This Memorial Day Weekend is expected to see record numbers of people traveling, and if one those millions of folks is you, you might be looking for some entertainment options for your long drive or flights. Instead of shelling out for the cost of a Netflix or Audible subscription, might I make a suggestion? Get a library card.
Libraries are seeing a new resurgence of interest, and there’s probably a few reasons behind that. The cost of living, of course, has been getting crazy lately, and libraries are underrated sources for affordable entertainment. In the age of streaming, they also provide a more stable and consistent source of movies and TV shows than the likes of Netflix and Prime Video with their constantly shifting offerings. And have you seen some of the things Amazon’s Kindle service has been pulling lately? It’s not a surprise that physical books seem more appealing.
According to a recent Google Trends newsletter, questions related to library cards, and specifically how to get one, have been searched for “more than ever in 2025.” Whatever your reason is, I’m here to help walk you through the process.
“But CNET,” I hear you retort. “Aren’t you all about phones and streaming services? Sophisticated totems of modernity that run on electricity? (Probably won’t need a thesaurus from the library.) Why library cards? And what if I don’t physical books for my travels?” Well, continue reading and you might find that the modern library card can get you access to a surprising amount of modern entertainment options, as well as a host of physical books.
For more, read about how you can access more than 30,000 movies and TV shows free with a library card and check out some of the best Memorial Day deals CNET has found.
How do I sign up for a library card?
You probably won’t be shocked to hear that this process is pretty simple, as you can still get a library card the way you’ve always been able to, by going to your local library branch and asking for one at the front desk.
It’s not quite as simple as that, as those nice librarians will most likely need to see some ID and proof of residency. Libraries are still funded by tax dollars, so they need to make sure the people using their services are paying local taxes. A valid driver’s license with your current address should do the trick, but if your address isn’t up to date (I won’t name names, but I will point the finger squarely at myself here), you’ll need to bring some other proof of residency, like some recent mail with your name and address.
Every library system is different, however, and you should probably check its website or call to make sure you know what its requirements are. From there, you should be all set. Have a look around at all the books available to you now.
Might I recommend I’m Starting to Worry About This Black Box of Doom by Jason Pargin? It has a lot to say about those sophisticated totems of modernity we talked about earlier. If you want something a bit brighter and holiday-ready for your Memorial Day weekend, I really can’t recommend the collected works of Emily Henry enough.
The American Library Association is the oldest professional organization devoted to libraries and advocates for their development and use worldwide. Speaking with CNET via email, ALA President Cindy Hohl laid out the association’s argument for libraries in the modern era.
“A library card is one of the most powerful tools anyone can have which offers access to many resources beyond books,” Hohl wrote. “Libraries are a go-to place for people who need access to technology whether its computers, printers or Wi-Fi hotspots to name a few. A library’s collection will differ in each community as it adapts to meet its needs, one might find access to unique or nontraditional items for checkout such as camera equipment, power tools and cookware. Libraries continue to play a critical role in information access, learning and culture.”
Can I sign up for a library card online?
Yes, you certainly can, but there’s probably a catch.
Many library systems these days will let you create an account and sign up for a library card online. In my experience, this usually results in you getting an account number that you can use to access the library’s digital services and even borrow books in person. However, these libraries still need to confirm your identity and residency, so this new account might only be available for a short time, requiring you to show up in person eventually to complete the process and get a physical card. Alternatively, you might find that the amount of stuff you can do with a digital card is limited compared to the physical card.
Ultimately, online library card sign-ups are a nice convenience for folks with a lot going on but they aren’t a full substitute for a physical card. Depending on where you live, the bigger library systems in your state might let all state residents sign up for digital cards, without any requirement that you show up in person. As a New York state resident, I’m able to sign up for cards from the Manhattan, Queens and Brooklyn libraries, even though I don’t live anywhere near New York City.
Can I borrow ebooks and audiobooks?
Here are those modern conveniences I promised you. In this day and age, there are a variety of services that allow you to borrow ebooks or digital audiobooks, just by entering your library card information. In the past, I’ve written a lot about my favorite of these services, Libby, which is an easy-to-use and super affordable alternative to Kindle, Apple Books and Audible. You might also check out Hoopla, which offers ebooks, audiobooks and a whole lot more.
Do library cards have streaming benefits?
Who needs Netflix and its increasingly outlandish monthly cost? In addition to all sorts of books, Hoopla will also let you stream a variety of movies, TV shows and even music for free, as long as you have a library card. You might also want to consider Kanopy, another free library card service, but one that focuses more on indie, classic and documentary films.
According to statistics provided to CNET by the ALA, 95% of US libraries currently offer some sort of access to ebooks and audiobooks, while 57.5% offer access to other streaming media.