Library cards are available to anyone living, working full-time, attending school, or owning property in Manchester. Visit either the Main Library or the West Library with your proof of eligibility to recieve a card.  You may begin the registration process online, and finalize it by showing your proof and recieving your card when you visit the library.

To Register for a library card:

Adults who live in Manchester must present a valid photo ID with their current Manchester address. If you have recently moved to Manchester and your photo ID does not reflect your current Manchester address, please bring in your photo ID and one of the following pieces of identification: a bill, checks, car registration, rent receipt or lease with your Manchester address information.

If you work in Manchester more than 30 hours a week, you are eligible to register for a Manchester Library Card. Please bring a valid photo ID and a pay stub or letter from your employer verifying your employment. Business cards may not be used as proof of employment.

Children 5 through 18 years of age are issued a library card with parental/guardian consent. Children under the age of 5 who can sign their first and last names are issued a library card with parental/guardian consent. Both the child and the parent/guardian must sign the child's registration card. The parent/guardian must present a Manchester City Library card or show valid ID as noted above. If your family does not live in Manchester, but your child attends school in Manchester, please bring proof of their current enrollment such as a tuition bill, class schedule, or student ID.

Students attending college in Manchester are eligible for a Manchester City Library card. To apply for a Manchester City Library card, students must bring one of the following proofs that they are currently enrolled at the college; a student ID with a validation sticker, class schedule, or letter from the bursar’s office. College Students must also provide ID showing their home address.

Non Resident cards are issued to people who do not live, work full-time, attend school, or own property in Manchester. There is a $50 per year fee for a non resident card.

Library Card Renewals:

Manchester City Library cards are renewed on an annual basis. Identification with current information as noted above must be presented in order to renew the card.

GMILCS Common Borrower Card allows patrons with library cards from other GMILCS (Greater Manchester InterLibrary Cooperative System) libraries to use their card at the Manchester City Library. These libraries are: Amherst Town Library, Bedford Public Library, Danforth Library (New England College), Derry Public Library, Goffstown Public Library, Hooksett Public Library, Kelley Library (Salem), Merrimack Public Library, Nesmith Public Library (Windham), and Wadleigh Memorial Library (Milford). A valid (unexpired) Manchester City Library Card may be used at any of the previously listed libraries.