Library Cards / Borrowing Materials

The Albuquerque/Bernalillo County Library System offers two types of cards:

Regular Library Card is free and allows:

• Check out books, magazines, audiobooks, music CDs, DVDs and videotapes from any branch in the Albuquerque/Bernalillo County Library System
• Access online library information resources from home 24/7
• Manage your account online:  view your record, renew checked out materials, place items on hold.
• Ask questions to a librarian online.

SmartCard TM is a password protected internet access card. There is a $3 one-time fee.  This card allows:

• All the privileges of a Regular Library card listed above
• Access to the library’s public access computers for internet and word processing up to 3 hours per day system-wide, depending upon availability.
• Determine the appropriate Internet access level for themselves and their children.
• Manage printing costs by adding funds to their SmartCard TM.
• Choose to save their favorite computer "bookmarks" with their SmartCard TM.  

Frequently asked Questions:

[Clicking these links will jump to that question]

1. How can I obtain a Library Card? 2. Can I use someone else’s card? 3. What happens if I forget my card? 4. How can I tell if my card is expired? 5. What do I need to renew my library card?

6. Can I update my account information? 7. How many items can I borrow? 8. When do I return them? 9. Where do I return the items I borrowed? 10. Can I keep them longer? 11. What is Interlibrary Loan?

Questions about your library account? Contact Customer Service: Call 505-768-5170 Send an email

1. How  can I obtain a library card?

1. 1. Complete and sign a Library Card application.  Go to any Albuquerque/Bernalillo County Library
       Or print a blank application form and bring to the library for processing.
2.     Regular Card: English |  Español  
3.     SmartCard with public computer access: English-front|back     Español  
5. 2. Provide proof of ID and residency
       New Mexico Residents:

• 18 years – Adult:    Current photo ID and proof of current address (driver's license, utility bill, auto registration, passport, etc).
• Children 0-7: child must be present to obtain library cards. Parent/guardian must also be present, provide his/her current photo ID, proof of current address and approving signature.
• Children 8-17 may obtain library cards by applying in person.  Valid school ID if available.  Parent/guardian may provide approving signature for increased borrowing limits, or to obtain a SmartCard TM library card.

     Non-Residents (residing outside NM) may obtain a limited privilege card with a current photo ID.

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2. Can I use someone else’s card?

Library cards are NOT transferable. If cards are lost or stolen, immediately notify the library or call Customer Service at 505-768-5170. Regular cards are replaced free. There is a $5 replacement fee for lost Smart Cards.

3. What happens if I forget my card?

You may check out 2 items with a photo ID. 

4. How do I know if my card has expired? 

Library cards expire every three years. Expired cards can only be renewed in person at any Albuquerque/Bernalillo County Library .

• Login to My Account.
• Check the expiration date under your name.

5. What do I need to renew my library card?

Current photo identification is a requirement to renew a library card for an additional three years. If you have a change of address, proof of address (driver's license, utility bill, auto registration, passport, etc) is also required.

If your card has expired and no other information has changed, staff can renew it for three weeks over the phone.

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6. Can I update my account information?

Once your card has been renewed, you may, at any time, update your telephone number, e-mail address and the library branch you want to pick up your hold requests.

• Login to My Account.
• Click the Update Personal Information button.

7. How many items can I borrow?

You may check out (borrow) any combination of items as long as the total (maximum items) on your account does not exceed the maximum for your account type. 

Account Type	Maximum # of items on your account
	Total	Holds	Music CDs	DVDs/ Videos	Audiobooks (Tape/CD)
Customer- 18years or older, 8 -17 with parent signature	50	40	10	10	10
Child- ages 0-7 with parent signature	25	5	10	10  J only	10
Youth- ages 8 -17 without parent signature	5	5	0	0	0
Adult Limit- adults with no proof of ID/address	2	0	0	0	0
Non-Resident of NM	10	5	10	10	10

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8. When do I return them?

Library Loan Schedule
Items	Time allowed
Books, Magazines	3 weeks
Audio Books: tapes/CDs	3 weeks
Digital Audio books	2 weeks
Music CDs	3 weeks
Donated items	3 weeks
Video:  VHS tapes/DVDs	1 week

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9. Where do I return the items I borrowed?

The items you borrowed may be returned to any Albuquerque/Bernalillo County Library. Many libraries have an after-hours drop box or slot. If this is full, please do not leave items outside the library. Until the item is checked in, it remains on your account and you are still responsible for it. 

 

10. Can I keep them longer? 

If your card is in good standing (no money is owed) and no one else is waiting for the item- books, magazines, and audiobooks may be renewed three times. No renewals on Music CDs, DVDs, or videotapes.

There are three ways to renew :

• Renew in person at any library branch
• Renew online by going to My Library Account.  Enter your name, and barcode number on the back of your library card to access your account.
• Renew by phone at any library branch or by calling Customer Service at 505-768-5170.  Have your barcode number with you.

If your account is 53 days or more overdue, it may be referred to a collection agency. [ more information about overdue accounts ]

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Need more information? Call Library Customer Service at (505)768-5170