The Des Moines Public Library issues free library cards to residents of Iowa.

Visit any of the six locations to apply for a Des Moines Public Library card and bring a current photo ID and proof of permanent address. A current driver’s license or state ID card with correct current address will meet this requirement.

Acceptable proof of permanent address:

- Billing statement received at the address
- A check with printed address
- Voter registration card 
- Rental agreement
- Car registration
- Paystub/Paycheck

The cardholder agrees to pay all fines, abide by the policies of the library, and promptly report loss or theft of the card and any change of name or address.

- Borrowers must apply for library cards in person. 
- Must provide proof of current name, address, and a photo ID.
- A valid Des Moines Public Library card is necessary to check out materials and access most library services.
- Library cards are renewed every three years.
- There is a $1 fee to replace a lost card. Promptly report a lost or stolen card. Picture identification is required to replace a lost or stolen library card.
- The cardholder is responsible for all materials borrowed on their card.

- Children who are at least five years old may get a library card.
- Those under age twelve must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
- Cards for children will not be issued to parents/guardians if the child is not present.
- Parent/guardian account is not required for child applying for a library card. 
- Parents/guardians are responsible for items checked out on their children’s cards.

How to apply for an Educator Card: Download the Educator Card application and guidelines.

Guidelines for the Educator Card

- The purpose of the Educator Card is to provide access to items for educators and homeschool families with a school or personal residence within the city limits of Des Moines, Windsor Heights, and Rural Polk County.
- A maximum of 50 items are checked out for 6 weeks at a time with no option to renew.  No late fees will be assessed, but lost fees still apply if items are not returned within 40 days of the due date.
- DVDs and digital materials may not be checked out on this card.
- Cards must be made for an individual educator or caregiver, not an institution.
- Educator cards may not be used to check out any items aside from those intended for use in the classroom or for student education.

The person who signs this application form agrees to the terms of the Educator Card program above and will take full financial responsibility for any lost library materials loaned to them through the Des Moines Public Library on this program. Please notify the library promptly of any change in ownership management or personnel, which may affect the use and/or return of library materials.

Pre-registration allows you to begin the registration process before visiting the library and immediately place holds on physical materials.

Once pre-registered you have 60 days to come to one of our six locations to complete the process and get your library card.

Digital Card Eligibility

- Must live in Iowa
- Must be at least 5 years old
- Must have a valid email

Digital Card Restrictions

- Pre-registration allows you to place holds on items but to check anything out you will need to complete the registration process in person at the library
- Pre-registered accounts expire after 60 days

Pre-Register for a Library Card