Get a Library Card - It's Easy!
Reading Public Library Card
Stop by the Borrower Services desk to present identification and proof of residency. You will select a password to manage your account, access online resources, and reserve museum passes.
That’s it! We’ll give you a library card right away!
Acceptable forms of ID:
- Massachusetts driver's license with current address
- Checkbook with current address and photo ID
- Recent mail with current address and photo ID
- Student ID and identification with photo ID
Children
Children through sixth grade may apply for cards in the Children’s Room. Library card applications for anyone under 16 years of age requires the signature of a parent or guardian.
You can use just about any public library in Massachusetts.
Anyone who lives, works, or goes to school in Massachusetts can register for a free Boston Public Library eCard and gain access to a wide range of digital resources covering newspapers, magazines, streaming media, genealogy, and more!
NOBLE eCard
Sign up for an electronic card and upgrade it to a physical card when you visit RPL or any other NOBLE library and present a form of identification. You will have immediate access to NOBLE electronic materials such as ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, and databases.
Eligibility:
- Massachusetts residency
- Cannot have a library card from a NOBLE member library
Not a Reading Resident?.
If you aren’t a resident of Reading, you can still use your hometown card at the Reading Public Library.
If your home library has been decertified, please see our “Policy on Lending to Residents of Municipalities with Decertified Libraries”.
Helpful Links
Borrowing Periods
- Books, Magazines, Audiobooks, Videogames, Library of Things: 14 days
- Express books: 7 days, Express DVDs: 3 days (no renewals)
- Telescope, CDs, DVDs: 7 days
- Museum passes: 1 day (no renewals)
* Special arrangements may be made by request. Extended loans are also available to Reading teachers and for school or special projects.
Checkout Limits
Most library materials have no borrowing limits. However, to allow everyone to have access to items in certain collections we limit:
- Video Games: 2 per patron.
- Adult Library of Things: 2 per patron.
- Children’s Library of Things: 2 per patron.
*To protect our collections, the library reserves the right to refuse service to anyone who abuses borrowed items, or is repeatedly late in returning borrowed items.
Using Your Account Online
Log in with your library card number and password at “My Account”. Once logged in, you can request new items, renew items, and manage all requests.