Your Library Card

The following are eligible for a free Keene Public Library card:

• City of Keene residents
• Keene property owners
• Full-time City of Keene employees
• Out-of-town students attending school in Keene
• Off-campus Keene State College students
• Other full-time college students attending school in Keene
• Full-time teachers & tutors
• Institutions located in Keene

Keene State College Students, Faculty, & Alumni may use their college-issued IDs to check out materials from the Keene Public Library.  College-issued IDs do not provide access to Keene Public Library online resources such as OverDrive and research databases.  Borrowed materials may be returned at either library, regardless of where they were checked out.

Non-residents who are ineligible for a free Keene Public Library card may purchase a card.

• An annual or semi-annual fee is set by the Library Board of Trustees and the City of Keene. As of July 1, 2006, the charge is:
  • $30 for six months or
  • $50 for one year.
  • As of July 1, 2021, the cost of a six-month card will be $35 and a one-year card will be $60.
• The Library does not offer family cards. All cards are individual and non-transferable. The cardholder must be present to use the card.
• Children under age 18 may receive a library card. A parent or guardian must accompany them when they are applying for cards, sign for financial responsibility, pay the required fee, and accept and understand library policy regarding children's use of the Internet.
• The card is valid for six months or one year from the date of purchase.
• Renewal of out-of-town cards:
  • When renewing before the expiration date, the new expiration date will be one year (or six months) from the original date.
  • When renewing after the expiration date, the new expiration date will be one year (or six months) from the date of purchase.
• Gift certificates are available for purchase. 
  • When a person purchases a library card as a gift for someone else, Library staff will fill out a receipt so that both the person and the Library will have a payment record. A gift certificate will be issued.
  • The gift card recipient brings the gift certificate to the library, fills out an application, and has the new card activated.
  • A library card issued from a gift certificate is valid for one year from the date the recipient activates the card.