Borrowing Policy

APPLY FOR A CARD

Your library card gives you free access to millions of books, eBooks, magazines, DVDs, streaming movies, music and more. You can use it at any of our branches or book vending machines.

Regardless of your card eligibility, you are always welcome to visit any LCPL branch, attend programs and use our Makerspaces.

Adults (Loudoun Resident)

Apply online or in person at any LCPL branch.

If you apply in person, please bring acceptable documentation.

If you apply online, you should receive a confirmation email with your card number as well as a welcome email. Please note that you will not receive a physical card.

Adults (Non-resident)

Apply in-person at any LCPL branch. Bring acceptable documentation to establish eligibility for the following:

 

Minors (Under 18)

All minors, whether a Loudoun resident or non-resident, can apply in-person at any LCPL branch with a parent/legal guardian.

You can also print a paper application and return the signed form to any LCPL branch.

Accepted documentation

To establish eligibility, you must provide a picture ID with a current address. If the current address does not appear on the photo ID, please also bring one of the secondary options below that indicates your connection to Loudoun County.

  • Residency: Piece of mail with name and current address
  • Property ownership: Deed of property or real estate tax bill
  • Business ownership: Business license or tax bill
  • Employment: Work ID or pay stub
  • School attendance: Student ID
  • Educator status: Letter on school letterhead or other proof of current employment as an educator, daycare provider certification, current homeschool status certification or similar documentation

Reciprocal cards

If you live in one of the following areas that participate in the regional reciprocal borrowing program, you are eligible for a reciprocal card. Please bring a photo ID and proof of address to any LCPL branch to apply.

  • The cities of Falls Church, Alexandria and Winchester
  • The District of Columbia
  • Arlington, Fairfax, Fauquier, Prince William, Clarke and Frederick counties in Virginia
  • Montgomery, Prince George's and Frederick counties in Maryland

If you are a Loudoun resident, you are eligible to apply for a reciprocal card with these systems. Please note that LCPL does not share patron data or catalog information with any other libraries. To obtain a card with another district, you will have to go through their application process.

Educator cards

Eligibility and borrowing privileges
Public and private school K-12 teachers, homeschool teachers, childcare providers and preschool teachers who work and/or live in Loudoun County are eligible for an educator card that offers expanded access to library resources. This card is intended for professional use only and should not be used in place of a personal card. Cardholders are responsible for the replacement costs of any lost or damaged items. Interlibrary Loan services are not available with this card type.

  • Borrow up to 50 items
  • Four-week loan period
  • No overdue fines

How to apply
Visit your local branch with proof of educator status, employment and/or residency. LCPL staff will make the final decision about the validity of the documentation provided.

Expiration and renewal
Educator cards are valid for one year and must be renewed annually by Oct. 1. To renew, visit a branch with proof of educator status and employment.

Cards for students
Staff members are happy to help you get personal library cards for your students. Please contact your local branch to make arrangements.

Work/Study/Own property in Loudoun

If you do not live in Loudoun or a jurisdiction that participates in reciprocal borrowing, but have a Loudoun County library card because you work, go to school, or own property/business in Loudoun, your library card does expire every year. Please bring proof of eligibility to any branch, and staff can renew the card for you.

A note about online applications: LCPL uses a service that sends your name, address and email to a commercial address verification service (CAVS) to prove that you are you. This CAVS verifies your identity by checking that your name and address are associated. The CAVS combines your data with other customers' data and employs machine learning algorithms to look for patterns. The CAVS may store your data for up to three years to provide identity verification and fraud detection services.

FAQ

Please feel free to contact us if you do not see the answer to your question below.

To log in to your online catalog account, use the library card number located on the back of your card and PIN. Please feel free to contact your local branch for support.

Your PIN is your birthdate in MMDDYY format. For example, July 4, 1976 would be 070476. If your birthdate is not on file, your PIN is 999999. You can update your PIN or create an EZ Login under "Account" after logging in. If you forget the new one, staff can reset it to your default PIN at any branch.

If your information changes (e.g., address, email), please notify staff promptly to keep your account current.

Loan periods:

  • DVDs/Blu-Rays: One week; 11 renewals
  • All other items: Three weeks; three renewals
  • Streaming/downloadable media: Varies

Renewals: Items are automatically renewed unless another customer places a hold. No action is needed on your part.

How do I put an item on hold and have it sent to my branch?
If the item you want is checked out, you can get in line to be notified when it’s available. Log into the catalog with your card information, click the orange Place Hold button under the title and select your preferred pickup location. When your requested item becomes available for you to check out, you will be contacted by phone, text message or email according to your notification settings.

How long do I have to pick up my holds?
Requested items are kept for you at the branch for seven days.

Can I pick up holds without my library card?
Yes, if you can provide a photo ID.

Can a family member pick up my holds?
Family members can pick up your holds if they have your library card with them. Parents/legal guardians can pick up holds for children younger than 18.

Can I check out books if I forgot my library card?
Yes, if you provide a photo ID. If you know your library card number and PIN, you can use it without the physical card present.

Do I need a library card to use the Internet or WiFi in the library?
You can use either your library card or a temporary number from a staff member to access these services.

What should I do if I can't remember my library card number?
Visit any branch with a photo ID.  After confirming your identity, staff can either give you your card number or issue a new card if needed.

Types of notifications
You can receive updates via email (default), text message or phone. Notifications include hold pickup availability, checkout and renewal receipts, items due soon or overdue and lost items. Please be sure to update your account information if it changes, and contact staff at your local branch for assistance with switching your notification preferences between email, text and phone.

  • Email: Emails will be sent from Loudoun County Public Library. Please be sure to add this address to your email provider's acceptable list to avoid spam filters.
  • Text: You can opt in to receiving text notifications by logging into your online account and clicking Account Summary, then Opt-In & Notifications.
  • Phone: If you've opted out of email and text notifications, you can receive information about holds, due dates, overdue items and lost item fees over the phone. Please call 703-771-LOAN (5626), which is available 24/7.

Are there fines for overdue items?
There are no late fees. Fees are charged only for lost or damaged materials.

What if I lost or damaged an item?
Items are considered lost 21 days past the due date. You will be charged the replacement cost for items not returned or that are damaged. Please note that LCPL does not accept replacement copies of the item, and can only accept cash or credit cards for payment. Payment can be made at any branch or through your online account. If the item is returned, the fee will be waived.

What if I lose my card?
Please let your branch know if you lose your card so we can prevent use of the card by someone else. Come into any branch to get a free replacement card. Please note that your card number will change and you may need to update your login if you access our digital resources.

When does my card expire?

  • Resident and Reciprocal cards: every five years
  • Work/Study/Own property in Loudoun: annually according to start date
  • Educator cards: annually on Oct. 1

Loudoun County residents: Our system will attempt to automatically renew your account. If we are unable to verify your information, you will receive renewal instructions 30 days before your expiration date.

Reciprocal, Work/Study/Own and Educators: If you live in a reciprocal jurisdiction or qualify through employment, school enrollment, or property/business ownership in Loudoun, you must present proof of eligibility at any branch for renewal.

If you don't see an item you want in our collection, you can try the following services: