Get A Card
Your library card is good at all of the Henrico Library branches including the Mobile Library Services and allows you to
- Check out print, audio, and video materials
- Access premium online articles and information
- Use a computer at our libraries
- Renew in person, by telephone or online
- Place a hold on items and choose which location to pick them up
You may apply for a Henrico library card at any Henrico library.
If you think you might already have an HCPL library card, please check with us first by calling any location or by using Ask A Librarian, available by clicking the green tab on the right hand side of any page on our website.
While library buildings are temporarily closed, digital-only cards are available. After completing the online registration form, call any HCPL location to request a digital card, which will provide access to OverDrive ebooks and audiobooks, as well as online research and learning tools. You will receive your library card number over the phone and the library will hold your physical card until you are ready to pick it up after library buildings re-open. When you bring photo ID to pick up your card, you can also update your Digital card to receive additional services.
Please remember to bring a photo ID and proof of address when obtaining your card. You can register in one of three ways:
- Start your registration at home by using our online registration form. Then, visit a library to activate your online registration and receive your permanent card to enjoy all of our services including computer use and printing, checkout of physical and digital materials, room reservations, and more.
- Print the online registration form (Formulario de registración) and bring it to any of our open locations.
- Visit any of the Henrico County Public Library locations and fill out a library card registration form in person.
You need a photo ID and proof of current address to get a permanent library card.
The following are examples of acceptable documents:
- Photo identification from an official source:
- Valid Driver's License
- Valid Virginia ID card
- Passport
- Proof of residential address:
- Checks with names and address printed on them
- Utility bill in your name
- DMV Address verification postcard
- Virginia Voter's registration card
- Cancelled mail in your name and address dated within the last 30 days
- Employment or Insurance ID with address
- Lease agreement
- Business licenses cannot be accepted as proof of taxes paid.
Eligibility
Any resident of Henrico, Richmond or Chesterfield may register and borrow library materials. To register as a Henrico County Public Library user, you must show proof of meeting eligibility requirements. New residents who do not yet have proof of address can obtain a non-renewable 28-day library card that provides limited access. Once proof of street address and photo I.D. are shown, the card is upgraded to have full privileges. If your home address is in Goochland, Hanover, King and Queen, or King William County, you may qualify for a card through our reciprocal agreement with Pamunkey Regional Library System.
If your county is not specifically listed, you may apply for a non-resident card at the cost of $25.00 per year or a temporary card at the cost of $13.00 per six months. An individual who works for Henrico County, but who resides outside of the consortium area, will be issued a Henrico County Public Library card upon presentation of their current Henrico County employee identification card or pay stub, which must be presented every two years.
Exceptions
An individual who lives in another county, but who owns property in Henrico County, will be treated as a resident of the county upon presentation of a current paid tax receipt (real estate or personal property). A current receipt must be presented in lieu of payment each year at the time the card is renewed.
Youth Cards
To obtain a library card, patrons under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian with photo ID and proof of address. The parent or legal guardian assumes responsibility for proper use of the library card as well as payment of fines or lost or damaged materials fees.
Additional Authorized User
As a library cardholder you have the option to add an authorized user to access your Henrico County Public Library account for the purposes of paying fines, checking out library holds, renewing borrowed materials, and verifying what materials are checked out on your account. The authorized user will not have access to your library card number, and may not check out additional library materials on your account. If an authorized user needs to be removed from the account, it is your responsibility to do so by contacting the library. Ask at the check-out desk at your library to fill out a quick form to add an authorized user.