How do I

Welcome! Getting a library card is easy – just stop in to see us with picture identification and proof of Ipswich residency. If your photo ID does not have a current address please bring a piece of mail, a bill or a lease with your current address. You can also apply online for an ecard that allows access to all of digital resources the library has to offer CLICK HERE to begin the application.

Children’s cards are issued when the child is accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who has proper identification and proof of Ipswich residency.  A child’s library card is issued and kept in the Children’s Room.

A library card is needed each time you borrow materials from the library or to access most the online services via the Internet. Your card ensures accurate and fast checkout, enables you to borrow materials when our computer system is down, and protects your privacy at the Main Desk.

Are you a resident of another Massachusetts city or town?

The Ipswich Public Library is a member of the Merrimack Valley Library Consortium (MVLC). If you already have a library card at one of the libraries in our network, it will work here in Ipswich and there is no need for further registration. For residents of other MA communities, you can obtain a card from your hometown library and then we can enter that card into our system to enable borrowing privileges. As with our local patrons, we’ll need a picture ID with current home address to complete the process.

Requests for items can be made through our library Catalog or by giving us a call at 978-356-6648. To request items through the library catalog, you will need your  barcode (you can find this on the back of your library card) and your PIN, which is the last four digits of your phone number. You will be notified by email when your materials are ready for pick-up. Notification by telephone may be requested in lieu of an email. Requested materials will be held for self-pickup near the circulation desk for seven days.

You do not need to make a reservation to pick up items, simply come to the library during our regular open hours!

If you would rather skip lines and need your holds in a hurry, try using our rapid pick-up service. Lear more by clicking HERE.

We are currently offering printing services by request. To request printing services, please fill out this form. We will notify you when your print job is available for pickup.

The Library no longer charges overdue fines for any circulating items. Patrons are billed only for the replacement cost of lost and damaged items. If you have been billed for a lost or damaged item, you can make payment in person or online with a credit card. Please note, if you would like to pay a fine online, you will need to log in with your library barcode (the number on the back of your library card) and PIN (the last four digits of your phone number). If you need assistance logging in to your account, please call us at 978-356-6648.

Have you recently discovered something you think the library should add to its collection? We’re always open to suggestions from our patrons. Please complete this form and we’ll look into getting it!