Best Non-Resident Library Cards That Still Work in 2026
This post was updated January 6, 2026.
If you’ve been using non-resident library cards to access ebooks and audiobooks through apps like Libby or Hoopla, you may have noticed a frustrating trend: more and more libraries are quietly ending these programs.
What’s going on?
Due to a combination of federal and state-level budget cuts, plus increased demand for local services driven by economic strain, many libraries are being forced to scale back. And one of the first things to go? Access for non-residents — even when users are willing to pay a fee.
These cuts aren’t about gatekeeping. They’re about survival. With tighter budgets and rising community needs, libraries are prioritizing their tax-paying residents.
But that doesn’t mean all hope is lost. Some library systems do still offer out-of-state access — you just need to know where to look.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through:
- Why is this shift happening
- Which libraries still offer non-resident cards (and how to apply)
- Tips to make the most of your access while it lasts
Let’s get into it.
Why Are Libraries Ending Non-Resident Access?
In short: budget cuts and rising local demand.
- Federal and state-level funding for public libraries is shrinking.
- Economic uncertainty is driving more people to rely on library services. Think job seekers, digital literacy programs, and basic tech access.
- Libraries are being forced to make hard choices about where to focus their limited staff and resources.
When money and bandwidth are tight, serving local residents — the ones whose taxes support the library — takes priority. That often means cutting off or limiting non-resident options, even when those memberships bring in extra revenue.
This isn’t about locking people out. It’s about survival.
What Is a Non-Resident Library Card?
A non-resident library card is a library membership you can purchase from a library system outside your state or local district. These cards typically cost between $27–$125 per year and give you digital borrowing access via apps like:
- Libby/OverDrive for ebooks and audiobooks
- Hoopla for instant access to books, movies, and more
- Kanopy for streaming films
- PressReader, NYTimes.com, and other bonus databases
These memberships are a fantastic tool for readers on a budget — or anyone who has maxed out their local borrowing limits.
NON-RESIDENT LIBRARY MEMBERSHIPS
Orange County Library System (Florida)
Cost: $125 a year
Hoopla Borrows: 10 monthly borrows
Great selection of audiobooks and a quick turnaround. I have borrowed countless books with this membership. Great selection of traditionally published romance novels in both e-book and audiobooks. Y
This library has 171k available books in Libby. The romance selection consists of 45k audiobooks and ebooks.
Wait Time: Just a few weeks for new releases. Audiobooks tend to come faster than e-books.
Quick Tip When Signing Up: When applying, select the check box next to “Out of Country” to enter your address. They may ask a question on the form about what county OCLS is in to stop spammers. The answer is “Orange” since OCLS stands for Orange County Library System.
👉 Don’t miss our library review of the Orange County Library System’s Non-Resident Card — it’s one of the most popular programs for out-of-state readers, with access to ebooks, audiobooks, Hoopla, and more.
Queens Public Library (New York)
Cost: $50 a year.
Hoopla: 10 Hoopla Borrows
The selection is low. Queens Public Library has little romance. The wait time is long for audiobooks and ebooks. The library hold time is 14 days as opposed to 21 days.
Fairfax County Public Library (Virginia)
Cost: $50 – 1 year; $75 – 2 years; and $100 – 3 years
Hoopla: No Hoopla Borrows
Selection for latest releases Romance selection is ok but they have more literary fiction/thrillers/etc. This library is great if you would like to read Manga or Graphic Novels.
If you are reading graphic novels or manga, check out the color e-reader I recommend and why!
St. Louis Public Library (Missouri)
Cost: The library will grant you access to its Library Catalog if you donate to the St. Louis Public Library Friends Program.
You will get access to Libby, where you can borrow up to 20 titles at a time and can place 30 titles on hold.
Want to use your library like a pro? Hit play on this episode and I’ll show you how.
The Following Library Offers Non-Resident Library Card but you have to visit In person
New Orleans Public Library (Louisiana)
Cost: $100 a year
Hoopla Borrows: 20 borrows per month
Wait Time: Just a few weeks for new releases. Audiobooks tend to come faster than e-books.
You can borrow up to 10 books on Libby and put ten books on hold. The library offers about 70k available now, books and audiobooks. For romance books, there are 10k romance books and audiobooks.
You must visit this library in person to get a card. If you are visiting New Orleans main attractions, you can walk to the main library to get the card as it is conveniently located a 20 minutes walk from Bourbon Street. Here is the library address: 219 Loyola Ave, New Orleans, LA 70112
Los Angeles Public Library (California)
If you live in California or you are in the LA area then you must sign up for Los Angeles Public Library.
