Library cards are free to all residents of Davidson County and persons living within the Goodlettsville city limits.

You may use your library card at any Nashville Public Library branch. Your card also gives you access to materials only available on the library web site.

Check out from the library:

• Books
• Movies (DVDs and Videos)
• Music CDs
• Audiobooks on tape or CD

Download from the web site:

• Audiobooks
• eBooks
• Music

Access from the web site:

• View your library record and renew your items
• Request/Hold materials and have them sent to the library nearest you
• Request books/articles through Interlibrary Loan
• Suggest items for the library to purchase
• Ask a Librarian for help by e-mail or chat
• Learn a Language (Mango Database)
• Get ready for the SAT, GED, and more (Learning Express Database)
• Work on your family tree from home (Heritage Quest Database)
• Read Magazines and Newspapers online (Databases)
• Access the full resources of the Tennessee Electronic Library
• Tumblebooks talking storybooks
• And more...

Apply for a Card

You may apply for a library card at any library location or online. If you apply in person, your card will be active immediately. If you apply online, your card will be mailed to you. To activate your card, you will have to present it at any Davidson County library location and show proof of ID, listed below.

Online Library Card Application

What you need to get a card:

You must have a photo ID, proof of your date of birth and proof of your current street address.  Any combination of documents that satisfy these requirements can be provided.  Examples could include:

• Driver's License or Learner's Permit
• School ID (if under 18)
• Military ID
• Passport
• ID Only with Date of Birth
• Piece of mail postmarked in the last month
• Pay stub issued in the last month
• Voters registration card
• Lease/deed agreement
• Current utility bill dated within one month

Non-resident cards

Cards are available to Tennessee residents who live outside of Davidson County. Apply in-person at any Nashville Public Library location. The annual fee for non-resident membership is $50. In-library use of materials and online services are available at no charge, regardless of residence.

Complimentary Non-Resident library cards will be issued to persons who can prove they are:

• Tennessee State Legislators
• Metro Government employees and Metro School employees
• Nashville Public Library volunteers who complete 20 hours of service in one year
• Students living in on-campus housing in Davidson County or within the Goodlettsville city limits (will need to verify permanent home address)

Courtesy cards

3-month courtesy cards are available to persons temporarily residing in Davidson County, as well as others who reside in county but do not have a permanent address. The card will allow checkout of one item at a time. The card may be renewed for an additional 3 months. To obtain a courtesy card, patrons must:

• Provide an approved form of identity AND
• A letter on facility letterhead stating that the person resides at this location. (Example: Ronald McDonald House, Union Rescue Mission, Extended Stay hotel, etc.) OR
• Mail that has been addressed to and received by them at that location within the past 2 weeks. Sorry, but the library cannot accept Post Office box numbers as addresses.

Second approved user

Adults may wish to allow another adult to pick up holds or pay fines on their accounts. To do this, you must select this option when you register for your card, or fill out an approved user form at a later date.

Parents and adult guarantors have access to their child’s account, and may designate a second adult to share access by indicating this on their child’s (up to 14 yrs.) registration form. They may also fill out an approved user form at a later date to activate this option.

Guard your card

Please treat your card with the same care you would a credit card. You are responsible for everything checked out on it. Contact the library immediately if your card is lost or stolen. Replacement cards are $1. Please notify us of any change in your address. For the fastest and most convenient service, bring your card with you to check out materials.

Checkout Rules