Welcome to the Library
Welcome! 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. 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.
Looking to only use online resources, apply for an eCard!
Are you new to Ipswich and are looking to just use our amazing online resources to read online or do research with our databases? An eCard may be the thing for you! Filling out this application will give you a digital card that allows you to access all of our databases from home. With an eCard you will not be able to check out any physical items from the library, if that is your goal swing by the library with proof of residency and a photo ID and we can set you up with a physical card. Once you complete the application, you will receive an email with your digital card number and you will have immediate access to all our digital resources.
CLICK HERE to begin the online application.
Looking to get library cards for kids under 12 years old?
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. Children over 12 years old may use their Ipswich School identification or a state-issued I.D. if available.
Lost your existing library card or forgotten your library card number?
Please contact our circulation department at (978) 356-6648 for assistance. Remember, you are responsible for all materials borrowed on your library card! Your email address will be used to notify you about holds and other library business.
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.