The library system offers four types of cards: Resident Adult, Resident Youth, Reciprocal Borrower, and Non-Resident.
Resident Adult
All Sarasota County residents can apply for a library card in person at any Sarasota County Library or online.
To apply for a 30-day temporary Digital Library Card click here.
Online cards are called "Digital Library Cards" and are temporary - lasting 30 days to give our patrons time to get to the library to get a regular card. Once you are notified of your Digital Library card (via email) you will have instant access to our digital resources, including eBooks. However, these cards will expire after 30 days so they cannot be used to checkout or place holds on physical items.
To change your Digital Library Card to a regular card, come visit a Sarasota County Library within that 30-day window and show proof of residency along with a photo ID. Your Digital Library Card will turn into a regular library card to give you full access to physical and online library materials and services. Note that when you change your Digital Library Card to a regular one, your account number will change, so please let the library staff know if you have any ebooks/downloadable audiobooks checked out or on hold so these can be transferred to your new card number.
New Ask Us video chat option! If you are unable to come into a library in person, you may be interested in requesting a video chat appointment for a new library card. Information is linked here.
To apply in person, complete the application, linked here and bring it with proof of residency and a photo ID to any Sarasota County library. Applications are also available in each library. You may apply and use any of the ten Sarasota County Libraries.
To establish identity and show proof of residence, bring one of the following to fulfill both requirements:
- Florida Driver's License with a current Sarasota County address
- Florida Identification Card with a current Sarasota County address
Otherwise, applicants are required to show a photo ID and one of the following documents as proof of residence:
- Sarasota County Vehicle Registration
- Sarasota County current rental agreement for a minimum of six months
- Sarasota County current property tax receipt/bill
- Deed to property in Sarasota County
- Declaration of Domicile in Sarasota County
- A current pay-stub showing current Sarasota County address
- Sarasota County Government Employee Identification Badge
- Sarasota County School, College or University Identification Card
- Sarasota County School, College or University Report Card
- Current utility bill for water, gas electricity, cable or satellite TV with current Sarasota County address
- Consular identification card with current Sarasota County address
Resident Youth
A parent or guardian must bring proof of residency and a photo ID and must approve the Youth Application or Digital Library card for children under 18. Youth applications are also available in each library. For an application in Spanish, please click here.
Reciprocal Borrowers
Complete the application, linked here and bring it with your current valid home library card, a photo ID and proof of residency in your home county. Applications are also available in each library. (See "I'm not a resident. Can I get a library card?" for more information.)
Non-Residents
Complete the application, linked here and bring it with a photo ID to any Sarasota County library. Applications are also available in each library. (Can't get to the library? Please see our video chat option, detailed above or click here for information.)
Select a term for the card:
- $15 for a three-month card
- $25 for a six-month card
- $40 for a yearly card
- $80 for a two-year card
Fees are paid for online through the library's portal, in My Account, once your Non-Resident Card is created. Staff will walk you through the payment process (staff do not take the payment directly). Fees are non-refundable.
Please note: The fees for Non-Resident cards are based on the annual amount paid in taxes by a resident.