Get a Library Card!

Your library card gives you instant access to free books, movies, music, magazines, and more. A library card also gives you access to technology like laptops and wifi hotspots, public computers, and printing. 

As part of the Metro Library Network, the Cedar Rapids Public Library shares a system and collections with Marion and Hiawatha Public Libraries, as well as the Watts Medical Library at Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids. That means your library card gives you access to all of these libraries!  

How to Register 

Sign up in person, apply for a temporary card online, or call the library at (319) 261-7323, and a staff person will assist you. If applying online, come to the library within 30 days to get your permanent library card. You cannot access online or downloadable services with a temporary card. 

Metro Library Network cards are available to anyone from Cedar Rapids, Hiawatha, or Marion, anyone from Robins or rural Linn County, other Linn County communities with public libraries, or other Iowa communities with public libraries that participate in Open Access.

We offer three library card types: Metro Cards, Metro Lite Cards, and Quick Cards. 

• Metro Card: Unlimited checkouts and up to 50 holds.  

• Metro Lite Card: 10 checkouts and 25 holds. Library patrons who want to better manage the return of their library materials may choose this card type. 

To register for Metro or Metro Lite Cards, patrons must show a valid photo ID and one of the following: a piece of mail received at current address within the past 30 days, a letter from a social service agency, a check from a local bank with name and address, a telephone directory listing, or a city directory with the correct address. 

• Quick Library Card: Three checkouts and five holds. Quick cards are available to people without a current ID or proof of address, as well as to those without a physical address.   

Children under 14 not accompanied by an adult may register for a Quick Card.