• If you've never had a Carlsbad City Library card, apply now.
• Si necesita ayuda en español, por favor llame el Centro de Aprendizaje al 442-339-5500.
• Getting a card is free, and you don’t need to be a Carlsbad resident.
• You will need a current government issued photo ID and proof of current address. If your ID has your current address, then that is all you need.
  • Examples of acceptable photo ID:
    • Military ID
    • California Driver’s License
    • Mexican Consulate ID (Matriculate Consular)
    • Green Card, Passport
    • School ID
  • Examples of acceptable proof of current address:
    • Envelope delivered by USPS addressed to your full name
    • Car insurance card with address listed
    • Utility or phone bill
• If you apply online, you'll receive a temporary library card which will let you access most eResources, and let you check out on two physical items. 
• To apply in person, visit any library location.
• For library cards issued to individuals under the age of 18, both guardian and youth applicant must be present to sign.

Physical items are eligible for up to three automatic renewals if there are no existing holds on the item.

Carlsbad City Library does not charge late fines for overdue materials. Please note that the library does still bill for lost items at 28 days overdue. Existing fees for lost or damaged items, interlibrary loans and accounts referred to collections will still need to be paid or resolved. Please visit our Fines & Fees page for more information.

Outside book drops are available 24/7 at all Carlsbad City Library locations, the Senior Center (799 Pine Ave, Carlsbad, CA 92008), and the Faraday Center (1635 Faraday Ave, Carlsbad, CA 92008).

Pay online:
Through your library account. Pay with Visa, MasterCard, AMEX, Discover or PayPal.

Pay in person:
Visit any library location. Pay with cash, check, money order, Visa, MasterCard and some smartphone apps such as Apple Wallet.

If you have lost or damaged a library item, please contact library staff at librarian@carlsbadca.gov or call Account Services at 442-339-2019.

If a library item is lost or damaged beyond repair, the cost is generally the list price of the item plus a processing fee (see fines and fees). Replacement items are not accepted for lost or damaged items in lieu of payment.

Call Account Services at 442-339-2095 to let library staff know that your card has been lost or stolen. A note will be placed on your account requiring ID to check out, which will help avoid misuse of your card.  

If you find your card, you'll need to visit a library location with photo ID and we'll remove the note from your account.

There is a $2 fee to replace your card (see fines and fees).

• Library accounts are sent to collections when they have at least one lost item that costs more than $10 and the account balance due is $25 or more. 
  • Any account that is sent to collections is charged a $10 non-refundable referral fee. 
  • Any account with a collection bill is blocked from further use until the debt is paid-in-full. 
• Unique Management is the outside agency the Carlsbad City Library has contracted with to help recover library materials and fees owed to the library. 
• Library fees do not impact your credit report. 

You may renew your library card privileges one time for one year via phone, email or LibChat if you have your card number, photo ID number on file or can provide three identifying pieces of information other than your name. For a three-year extension, please come into one of the three library locations during open hours with government-issued photo ID and proof of current address.