Library Cards

Obtaining a Library Card

You can obtain a library card at the Burlington Public Library if you are a:

  • Resident of any Massachusetts municipality whose library is certified by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners; you may register with the Burlington Public Library and receive borrowing privileges within the Merrimack Valley Library Consortium (MVLC).   Individuals who live within the MVLC system must obtain their cards from their home library*.
  • Out-of-state resident who has access to a mailing address in Burlington; you may obtain a Burlington Public Library card with borrowing privileges limited to Burlington materials only.

*Residents of other MVLC communities who have not yet obtained a home town card may be issued a Temporary Card, which is valid for 30 days.  A Temporary Card can be used only by the named cardholder and is limited to material checkout; it cannot be used to reserve materials, access databases, or borrow museum passes.

Proof of Identity and Address are required to obtain a Burlington Public Library Card.

  • At the time of registration, please bring a Picture ID with your current address.  If your ID does not have your current address, please bring an official document such as a lease or utility bill that displays both name and address along with your ID*.
  • Students in the Burlington Public Schools may show their school picture ID to obtain a library card.
  • Children under the age of 18 may have a parent or guardian present identification as indicated above.  The child must be present to obtain a card.  If the parent or guardian's card is not in good standing, the child may be denied a card until the parent or guardian's account is cleared. 

*In lieu of an official document with your current address, the library can send a post card to a current Massachusetts address.  This returned post card can serve as an official document; a Picture ID is also required to register for a library card.

Get an eCard to borrow electronic resources right now!

An eCard is a library card which provides immediate access to electronic resources:  e-books, e-audiobooks, e-magazines, streaming music & videos, and databasees.  An eCard can be converted to a physical library card with expanded borrowing by visiting the appropriate library within the Merrimack Valley Library Consortium.  The eCard is for those who do not already have a library card within the Merrimack Valley Library Consortium.  You must be a resident of Massachusetts to obtain one.

Questions or problems?  Contact us at 781-270-1693

For more information on borrowing materials, including loan periods and renewals, see our Circulation Policy.