of event.

For detailed policy information, please refer to Account Holder Responsibilities and Behavior in the Library.

Maximum Items Borrowed: For most accounts, a maximum of 100 physical items can be checked out at once. ONEcard account holders may have a maximum of 10 physical items on loan at one time.

Loan Periods and Renewals: Library materials may be checked out for 3 weeks. Most physical materials will automatically renew up to 3 times, unless another library guest has placed a hold on the item.

Holds: Library guests may place up to 50 physical items on hold at a time. Limits may apply to certain materials. Service providers working in partnership with the library system to provide materials in electronic formats may set their own hold limits.

For detailed policy information, please refer to our Borrowing Policy.

Materials:  Most materials are fine free and do not accrue overdue fines. Lost or damaged materials will still incur charges. Technology (e.g., hotspots, Chromebooks, laptops), Experience Passes, and interlibrary loan items are not fine free and will still accrue fines.

Lost or Damaged Items and Materials: Once an item is 29 days overdue, guests are temporarily blocked from checking out new material or accessing eResources until the item is returned. Once an item is 60 days overdue, the borrower is charged for the replacement cost of the item. The borrower who damages, loses, or does not return an item must pay the replacement cost as determined by the library system. Returning overdue items in good condition will clear the block on an account, and will remove any associated replacement costs.

Lost or damaged electronic devices: Account holders will be charged overdue fines as detailed below, plus the replacement cost, for each damaged or lost electronic device (e.g., hotspots, Chromebooks, laptops).

Loss of borrowing privileges:  Loss of borrowing privileges will occur when an item is 29 days overdue. Replacement charges ("lost charges") will be applied to library accounts once an item is 60 days overdue. Returning overdue items in good condition will clear the block on an account, and will remove any associated replacement costs.

Fine Collection: After reasonable notification, the library system may take legal steps to retrieve unreturned materials, and/or file felony or misdemeanor complaints.

Fee Structure

If you return select materials after their due date, fines accrue daily. Lost and damaged items will incur fines based on the type of material as outlined below.

  • Overdue Fines
    • Interlibrary loan items are $.50 per day up to the replacement cost of the item 
    • WiFi hotspots are $.50 per day to a maximum of $30
    • Experience passes are $1 per day to a maximum of $30
  • Lost or Damaged Book, Magazine, or Electronic Device – List price at the time of purchase
  • Lost or Damaged Audiovisual Materials, including All or Part of a Set – Replacement cost if lost or damaged due to carelessness or neglect
  • Lost or Damaged Audiovisual Materials, Liner Notes or Guide – No charge
  • Lost or Damaged materials borrowed by MLS via Interlibrary Loan – The lending library sets the fee

For more detailed policy information and a list of all fines and fees, please see our Borrowing Policy and our Fee Schedule.

  • Photocopies, Black and White - $0.10 per page
  • Photocopies, Color - $0.50 per page
  • Microfiche Copies - $0.10 per page
  • Computer Printouts, Black and White - $0.10 per page
  • Computer Printouts, Color - $0.50 per page

For a list of all fines and fees, please see our Fee Schedule.

We know you value the materials and resources provided by Metropolitan Library System, but just how much are those services worth? How much would you have to pay out-of-pocket if the Library didn’t exist?

Check out the Library Value Calculator to find out.

 

Types of Library Accounts

Which account is right for you?

This all-access pass is free for people who live in or own property in Oklahoma City or Oklahoma County. Persons 17 and older who meet eligibility requirements may apply for an account, while persons under 17 will need the consent of a parent or guardian. Certain others may qualify for this account -- so if you have any questions, feel free to contact us.

We also offer a Library by Mail service for residents of Oklahoma County who are homebound or over 65. Contact Library by Mail at 405-606-3295 for more information and to determine eligibility.

Apply for a primary account today! The online application determines eligibility based on your home address.

The Metropolitan Library System maintains a reciprocal service agreement with the Pioneer Library System, headquartered in Norman, Oklahoma. Those who live, work, or attend school in Cleveland, McClain or Pottawatomie counties -- as well as Blanchard school district students living in Grady County -- may apply for an MLS account, which provides access to all MLS collections and most MLS services (except interlibrary loan). MLS account holders may do the same at any Pioneer Library.

Apply for a reciprocal account today! The online application determines eligibility based on your home address. If you work or attend school in Pioneer Library System's service area, then you will need to apply for a reciprocal account in person at one of our locations.

 

ONEcard is a partnership between the Metropolitan Library System and area schools. Students with in a ONEcard account can use their student IDs to access MLS resources. Students are automatically enrolled in ONEcard when they register to attend school, unless their parent or guardian opts them out. Materials checked out with a ONEcard account do not accrue overdue fines, but students are responsible for lost or damaged materials. Learn more about ONECard.

