Library Cards

Sea Turtle Library Card
Dog Library Card
Onslow County Library Card

Library cards are available free of charge and require a valid photo ID, proof of current address, and birth date when applying for a Library card. 


Required Age


Adult cards will be issued to patrons 18 and older. Youth library cards will be issued for children between the ages of 5 and 17. Applications for youth cards must be completed by a parent or legal guardian who will be legally and financially responsible for all materials checked out on the youth card.


Parents or legal guardians applying for youth cards must have a valid Library card with a zero balance before youth cards will be issued. Youth cards will be linked to the consenting parent or legal guardian's Library account.


How to Obtain a Library Card


  1. Fill out and submit our online library card registration form.
  2. Visit any one of our four branch locations in Jacksonville, Richlands, Sneads Ferry or Swansboro.
  3. Present a valid picture ID and proof of your current address to the public services desk staff.

Library cards are good for a period of three years. To be eligible for renewal, the account balance must be zero.


Patron Responsibility


Patrons are responsible for all materials and equipment checked out on their card or on a card for which they are the responsible party and will be billed for late, damaged, or lost materials and equipment according to the fee schedule approved by the Onslow County Board of Commissioners.


Access to Library privileges will be blocked if a balance of $5 or more is due on any Library account. For youth accounts that owe fines or fees above the $5 threshold, the party responsible for the youth account will also be blocked until the account balance is below the $5 account threshold.


Library cards must be presented when checking out Library materials or using other resources that require a Library card to access them. Patrons must use only the card that has been issued to them.


Nonresident Visitor Cards


Temporary Library cards may be issued for nonresident visitors staying in the area for at least one month who provide a valid picture ID and proof of a local address. Only one adult Library card will be issued per family. Checkout privileges will be limited to 10 items. The card will expire on the last day of the expected length of stay.


Lost & Stolen Cards


There will be a $1 replacement fee for all lost cards currently in active status. Lost or stolen Library cards should be reported to the Library as soon as possible to prevent unauthorized use. When replacing lost or stolen Library cards, a valid picture ID and proof of current address must be presented.


Withdrawing Library Privileges


Patrons who repeatedly abuse Library privileges may have Library privileges cancelled. This will only be done on the recommendation of the Public Services Supervisor or Branch Manager and the approval of the Library Director. Patrons will be notified in writing of such an event. Appeals may be made to the Library Advisory Board at their regular monthly meeting. All appeal decisions made by the Library Advisory Board will be considered final.