Get a Library Card

Join the club!

Anyone may use resources in the library, but a library card is needed to check out materials. Anyone (including household members) in one of the following categories may have a library card at no additional charge:

– Residents or owners of real estate or personal property in the Cape Girardeau Municipal Library District (see district map here)
– Full time employees (or retirees with 10+ years of service) of the City of Cape Girardeau
– Students and employees of K-12 schools located within the library district
– Those who reside within the city limits but outside the library district (privileges include full access to our digital collection, but are limited to 5 physical items checked out at a time)

What to bring if you live within the library district:

– your valid, state-issued photo ID with your current address listed

If your ID lists a previous address, please also bring one of the following for verification:

– a lease with a remaining term of 6 months or more
– a current voter registration card
– your most recent income tax return
– a current property tax bill
– a current utility bill

What to bring if you do not live within the library district:

In addition to your valid, state-issued photo ID, please bring proof of status to apply for a library card:

– For City of Cape Girardeau employees: your valid employee ID
– For students or employees of schools within the library district: your valid school ID or other proof of enrollment/employment
– For those who own a business or other property within the library district: your paid property or real estate tax receipt from the previous year
– For those who live within the city limits but not within the library district: proof of address (only necessary if your current address is not listed on your state-issued photo ID)

Library cards are available for a fee to those not in one of the above categories. The fee is $15.00 for 90 days or $60.00 for 1 year per household. Gift certificates are also available. Please give us a call at (573) 334-5279 if you have questions about card eligibility or what to bring with you to get a library card.

Keep in touch!

Please present your library card to check out items. You are responsible for all items checked out on your card. Please notify us if your card is lost or stolen, or if there are changes in your information we have on file.