This library offers Hoopla borrows.
Cost: for Non-Resident the cost is $50 a year but you must go to the library in person, and for California Resident is free.
If you are planning to be in the LA area for business or pleasure, a stop at the library and get a card!
Here are some of the suggested library branch to check out based on your LA travel:
- WESTSIDE: 501 S. Venice Boulevard, Venice, CA 90291
- CLOSE TO LAX: 7114 W. Manchester Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90045
- CLOSE TO THE GROVE: 161 S. Gardner Street Los Angeles, CA 90036
Here is a map of all the local branches.
Great audiobook selection for both traditionally published and indie books. If you are an indie reader, this library has a great selection of e-books. This library offers more than 500k digital items.
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The following libraries are available for residents of the state where they are located.
Maricopa County Library District (Arizona)
Cost: $25 (6 months) or $50 (one year)
Hoopla: 12 borrows a month
Libby: Good e-book selection for romance, new releases and Spanish books with 138k digital e-books.
Freading: Another book collection of ready to download ebooks. You can check out up to 6 ebooks per week
LinkedIn Learning: Unlimited, on-demand course access for any skill level
The New York Times: Full access to the digital edition of the New York Times including News, Games, Cooking, Wirecutter, and The Athletic
Book a Virtual Appointment (you will need your camera on)
Free Library of Philadelphia (Pennsylvania)
Cost: If you live in Pennsylvania, you can get a free library card for Philadelphia and the cost is free.
Great Libby selection.
Hoopla: N/A
Brooklyn Public Library (New York)
Cost: It is free if you live or work in New York State.
No Hoopla
Yes, Brooklyn used to offer non-resident library cards. However, this service has been discontinued.
Their Libby selection for indie romance and audiobooks is excellent.
Denver Public Library (Colorado Residents)
Cost: If you live in Colorado you can get a library card.
Great Libby selection.
Hoopla: N/A
Book Unbanned Initiative
I love the mission behind Books Unbanned. Inspired by the American Library Association’s Freedom to Read Statement and the Library Bill of Rights, the Brooklyn Public Library launched this program in 2022 to make sure teens across the country can access the stories and information they want—and decide for themselves what to think. As more schools and public libraries face pressure to remove books that explore important, diverse, and sometimes challenging topics, Books Unbanned steps in to protect the freedom to read. Through this initiative, partner libraries offer free digital cards to teens nationwide, helping them access books that are frequently challenged or banned so young readers can stay informed, curious, and connected.
Brooklyn Public Library
“Teens and young adults ages 13-21 outside of New York State can apply for a free Books Unbanned eCard. This card provides access to BPL’s entire digital collection. It helps connect young people facing censorship and book bans in their communities with materials that explore a wider range of topics. You can support the Books Unbanned initiative by making a donation.” From the Brooklyn Public Library site as of April 5, 2023.
Boston Public Library
Teens and young adults ages 13 to 26 who live in the United States can now sign up for a free Books Unbanned eCard from the BPL that allows them access to the BPL’s eBook and audiobook collection.
LA County Library
Your freedom to read is a fundamental right. To help support teenagers ages 13-18 years old in California, LA County Library’s Books Unbanned initiative offers free and unrestricted access to the Library’s entire digital eBook and audiobook collection on Libby, by OverDrive, which includes many frequently-banned titles. The Books Unbanned card allows 5 check outs at a time and is valid for one year.
San Diego Public Library
Now, teens and young adults ages 12 to 26 living anywhere in the U.S. can access San Diego Public Library’s online collection of banned or restricted eBooks and eAudiobooks for FREE.
Seattle Public Library
Teens and young adults ages 13 to 26 living anywhere in the U.S. can access our entire collection of e-books and audiobooks. We believe in your right to read what you want, discover yourself and form your own opinions. Fill out a simple form at the bottom of this page to get a Books Unbanned card.
Long Beach Public Library
Teens and young adults ages 13 to 19, living in the U.S. and outside of Los Angeles County, can access our entire Libby collection of eBooks and eAudiobooks. We believe in your right to read what you like, discover yourself, and form your own opinions. Please contact the Library at LS-Books-Unbanned@longbeach.gov to apply for a Books Unbanned card.
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If you are new to Hoopla, check out our Hoopla Digital Guide that walks you through your frequently asked questions, such as how to open multiple Hoopla accounts, find out how many borrows per month you have, etc.
Love Libby? Check out our top Libby Tips so you can be a PRO.
We are starting to provide in-depth reviews of the various non-resident library card programs still available in 2025. Here are some of the programs, we have reviewed:
