How Do I Get a Library Card?

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Do I need a card?

If you already have a Minuteman Library Network library card, perhaps issued by another Minuteman library, you can use it here. Only a few of our services, such as the loaning of museum passes, are restricted to Brookline residents.

If you have a card from a non-Minuteman Massachusetts library, such as the Boston Public Library, you will still have to register for a Minuteman Library card to use our Library.

Who can get a card?

Minuteman Library cards are available at no cost to:

  • Massachusetts residents
  • Town of Brookline employees
  • Brookline public or private school students
  • Owners of property in Brookline

Out-of-state residents should refer to our guidelines for out-of-state cardholders.

Registering for a Minuteman Library Card

1. Fill out an application.

You can submit a digital application, print an application at home and bring it with you, or fill one out at any Minuteman Library.

2. Provide photo ID and proof of address.

At any Minuteman Library, complete your registration by providing photo ID and proof of your current address. If your Massachusetts License or State ID lists your current address, that’s all you need.
If your photo ID does not have your current address on it, please bring along one document from each of the following two sections:

Photo Identification

  • Passports
  • Alien Resident Cards
  • Government issued cards, such as Military ID
  • State issued photo ID including:
    • Welfare
    • Medicaid
    • FID cards
  • University or School IDs
  • Senior/T.A.P. ID issued by the MBTA

Proof of Current Address

  • Lease agreements
  • Utility bills or tax bills (dated within the last 60 days)
  • Imprinted bank check or deposit slips
  • Official letters verifying residency and mailing address dated within last 30 days from a:
    • Social service provider
    • Temporary employer that provides housing
    • Short-term residence
  • Postcard mailed to applicant from the library

Note on Chosen Names: If your name doesn’t match the one on your legal documents, a staff member can manually add it to your account at any time – just let us know.

Cards for Children

Ages from birth to 12:

  • Child and a parent or guardian must be present
  • Parent/guardian signature
  • Parent/guardian must have photo ID and proof of address

Ages 13 – 17:

  • Student ID accepted with:
    • a piece of mail from home with your name and address on it + your completed application form
    • a printout of your student portal page with your name and address visible (you may also show us your cellphone while logged into the student portal) and your completed application form
  • If any of the above are not available, parent/guardian must present ID in person

Organized school visits:

  • Previously signed application form for child
  • Address verification with school directory list

Residents of decertified municipalities

The Board of Library Trustees reserves the right to deny library services to residents from any municipality whose public library has been decertified by the MBLC (Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners).