How Do I Register for a Library Card Online?

Anyone who meets Alexandria Library's card eligibility requirements may register online for a library card. Register today for a library card.

Select the menu and fill out the information in the listed fields. Upon completion, you will be provided a 6-digit Temporary ID number. Write down this number or print it for your records. Create your own password or PIN (personal identification number.) It is recommended that you use the last 4-digits of the telephone number you enter in the telephone field. Library staff will not have this password. You will need both the 6-digit Temporary ID and your new PIN number to access library resources.

It is recommended that you enter an e-mail address in the form if you wish to place holds on materials using the online catalogs in order to receive an automated e-mail notification when the item is available for pickup.

If the online registration system detects that you already have a library card in our system, the temporary patron number will be deleted or the system will not issue you a card number. Please contact the Circulation Desk at any library branch.

Will the Temporary Card expire?

Yes. The Alexandria Library's 6-digit Temporary ID number is a 14-day card number. You will have 14 days to use the card before it expires. You should visit the Circulation Desk at any library branch with the Temporary Card number and the required identification in order to receive a permanent library card.

Can I use the Temporary Card number online?

Yes. The Alexandria Library's 6-digit Temporary ID number will work with the Library's online catalog where you can place holds on materials, renew, and check accounts. It will work with the Library's electronic resources, digital magazines, and searchable research databases. The TemporaryID number will NOT access to downloadable resources such as electronic books (eBook and eAudiobook), downloadable music providers, and streaming music and movie/film services.

Can I use the library's computers with an Online Card Number?

No. The 6-digit Temporary ID number will not work with any of the computers in the library's system. You will need to visit the Circulation Desk with your temporary 6-digit number and required identification and receive a permanent library card.

Can I place holds on library materials with my Temporary Card ID?

Yes. You can use the 6-digit temporary card number to place a hold on materials through either of the library's online catalogs. The Alexandria Library's automated system will send you an e-mail notification when your hold is ready for pickup. However, the TemporaryID number will expire within 14 days of issuance so you will not be able to checkout any Alexandria Library materials with the Temporary Card. You must receive a permanent library card. When you come to pick up your hold the Circulation staff will review your required identification and issue you a permanent card before they checkout items to you.

I placed holds in the library catalog using my Temporary Card number but I cannot login to see the status.

The Temporary Card number expires within 14 days of issuance. The system may have detected that you have an existing Alexandria Library card and deleted the Temporary Card number along with the holds. Please visit the Circulation Desk with the required identification and a staff person will assist you with your existing library account.

My Temporary Card stopped working and the library is closed. I cannot get anything!

You will need to visit the Circulation Desk at any library branch on the next business day.

I used the online registration to apply for a library card online and realized I already have one. Can I keep them both?

No. It is Alexandria Library policy that a customer only has one library account. The temporary card will be deleted.

I cannot find my Alexandria Library card. Can I apply for a new one through online registration?

No. The online registration system will detect that you have an existing library account and delete the temporary number or refuse to issue you a number. Please visit the Circulation Desk at any library branch with the required identification in order to purchase a replacement library card for $2.00.

The library has eBooks, eAudiobooks, and digital magazines. I only want to access these. Can I keep my Temporary Card number just for these?

Yes and no. The Alexandria Library provides an extensive collection of online resources and materials the Temporary Cards can access along with digital magazines. The 6-digit Temporary Card number will not permit access to digital downloadable eBooks, eAudiobooks or streaming music and movie services. Temporary Cards expire in 14 days and become unusable. No new temporary card will be issued. You will need to visit the Circulation Desk at any library branch with the required identification and receive a permanent library card.

I used the Temporary Card to place a hold on OverDrive electronic books. I received an e-mail notification that my book is ready for download but cannot login. Will I lose my hold!

Yes. The 6-digit Temporary Card number expires in 14 days and will no longer work with OverDrive. Your hold is attached to the 6-digit Temporary Card number. You must visit the Circulation Desk at any library branch to receive a permanent library card. You can use your permanent card to place a new hold.

I need to access the databases for research. I click the database icon but I cannot log on. Can I use the Temporary Card with the library's databases? How do I get into an electronic resource or database?

The 6-digit Temporary Card number will allow you to remotely access the library's searchable online databases, electronic resources and digital magazines. You access the online databases by logging in through the library's Remote User Access portal.