Libby is a fantastic app and to get the most of it, you’ll need access to catalogs. If you want to drastically reduce your wait times for books, especially popular ones, it helps to get more catalogs. Most libraries will only give library cards, and Libby access, to residents in their region.
Some libraries will give library cards to anyone for free. Others will if you’re willing to pay an annual fee. A few will even give you a free card if you were born there but have since moved (Broward County).
Unfortunately, that list of libraries changes. The problem with some lists is that they are not kept up to date, which can be a bit frustrating.
The list below is accurate as of September 2026.
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Check Reciprocard
Libby made an update in September that made it unnecessary for you to get a card at any libraries with reciprocal lending agreements with your existing library memberships. Libby will now search across those partnerships automatically, prioritizing the library where you have a card.
ReciproCard is still a useful tool for finding out catalog sizes and whether paying for a library makes sense. It’s just slightly less useful than before since joining partner libraries is no longer necessary.
ReciproCard is a free resource that helps you find libraries with reciprocal relationships with your existing library memberships. As a Howard County Library System member because of where I live, I can get a card at the Baltimore County Public Library, Montgomery County Public Library, and Prince George’s County Memorial Library for free. This may require a visit to a branch but I know I can get a card.
Check this first but then also check this after you’ve gotten new library cards because you won’t know what it unlocks.
Books Unbanned (Free)
Books Unbanned is a program that gives teens and young adults access to free digital library cards from six libraries. They typically only require you to be a U.S. resident and fit within the age groups, but the libraries and requirements are:
- Brooklyn Public Library – U.S. residents ages 13 to 21.
- Boston Public LIbrary – U.S. residents ages 13 to 26.
- Los Angeles County Library – California residents ages 13 to 18.
- San Diego Public Library – U.S. residents ages 13 to 26.
- Seattle Public Library – U.S. residents ages 13 to 26.
- Long Beach Public Library – U.S. residents ages 13 to 19.
Once you get a card, double check ReciproCard to see if it unlocks more.
Free Libraries With No Age Restrictions
Books Unbanned is great but what if you’re older than 18, 21, or 26? Fortunately there are a few options here:
- The Queer Liberation Library is absolutely free with the emission of building “a vibrant, flourishing queer future by connecting LGBTQ+ people with literature, information, and resources that celebrate the unique and empowering diversity of our community.” The catalog of approximately 6,000 items have queer themes or are written by LGBTQ+ authors.
- The Japan Foundation Los Angeles Digital Library – This is free but they have a weekly registration limit to avoid overwhelming their systems. This limit is reset on Wednesdays after 6pm PT.
- The National Library of Malaysia – Within Libby, look for this library and pick the “sign up with your card” option. Then enter a Library Card Number of “pnm001” to “pnm999” or “eb001” to “eb999” to get access. Alternatively, you can also sign up for a free u-Pustaka account and sign in that way.
Paid Libraries for Non-Residents
If you’re willing to pay, here are some of great options (in no order):
- Monroe County Library System, NY – $25 per year. You can apply and pay online, and the card includes access to the library’s digital collection. Hoopla and Kanopy are not included for nonresident cardholders. They have roughly 65K titles but no agreements.
- Broward County Library, FL – $38 per year. Their Non-Resident eCard can be requested online and gives you access to Broward County Library’s complete collection of digital materials. Reciprocard says their digital collection is 2.8 million but they have no reciprocal agreements.
- Queens Public Library, NY – $50 per year. Out-of-state residents can apply online for an eCard, which provides access to the library’s digital resources. Reciprocard says their digital collection is 795.7K but this gets you access to three other NY libraries which have millions in their catalog (like the New York Public Library).
- Fairfax County Public Library, VA – $50 for one year, $75 for two years, or $100 for three years. U.S. residents outside Fairfax County and its reciprocal jurisdictions can apply online. Reciprocard says their digital collection is 326K and you can also get access to the Newport News Public Library System and its 260K catalog.
- Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, PA – $60 for two years for eligible U.S. nonresidents. This is another sizable Libby catalog worth comparing with your existing libraries before paying. Reciprocard says their digital collection is 340K and you can also get access to the Free Library of Philadelphia and its 456K catalog.
Queens Public Library is one of the best options from the bunch because of its access to the New York Public Library but carries a $50 per year price tag.
Please let me know if you hear of any good libraries to join!
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