Materials Lending | Getting a Library Card: Getting a Library Card

Card Eligibility 

A new Hartford Public Library card is FREE! 

Hartford residents can apply for a card in person at any library location

Materials Lending : Borrowing Materials

ADULTS 

• Photo ID with proof of your Hartford address (such as a driver’s license) OR  
• Photo ID AND documentation of your current Hartford address, such as a copy of your lease or mortgage, a recent utility bill, or recent piece of mail showing your name and address issued within the past 30 days   
• If unable to provide photo ID or verify address, the Library will issue an E-Card that provides access to the Internet and the Library’s online resources. E-Card are issued at all Library locations. Without a full-service card, however, users are not able to borrow books or other materials. The E-Card must be renewed every two years. 

 

CHILDREN (between the ages of 0-12) 

NOTE: Youth in Pre-K through high school who are enrolled in the Hartford Public Schools will automatically receive a Boundless Universal Customer Account. They do not need a physical card - they can use their lunch number. 

• For students who live in Hartford but do not attend an HPS school, the library card application must be taken home for completion and signature. Parent signature is sufficient to prove child’s identity and residency.

 

TEENS (ages 13 - 17)

• Teens who attend an HPS school do not need to fill out an application or have a physical card, they can use their lunch number. 
• For teens who do not attend an HPS school, but live in Hartford, they can complete the application themselves and must provide a name and address. They do not need to provide any type of identification or proof of address

 

COLLEGE & UNIVERSITY STUDENTS 

• UConn students, staff, or faculty living in Hartford are encouraged to get a full-service Hartford Public Library card.
• Those living outside of Hartford can register their UConn ID to borrow print books and physical media, and to access public computers. Access to HPL's online databases and e-book collections require a full-service HPL card. 
• Trinity students who live on campus are considered Hartford residents. Student should bring their current Trinity ID and another personal ID. We will add their permanent contact information to the account. 

 

An out-of-town account may not be used to borrow HPL's e-books or to access HPL's online database

 

Out of Town

In accordance with State of Connecticut residence and reciprocity regulations, if you live in Connecticut your hometown library card can be used in any public library in the State. We will honor the expiration date of the issuing library. When an out-of-town card is used for the first time, you will be asked to provide photo identification and fill out an application. Your card will then be valid at Hartford Public Library to borrow physical materials from our collections.

FAQ

How long is an HPL card valid?

Cards issued to Hartford residents can be renewed in person after three years. A photo ID and proof of Hartford residency are required to renew. Out of state residents can renew their card (with appropriate documentation) after one year.

Can I have more than one HPL card?

No. Only one card will be issued per person. Multiple cards to access services at the Library are not necessary.

What if I my card is lost or stolen?

Contact the library as soon as possible. You will be held responsible for any items borrowed and any fees charged against your card until it is reported stolen. Please report lost cards by phone or in person as soon as possible to avoid fraudulent use of your card.

The cost of replacing a library card is $1.00 for adults and $.50 for children.

What should I do if I move or if my name changes?

It is your responsibility to report changes of name and address. Please call or visit the Library to update your records.

How will the Library communicate with me about my account and events and programs at the Library?

Hartford Public Library provides a notification service for held items, overdue materials and other service-specific reasons. Notices are available via text or e-mail, whichever you choose when you apply for a card. It is the responsibility of the borrower to notify the Library if any contact information changes.

Note: If you receive notices by e-mail, please make sure that e-mails sent from @hplct.org are allowed through any filters you may have in place on your computer. If you do not receive a notice, you are still responsible for fees or fines associated with any outstanding borrowed items.

You may also receive notices from the Library occasionally about events and programs. You can choose not to receive this material if you prefer.

What can I do with my Library Card?

A Hartford Public Library card is an important tool. With your library card you will be able to:

• Borrow books, audio-books, CDs, videos and DVDs
• Borrow passes for museums and Hartford Stage productions
• Quick and easy access to the library’s public computers
• Borrow sewing machines, cake pans, fishing poles, and other “things”
• Gain full access to the Library’s e-Resources and other web services
• Renew items and check the status of your library account online
• Place holds on items that are currently checked out
• Gain access to the collections and services of every public library in Connecticut
• Stream music, download ebooks and audiobooks
• Take classes online

 

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