FAQs

• How do I get a Library Card?

  Any resident of the state of Ohio can receive a Dayton Metro Library Card for free. A non-Ohio resident can receive a Card for $25 a year. You can apply for a Library Card in person. When applying in person, please show valid photo identification, such as a driver's license, a state issued identification card, a current student card, or an armed forces identification card. If your ID does not have your current address, please bring verification of address, such as a utility bill or bank statement. You must bring the card in with identification for account verification before checking out library materials.

  There is no minimum age requirement to have a Library Card. A parent or legal guardian must sign the card application for anyone under the age of 18. Special Library Cards are available for children participating in our Summer Reading Club.

  All new Library Card users will have a ten-item limit for the first eight weeks of membership.

  Special cards are also available for teachers, businesses and organizations. Please ask at the Library for details.

  Need immediate access to our digital collection? Apply for an eCard, opens a new window. When you are ready to checkout physical materials you can get a Library Card by following the instructions above.

• What are eCards? How do I get one?

  eCards, opens a new window give you instant access to databases and digital borrowing without the need to visit one of our locations.

  • download or stream ebooks, audiobooks, movies, music, and magazines
  • access newspaper archives, genealogy resources, and scholarly journals
  • get ahead with online learning tools

  Physical materials at our library locations cannot be checked out with an eCard. However, eCards can be upgraded to a standard library card by showing valid photo ID and proof of address when you visit any of our libraries. You can signup for an eCard here, opens a new window.

  If you find you already have a Library Card number but do not remember your Library Card number or PIN, you can call our Ask Me Line at 937.463.2665 for help.

• I live outside of Ohio, can I get a DML card?

  A non-Ohio resident can receive a Card for $25 a year.

• Can you tell me about Library fines and fees?

  Effective January 1, 2018, there are no overdue fines for Dayton Metro Library materials.

  Items checked out and not returned within 21 days past the due date are considered lost and the borrower will be charged the replacement cost of the item.

  If a library card account has $10 or more in charges, the account holder will be blocked from checkout until sufficient payment is made.

   

• I forgot my Library Card Number, or my PIN.

  If you have misplaced or forgotten your Library Card number or PIN, we can help. Please call our Ask Me Line at 937.463.2665 during open hours. Or, send us an email with your specific questions here.