Students and school employees who do not qualify for a primary, reciprocal, or ONECard account may be eligible for a school account if their school is physically located in Oklahoma City or Oklahoma County. School accounts are valid for one year and eligibility must be verified annually. A school account provides access to all MLS services except interlibrary loan. Students must present proof of current enrollment, and school employees must provide proof of employment.

If you attend or work at a school in Oklahoma City or Oklahoma County but live outside those boundaries, then you will need to apply for a school account in person at one of our locations.

Are you an Oklahoma resident, but don't live in Oklahoma City or Oklahoma County? You can obtain an annual fee account for $70 per year, which provides every member of your household with a library card. Using our library value calculator, you can quickly see just what a bargain $70 is for your entire household.

Please visit one of our locations if you would like to apply for an annual fee account, or email us at askalibrarian@metrolibrary.org.

If you are visiting one of our locations and need access to a computer or internet, you can request a free internet access account. This type of account allows you to log onto one of our public computers--giving you access to the internet, our online resources, as well as productivity software like Microsoft Office.

Please visit one of our locations if you would like to apply for an Internet Access Account.

 

Upcoming Events

This event is in the "All Ages" group

Community Book Reviews - Self-Directed Program

All Day 7/5–7/31
All Ages
Northwest Library
Library Branch: Northwest Library
Room: Onsite (Northwest)
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Books & Reading
Event Description:

What have you been reading during the summer reading program? We want to know! Visit the Northwest Library and fill out a book review of a book you have read this summer.

This event is in the "All Ages" group

Grow, Bloom, Fly- Interactive Display

All Day 7/5–7/31
All Ages
Almonte Library
Library Branch: Almonte Library
Room: Onsite (Almonte)
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Books & Reading, Child Development & Parenting, Displays & Exhibits, Family Programs
Event Description:

Step into a living display of transformation! Visit our side-by-side tanks all summer long as we explore the beauty of nature and color in motion. One tank features tiny caterpillars growing and changing into vibrant butterflies.

Disclaimer(s)

The library makes every effort to ensure our programs can be enjoyed by all. If you have any concerns about accessibility or need to request specific accommodations, please contact the library.

Be Advised:  This program may be photographed and/or videotaped for publicity purposes.

By Attending, you consent:  To the use of your voice and likeness in future publicity uses that contain content from this event. If you do not wish to be on camera, please let us know.

For more information visit our Photography & Video Disclaimer

This event is in the "Kids" group

Honor Song: Torn Collage Take Home Kit

All Day 7/5–7/31
Kids
Nicoma Park Library
Library Branch: Nicoma Park Library
Room: Passive Program (Nicoma Park)
Age Group: Kids
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Cultural Experiences, Museums at MLS, Take-Home Kit
Event Description:

Create a torn paper collage inspired by artist Edgar Heap of Birds' Neuf painting series. Rip colorful paper into jagged pieces to create shapes like mountain peaks, rocky canyons, and tree leaves.

Disclaimer(s)

We can only guarantee one kit per household and per registration (if required).

This event is in the "All Ages" group
This event is in the "Adults" group

I Spy Something.... Colorful DIY Pinwheels

All Day 7/5–7/31
All Ages, Adults
Capitol Hill Library
Library Branch: Capitol Hill Library
Room: Onsite (Capitol Hill)
Age Group: All Ages, Adults
Program Type: Cultural Experiences, Family Programs
Event Description:

Come to Capitol Hill Library to make a colorful pinwheel and learn about the summer reading program! 

Disclaimer(s)

Be Advised:  This program may be photographed and/or videotaped for publicity purposes.

By Attending, you consent:  To the use of your voice and likeness in future publicity uses that contain content from this event. If you do not wish to be on camera, please let us know.

For more information visit our Photography & Video Disclaimer

This event is in the "All Ages" group
This event is in the "Kids" group

OKC Metro Landmarks Scavenger Hunt

All Day 7/5–7/31
All Ages, Kids
Ralph Ellison Library
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Onsite (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: All Ages, Kids
Program Type: Cultural Experiences, Displays & Exhibits, Games & Gaming
Event Description:

Come join Ralph Ellison Library for an educational scavenger hunt about OKC metro landmarks! Find all the pictures of the landmarks hidden around the library and you can earn a prize! 

*Prizes available while supplies last.

Disclaimer(s)

It is encouraged that an adult supervise children while using this Metropolitan Library System Take & Make Kit.

This event is in the "Adults" group

Warr Acres Book Box

07/05/2025 @ 9:00am–07/25/2025 @ 4:15pm
Adults
Warr Acres Library
Library Branch: Warr Acres Library
Room: Onsite (Warr Acres)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Book Clubs, Books & Reading
Event Description:

Welcome to our Low-Key Book Club! Stop by the library to pick up a box featuring a different book title each month, available on a first-come, first-served basis. Each box includes the book and some reading goodies to enhance your experience.