Library Account FAQ

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If you've never had a library card, you can get one here.

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If you need to renew your library card, you can do so here.

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Library Card Eligibility

Residents of Milwaukee County may apply for a North Shore Library card. Cardholders have full access to physical and electronic resources provided by North Shore Library and other member libraries of the Milwaukee County Federated Library System.

Residents outside of Milwaukee County can purchase a North Shore Library Fee Card for an annual fee of $50. Fee cards may be used by the entire family and may only be used to check out items owned by the North Shore Library.

Getting Your Library Card

  • Begin your library card application by filling out our online form. This will grant you immediate access to our online resources.

    After you’ve completed the form, stop by the Library’s Circulation Desk to complete your application. You will need to provide a valid photo ID and proof of current address.

    Parents or guardians must accompany children under 16 applying for a library card.

  • We do not have any age restrictions on library card eligibility. We trust parents or guardians to decide when their child is ready to have a library card.

  • North Shore Library cards expire every two years. You will need to provide a valid photo ID and proof of current address in order to renew your card.

    Renew your card in person at the Circulation Desk, or fill out our online form.

  • If your library card is lost, you can get a replacement card from the Circulation Desk. You will need to provide a valid photo ID and proof of current address.

  • Every library card is issued with a PIN number. If you don’t remember yours, call or email the Library, or submit a request online.

Using Your Library Card

  • Up to 100 items total may be checked out at a time. Of those 100 items, no more than 20 may be media items.

  • See our Fine and Loan Periods page.

  • You can place an item on hold yourself by using our online catalog, CountyCat, or through the CountyCat mobile app (available on the App Store and Google Play).

    If you need assistance placing a hold, please call the Library and our librarians will be happy to place holds for you.

  • Your library card is for personal use only. However, you can grant special permission for another person to pick up your holds by filling out a Permission Form. Forms are also available at the Circulation Desk.

  • Items can be renewed on CountyCat, or through the CountyCat mobile app (available on the App Store and Google Play).

    If you need assistance renewing items, please call the Library and our librarians will be happy to renew items for you. For renewal requests made during closed hours, press 2 from the main phone menu to access the MCFLS hotline.

    Please note that not all items can be renewed. For more information, see our Fine and Loan Periods page.