Full service cards allow you to borrow physical materials, have remote access to the digital library and research databases, place holds, and submit purchase or interlibrary loan requests. Any person who resides within the city limits of Dubuque is eligible for a free, full service library card.

To Apply: please visit the New Cards desk on the first floor with a valid photo ID and proof of address (utility bill, recently postmarked mail, voter card). Those age 15 and younger must apply with their parent or guardian present.

Apply online anytime for access to the digital library and e-resources. You will need to bring a valid photo ID and proof of address into the library within 30 days in order to keep your account active, check out physical materials, and receive your library card.

Any person who resides outside the City of Dubuque, but who owns property within the Dubuque city limits, is also eligible for a full service card. Proper identification and proof of tax payment is required on an annual basis.

Residents of Dubuque County and Iowans who have a library card from another Iowa library may receive services from the Carnegie-Stout Public Library through Open Access, a statewide reciprocal borrowing program for participating libraries. Proper identification (your library card, a photo ID, and recent piece of mail) is required to register your card for use at the Carnegie-Stout Public Library.

Open Access cardholders are allowed to borrow materials from Carnegie-Stout Public Library, but cannot request interlibrary loans and are not eligible for remote access to the digital library and online databases.

If you are an out-of-state resident or would like to add services to your Open Access Card, you may purchase a Non-Resident Card for $100.

Middle and High School students in the Dubuque Community School District are able to use their student ID as a library card to access print and electronic materials at Carnegie-Stout Public Library or the Dubuque County Library District.

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Teacher Cards are available at no charge to educators working in private or public schools and childcare facilities in the City of Dubuque. Teacher Cards are intended for classroom use only and have an extended loan period of six weeks. No more than 30 books may be checked out at one time. Educators may select their own books or complete a Teacher Request Form and a librarian will compile a collection of books to support the requested curriculum topics. Teacher Cards must be renewed annually.

To receive a Teacher Card you must:

• Bring in your school ID or a letter from the institution principal/director on official stationary dated with current year.

• Complete a Teacher Card application.

• Show a valid photo ID and proof of address.

• Have a photograph taken for your account record.

Nursing homes, schools, and other institutions that serve City of Dubuque residents are eligible for a free library card. Businesses in the City of Dubuque may also apply for library cards that allow specific employees to borrow materials related to business operations; a list of authorized users must be provided to the library.

The institution administrator, school principal, business manager, or business owner must sign the application and assume responsibility for use of the card. *Please Note: School cards are issued to principals and must be renewed annually.

Out of state institutions or businesses that are not eligible for borrowing privileges may purchase a non-resident institutional card for $175 annually.

The Carnegie-Stout Public Library will issue guest cards for visitors to the Dubuque community. The fee for this card is $10 and is valid for 30 days. Guest Cards are limited to having three items on loan at a time and are not eligible for Interlibrary Loan services.