Tacoma Public Library is excited to share important updates to our library card system. Our new library card types and policies are designed to make getting a library card, borrowing materials, and accessing library resources easier, more inclusive, and better tailored to the diverse needs of our city and region.
New and Updated Library Card Types
There are five types of library cards in our updated system: Tacoma, Community, Paid, Quick, and Pathway.
Our Tacoma Card has all of the privileges of our former standard card, but is exclusively for Tacoma residents, property owners, City of Tacoma or Tacoma Public Schools employees, Puyallup Tribe members, and active‑duty military abroad with a Tacoma address.
Our new Community Card is for organizations within Tacoma city limits such as daycares, nonprofits, private schools, assisted living facilities, and youth group homes. It allows a designated employee to borrow up to 100 items for use with their organization.
Our new Neighbor Card is for reciprocal borrowers from King County, Pierce County, Puyallup, and Seattle Public Libraries. We will still offer our Paid Card For residents of Roy, Fircrest, Ruston, or Carbonado.
A new Quick Card is available for individuals of all ages without proof of address or ID that will provide limited access to library materials.
Finally, we will continue to offer our Pathway Card for students and teachers via our Pathway Partnership with Tacoma Public Schools.
What You’ll Need to Get a Card
Most cards require a photo ID and proof of address. We have broadened what’s accepted for photo ID to include: Student ID, driver’s license, passport, military ID, DOC ID, gym membership, Costco card, or even a photo of your ID on your phone. Expired IDs are accepted if expired within the last two years. Puyallup Tribe members can, but are not required to, present their tribal ID.
Bills, rental agreements, property tax statements, utility bills, or electronic bills shown on your phone can be used to show proof of address. Youth can show library staff their report card or student portal.
No ID or Proof? You can still get a Quick Card and upgrade at a later time.
When Will These Changes Happen?
The new card types went into effect on January 2, 2026. If you already have a Tacoma Public Library card, you have until 2032 to update it to our new card type.
Benefits to the Community
Our library card updates were shaped by listening to and learning from our community and staff. We met with local organizations and library staff to learn firsthand about their challenges and needs. These changes aren’t just about new cards — they’re about making the library more accessible and sustainable for everyone. Here are the priorities that shaped the updated library cards:
- Accessibility First: Our overarching goal is to ensure every Tacoma resident, regardless of circumstance, can use library resources.
- Cards for Organizations: Expanded instructions for Community Cards make it easier for local groups like nonprofits, schools, and assisted living facilities to access materials.
- Responsible Stewardship: By creating a Tacoma card for city residents, we can more easily understand what matters to our community and make responsible decisions about how to manage our resources.
- Faster Access for Tacoma Residents: Tacoma residents and our reciprocal Neighbors can sign up online and immediately get a library card.
Ready to sign up? Visit any of our library locations or start online today.
