Library Card Services

The Library offers a wide variety of print materials, eBooks, audiobooks, public access computers, online resources, educational DVDs, live homework help for grades 4-12, summer reading programs, story times, author events and more.

PGCMLS is Fine Free

PGCMLS is fine free as of July 1, 2020. The new policy ensures that all Prince Georgians have equitable access to the Library’s resources and services, while eliminating the financial barrier of overdue fines. By adopting a “fine free” policy, PGCMLS joins the ranks of over 200 libraries across North America that have eliminated late fines since 2016. This collective effort reflects the 2019 American Library Association “Resolution on Monetary Library Fines as a Form of Social Inequity,” which highlights libraries’ responsibility to eliminate all barriers to access.

Library accounts will still accrue charges for lost or damaged materials. Accounts must be kept in good standing to have full access to all of the library’s resources and collections, including Hoopla, Kanopy, and Libby. For questions about account balances, please contact us using the Account Problems form.

Get a Library Card

Your library card gives you access to a vast collection of physical and digital library materials and resources. For full eligibility information, visit Borrowing Policies.

Residents of Maryland, the District of Columbia, and some Virginia locations (Alexandria, Arlington County, Fairfax County, Falls Church, Loudoun County or Prince William County) may obtain a library card free of charge.
Anyone residing in Maryland on a temporary basis (e.g., students, military personnel, temporary employees) is eligible for a free temporary library card.
Anyone who does not meet the above criteria can pay $50 per year for a non-resident library card with full borrowing privileges. Requests for non-resident cards must be made in person.

Student Library Card

If you are a student through the age of 17, unaccompanied by a parent/guardian or whose parent/guardian would prefer a more limited card, you may sign up for a student library card. Simply complete an application with your name, address, birthday, and school information. With the student library card you can borrow up to three items at a time and no overdue fines will be charged. The student card provides access to all online library services, such as online tutoring, research databases, and downloadable eBooks, audiobooks, music, magazines and movies. With it, you can also use library computers.

LINK Accounts for PGCPS Students

Virtual Library Card

Prince George's County residents can access the Library’s online library and place holds on digital materials without visiting a branch. These virtual library cards expire in three years and can be renewed in person at any branch for an additional three years. Accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request. Please send us an email using the Account Problems webform or call Public Services at 301-699-3500.

Updating your Library Card

You can update the contact information on your library card by visiting any PGCMLS branch, calling the Ask a Librarian reference line, or submitting changes via the Account Problems webform. You can also make changes to your card info online via the PGCMLS online catalog under My Account.

Library Card Expiration

Library cards expire every three years. To renew your card, visit any PGCMLS branch. Accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request. Please send us an email using the Account Problems webform or call Public Services at 301-699-3500.

Lost or Stolen Library Cards

If any copy of your card is lost or stolen, please report it immediately by contacting any PGCMLS branch or the Account Problems webform. You are responsible for all items borrowed up until the time you report your card lost or stolen.

Replacing your Library Card

You can replace your lost library card for free at any branch library with proper identification (photo ID and proof of address). For a full list of accepted identification, visit Borrowing Policies.

Library Cards and Computer Access

Library cards are required for public computer access at PGCMLS. Customers who are unable to provide full information may register for a Computer Access Card by giving only their name, zip code, and date of birth. With this card, customers can use public computers but will not have borrowing privileges. Computer Access Only cards can be updated to full-access cards at any branch with proper identification.

"Fine Free" Frequently Asked Questions
- Why did the Prince George's County Memorial Library System eliminate overdue fines?
  
  The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System helps customers discover and define opportunities that shape their lives. By eliminating overdue fines, the Library’s collections, resources, and services are more accessible for all customers.
- Will overdue fines be waived on all materials?
  
  Overdue fines will be waived on materials owned by the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System, including books, movies, and borrowable technology. Customers will be responsible for collection fees for any lost or damaged materials. Interlibrary Loan (ILL) materials that are not returned will incur a replacement fee for the customer.
- Do I still have to pay a fine that was on my account prior to July 1, 2020??
  
  Any existing overdue fines were removed from customer accounts on July 1, 2020. Customers should return any items currently in their possession to avoid replacement charges. For questions about account balances, please contact us using the Account Problems form.
- Why does my account have a balance if overdue fines have been waived?
  
  Any new account balances after July 1, 2020 will be a result of lost or damaged materials, including PGCMLS-owned and Interlibrary Loan materials. For questions about account balances, please contact us using the Account Problems form.
- How will the Library get people to return borrowed materials?
  
  Customers remain responsible for returning borrowed materials. If materials are not returned within 30 days of the final due date, the materials will be considered lost. Customers will be charged for the replacement cost for any materials that are not returned. Customers with account balance of $25 or more will have their borrowing privileges suspended and a collection fee of $15 added to their account. If materials are returned within 6 months, the replacement cost will be removed.
- Will I still receive reminders about returning materials?
  
  3 Days Before Due Date: Courtesy Email
  14 Days Overdue: Overdue Notice
  30 Days Overdue: Second Overdue Notice

Any questions? Visit any PGCMLS branch, call the Ask a Librarian reference line, or email us using the Account Problems webform.