Library Cards

Who May Apply

  • Anyone who is a legal resident of Massachusetts or works or owns property in the state and can provide proper identification and proof of present home address may apply for and receive a library card.
  • A child of any age may receive a card with a parent or guardian’s signature and proof of address.
  • Issuance of Library Card –  Policy

How to Apply

 
Online Application

Step 1.  Fill out and submit this library card application form.

Step 2.  How to Complete Registration:

  • A. Pick up our full service library card at a Minuteman Public Library of your choice within 6 months
  • B.  After 6 months, temporary accounts, including item requests, are deleted.
  • C. Please mention that you have already registered for a temporary card and bring your temporary library number or a copy of the confirmation email.
  • D. When you pick up your card you must present a photo ID and proof of address.
  • E. Check your library’s address, phone number, and operating hours here.

Applying in Person

You may register for a library card at the Main Library or either of the branches.  Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.  Please be sure to bring an acceptable form of identification with you (see below).

What are Acceptable Forms of Identification?

A current, valid Massachusetts Driver’s License or Massachusetts State Identification Card with current address OR one document from Section 1 AND one document from Section 2 below.


SECTION 1 — Proof of identification — current or expired (must include name and photo)

  • Passport
  • Alien Resident Card
  • Government issued cards, such as Military ID
  • State issued photo ID including welfare, Medicaid or FID card
  • University or school ID


SECTION 2–Proof of current local address* (must include applicant’s name)

  • Utility bill, eBill or tax bill (dated within the last 60 days)
  • Imprinted bank check or deposit slip
  • Official school schedule with applicant’s name and address typed on it.
  • Official letter verifying residency and mailing address dated with last 30 days from a social service providers, temporary employer that provides housing, or a short-term residence.
  • Ebills
  • *a Post Office Box or business address is not sufficient — a current residential address is required.


Children
If applicant is under 13 years old, parent or guardian must provide proof of identification and address.  A child must be present for a parent/guardian to get them a library card.

Teens
If applicant is between the ages of 13 and 17 and cannot meet the ID and address requirements, parent or guardian must provide proof of identification and address.

Out-of-state residents who meet the following requirements, may be issued a library card with sufficient identification:

  • Work in Massachusetts
  • Attend school in Massachusetts
  • Own property in Massachusetts
  • Out of state residents must provide identification showing their home/permanent address.
  • Property owners must provide verification such as tax bill, utility bill, etc. for their Massachusetts property.
  • Students must verify their status with school identification and provide their school address.
  • Out of state residents working in Massachusetts must provide their work address.
  • Patrons who are temporary residents (such as college students or au pairs) should be registered with permanent address in the second address field.

My Account

My Account allows you to:

Passwords

What is a Password (PIN)?

A Password (PIN), is a code you choose to protect your account. It can be any alpha-numeric sequence up to 30 characters long.  Letters are case sensitive.   It allows you to access your online account.

How do I get one?

Apply in person at the Main Library circulation desk, phone 781-235-1610 781-235-1610 or use the My Account feature.

Email Notification 

Providing your e-mail address will allow you to receive notification of the arrival of books and other materials on reserve for you and overdue notices.  It is faster and more economical for the library.  To set up your email notification:

  • Go to My Account and enter your barcode number and your password
  • Go to “Modify Personal Information”.
  • Text messages

You can now sign up to receive text messages!  Receive alerts when:

  • Holds are ready for pick up.
  • Borrowed items are about to come due.
  • Items are overdue.
  • For more information.

Wellesley Free Library Policy on Confidentiality

Below are examples of frequently asked questions about how the privacy and confidentiality law may affect your library visit.

No, without a library card we cannot disclose any information about the account.

Yes, providing you have the items in hand.  We will renew them without accessing the patron information.

Only if you have his/her card or reserve notice in hand.  Without the notice or the card, our staff is unable to give you the reserve.  It does not matter if you know what the item is (i.e. its title, the author or subject.)

No. Once a child has been issued his or her own card, the account information is confidential regardless of age or relationship.