Using the Library

Library Cards

Your library card provides access to:

  • online library account management
  • check out print and audiovisual materials,
  • online databases subscribed to by SCPL and the SC State Library,
  • public computers for Internet searching and Microsoft Office tasks,
  • request materials from your home computer or mobile device,
  • downloadable materials and streaming services.
  • In addition, your card also gives the ability to request meeting rooms and to use our Interlibrary Loan Services.

For questions regarding library cards, contact the Circulation Department at (864) 596-3503.

library card

What you need to know...

All applicants must provide current proof of identity and residency. Registrations for children under age 17 must be completed by the parent or legal guardian. The person signing and any additional cards they have signed for must be in good standing before any new cards will be issued.

Library cards need to be renewed every three years.


What you need to bring
Acceptable forms of identification:

Current government issued ID with current address.
May include one of the following:
  • SC driver’s license
  • SC identification card
  • Passport
  • Country Card
    *Expired identification cards may not be used
Picture identification with a non-current address.
Applicants will need to provide proof of residency with one of the following documents:
  • Tax notice
  • Utility bill
  • Rental agreement
  • Printed checks with local address
    Documents must include applicant’s name, current address and current/recent date


Now Offering: Online Library Card Registration

Online library card registration is reserved for Spartanburg County Residents.



Card Type Use Type Description
Spartanburg County Residents Full Spartanburg County Public Libraries issues free cards to Spartanburg county residents. To be considered a permanent resident, you must live in Spartanburg County at least six months of the year. A free library card is also available to anyone who lives in another county but owns property in Spartanburg County. Applicant must provide Spartanburg County tax receipt, proof of identity, and proof of current address. These accounts expire each year but may be renewed with proof of current tax receipt.
Greenville Residents Full Spartanburg County has a reciprocal agreement with Greenville County which allows Greenville County residents to receive a FREE library card. The applicant’s Greenville County library card must be in good standing. Greenville patrons are not permitted access to downloadable materials or streaming services.
Non-residents Full Non-resident cards are issued for a fee of $35 per year. This entitles two family members a non-restricted card for a period of one year. If more than two family members get a card, the charge for the additional cards is $10 per year. Applicants must show picture ID with their correct address. Non-resident cards receive full privileges including access to downloadable materials and streaming services. Cards may be renewed yearly.
*Greenville County residents may opt for a Non-resident card, with payment of $35 per year, in order to access electronic materials and streaming services.
Non-resident Juveniles Limited Any child, from birth to age 16 years old who is not a resident of Spartanburg County, but resides in a neighboring county, may receive a free, restricted-use library card from Spartanburg County Public Libraries provided a parent or legal guardian signs the application, agreeing to be responsible for lost, damaged, and overdue materials. This card is limited to 15 total items at any one time. Material type limits apply: video games, 2 per card; board games, 1 per card, make-away-kits, 2 per card. Card holders may access public computers, downloadable materials, streaming services and other digital resources, but are not allowed to borrow through our ILL service. Cards may be renewed yearly./td>
College Students Limited College students who may reside in another county but attend one of the colleges or universities in Spartanburg are eligible for a limited use College card. Picture ID, and proof of current enrollment is required. School ID is acceptable if current schedule is not accessible. This card is limited to 15 total items at any one time. Material type limits apply: video games, 2 per card; board games, 1 per card, make-away-kits, 2 per card. Card holders may access public computers, downloadable materials, streaming services and other digital resources, but are not allowed to borrow through our ILL service. Cards may be renewed yearly.
Juvenile Limited Limited A limited-use library card may be provided to Spartanburg children who are unable to check out materials due to the following reasons:
1) The parent/guardian card is delinquent preventing them from registering their child/children for full privilege library card(s).
2) Juvenile card is delinquent.
If the charges on the account cannot be resolved, a Juvenile Limited card may be issued. This card is limited to 15 total items at any one time. Material type limits apply: video games, 2 per card; board games, 1 per card, make-away-kits, 2 per card. Card holders may access public computers, downloadable materials, streaming services and other digital resources, but are not allowed to borrow through our ILL service. Cards may be renewed yearly. (If the parent/guardian card is cleared of charges, the juvenile account may be restored to a full privilege card at the parent’s request).
Teen Limited A limited-use library card may be provided to teens ages 13-16 with picture ID, school ID is acceptable, without parental consent. A Spartanburg County address must be provided. This card is limited to 15 total items at any one time. Material type limits apply: video games, 2 per card; board games, 1 per card, make-away-kits, 2 per card. Card holders may access public computers, downloadable materials, streaming services and other digital resources, but are not allowed to borrow through our ILL service. Cards may be renewed yearly. Teens may apply for a full-privilege adult library card at age 17.

When a teen card is issued, the library will send a parental notification (postcard) by mail. Parents may accompany the teen at a later date to sign for a full privilege card.
Courtesy Limited A Courtesy Card may be provided to patrons who live in Spartanburg County but cannot prove their residency, reside in temporary housing or their picture ID does not list their current address. Patrons must verbally provide a Spartanburg County address. Checkouts are limited to 2 items total. Material type limits apply: video games, 2 per card; make-away-kits, 2 per card; with full access to electronic materials and streaming services. Internet access on SCPL computers is permitted. Courtesy Cards expire every 3 months. All charges must be paid to renew. If the patron obtains permanent local residency, they may request a full privilege card at no cost. Registrations for children under age 17 must be completed by a parent, legal guardian, or an adult responsible for the child. If the adult has already signed for another library card (either their own card or another child's card) then the card(s) must be in good standing (not blocked). The adult must be present, show a valid ID and provide a local Spartanburg address. If the child is not present, the adult must have the child's birth certificate or social security card. The signing adult agrees to assume responsibility for both the content and condition of items borrowed by the juvenile. Overdue, lost and damaged item policies apply.
Classroom Limited The classroom card is available to Spartanburg County school teachers interested in accessing our downloadable and streaming content and may be used to check out up to two Book Club Kits. Cards may be issued at all branches with a school picture ID. Check-out limits are posted on our website under Downloadables and vary by service. Teachers may request up to 4 additional classroom cards for simultaneous access. Cards expire yearly and may be renewed in person with school picture ID.
Patrons should notify the library immediately about any lost or stolen cards. The library will place a block on the card effective the day it is reported. Any items checked out before that date remains the responsibility of the patron.

Replacement Cards
You must show proper identification to replace a library card and/or receive a library card number. Current library cards are deleted once replaced and may not be added back to the system.
Every library patron must choose a PIN (Personal Identification Number) assigned to their account at registration. All PINs must be four digits. This PIN, together with your library card barcode number, is used to access library card accounts online or through our automated account information line at 864-596-3515. PINs are required to login to the public use computers in the library and to use our self-check machines.

Patrons are encouraged to reset or change their PIN when updating accounts every two years. If you don’t know your PIN, call or stop by any library location. You will need to present your library card or provide the library card number. For your safety, you may be asked to show picture ID or confirm personal details on your account.

All patrons should notify the library if name, address or telephone number changes. Patrons may contact any library location to make these changes. Please note that name changes must be reflected on the patron’s picture ID or provided with documentation before changes will be made to library accounts.

All personal information is used only by the library. We do not give out any information to outside agencies. Only the patron or responsible adult in the case of a minor is allowed access to the library card account. This information includes what is checked out, on hold, or the account’s PIN.

Detailed information regarding privacy is outlined in our Privacy Statement and our Confidentiality of Library Records Policy.