Do you want a Hoboken Public Library card?
You are at the right place.
You can come into the Library any time we are open — see our home page for hours — and get one on the spot. Or, you can apply online, right here, right now.
If you want to renew your Hoboken Library Card, please email us at hobkcirc@bccls.org
But wait!
Do you know how much your Hoboken Library Card can save you? Click here to find out!
Library Cards
You may sign up for a library card at any time the library is open to the public. Please fill out your application online to expedite the process.
Hoboken Residents (3 yr. expiration)
Adult Hoboken residents must present a photo ID with proof of their current Hoboken address in the applicant’s name. This card gives full borrowing privileges for Hoboken Public Library materials as well as allows for interlibrary loan privileges including JerseyCat, use throughout the BCCLS consortium, access to all eContent. Cards are renewable every 3 years, and we encourage our patrons to keep their contact information updated.
Acceptable Forms of ID Hoboken Residents must present a photo ID with proof of Hoboken residency:
• Valid NJ driver’s license with current Hoboken address
If your driver’s license or photo ID is from out-of-state /country or does not have your current Hoboken address, please provide one of the following;
• Lease
• Recent utility bill
• Recent Bank Statement
• Recent Credit Card bill
• Medicare/Medicaid ID (with current address)
• Letter from school, confirming home address (if under 18)
A P.O. Box is not acceptable as proof of Hoboken Residency.
Teens
Teens in 6th-12th grades will be issued Young Adult library cards based on the rules listed for Adult Hoboken Resident. If a teen does not have a photo ID then another form of ID such as a letter from their school, a parent or guardian’s lease or utility bill will be accepted instead. Juvenile Hoboken Library Cards are issued to Hoboken resident children from birth to 12 years of age. Proof of parents’ or legal guardians’ residency must be presented with the application. This will usually take the form of a valid NJ Drivers’ License with current Hoboken address, or a utility bill with a picture ID such as a passport. These cards expire in three years, after which proof of residency must be resubmitted. It is not necessary to submit another application.
Non-Resident (Modified – 1 yr. expiration)
(Work or attend school in Hoboken and live OUTSIDE of the BCCLS system.)
Adult
This card allows for only in-person borrowing of Hoboken Library materials, Inter-library loan privileges and access to eContent. A library card is provided to applicants who work or attend school in Hoboken. Applicants who work in Hoboken must show Photo ID, with current home address and one of the following:
• Recent Pay stub with business name and Hoboken address
• Letter from employer (on business letterhead) confirming employment.
• Letter from Bursar or The Office of Student Life confirming enrollment and rooming assignment.
Teens
Teens in 6th-12th grades will be issued young adult library cards based on the rules listed for Adult Non-Resident (1 yr. modified). If a teen does not have a photo ID then another form of ID such as a letter from their school (confirming enrollment), as well as a parent or guardian’s lease or utility bill will be accepted instead.
Juvenile
Hoboken Juvenile Cards are issued to children from birth to age 12 who live outside the BCCLS system but attend school in Hoboken. A letter from the school stating they attend must be presented with the application along with their home address verified by the school. A current report card may also be used. These cards expire in one year, after which proof of residency and a Hoboken School letter must be resubmitted. It is not necessary to submit another application.
Modified Juvenile Cards entitle the child to borrowing privileges only. *This card allows interlibrary loan privileges.
Non-Resident (1 yr. expiration)
Hudson County Courtesy (1-year) Patrons living in Hudson County but outside of the BCCLS system may apply for a Hudson County courtesy account.
Adult
Hudson County residents are offered in-house use and borrowing privileges from participating Hudson County libraries. Reserves, holds and use of eContent are not permitted. Patrons must present a valid library card from their home library and be in good standing at their home library. Applicants should ensure that their library card has not expired and that their library records have their current home address on file. Applicants must show Photo ID and Valid Proof of Residency such as:
• Valid NJ driver’s license with current address
• Lease
• Recent utility bill
• Recent Bank Statement
• Recent Credit Card bill
• Medicare/Medicaid ID (with address)
Teens
Teens in 6th-12th grades will be issued a Hudson County Courtesy account, based on the rules listed for Adult Non-Resident Hudson County cards. If a teen does not have a photo ID then another form of ID such as a letter from their school, a parent or guardian’s lease or utility bill will be accepted instead.
Juvenile
Children from birth to age 12, living in HUDSON COUNTY, outside the BCCLS system and not schooled in Hoboken, are offered in-house use and borrowing of Hoboken Library materials. Reserves and holds are not permitted. Patrons must present a valid library card and be in good standing, providing they can show proof of Hudson County residence. These accounts expire in one year, after which proof of residency must be resubmitted. It is not necessary to submit another application. Hudson county Courtesy Cards allow the child borrowing privileges only. ALL OF THE ABOVE REQUIRE PARENT/GUARDIAN INFORMATION TO BE FILLED OUT ON THE APPLICATION FORM. A CARD WILL NOT BE ISSUED WITHOUT THIS INFORMATION. LOST CARDS may be replaced by providing proper identification along with a $3.00 fee. It is not necessary to submit another application. YOUR LIBRARY CARD allows you to review items you currently have checked out, outstanding fines, pending requests, and to renew items before they become overdue.
Temporary Hoboken Residents (Courtesy)
Adult
Temporary Hoboken residents must present photo ID and proof of their temporary residency in Hoboken. Residents will be entitled to a Courtesy account with a maximum term of one year (determined by duration of residency.) Also note patron may have only one BCCLS account in the system at any time. This card allows for in-house borrowing privileges for Hoboken Public Library Items Only, reserves and holds are not permitted.
Teens
Teens in 6th-12th grades will be issued young adult library cards based on the rules listed for Adult Courtesy cards. If a teen does not have a photo ID then another form of ID such as a letter from their school, a parent or guardian’s lease or utility bill will be accepted instead.
Juvenile
Children up to age 12 who are temporary Hoboken residents will be entitled to a Temporary Courtesy account with a maximum term of one year (determined by duration of residency.) Temporary proof of residency must be provided. Also note children may have only one BCCLS account in the system at any time. This card allows for borrowing privileges for Hoboken Public Library Items Only.
Page updated 10/8/2021 -MC