Knowledge Base

Sign up online for a library card and get instant access to many of our online resources!

APPLY ONLINE

Please note regarding temporary online cards:

• Within 90 days, you must visit any library location to show proof of Manatee residency, employment, or school enrollment to maintain continued access and pick up your physical card, which will be issued when you arrive. See list below of what you may bring.
• Do not apply online if you already have a library card. If you cannot remember your PIN, go to this page and click on "Forgot your PIN?" link OR visit any library location. 
• For additional assistance, please email library@mymanatee.org or text us at 941-234-0394

Residents

Resident library cards are FREE to people who reside 6 months or more, own property, go to school, and/or work in Manatee County.

Bring one of the following showing your Manatee County address to any location:

• Florida Photo ID
• Florida Driver’s license
• Local School ID

OR use a form of photo ID and at least one item from the list below with Manatee County address:

• Lease (term of 6 months or more)
• Utility or cable bill
• Bank statement
• Pay stub
• Voter registration or other Supervisor of Elections documentation
• Tax document
• Property Appraiser documentation
• Vehicle registration
• Military ID
• Mortgage documentation
• Consulate ID
• Federal mail, such as IRS or Social Security
  

Applications for children 17 and younger require the signature of a parent/legal guardian. Parents may further restrict the types of materials their child may check out. 

Non-Residents

• Non-residents may get a library card upon payment of a $25.00 annual fee.
• Anyone making a one-time donation of $100 or more to the Library Foundation will receive a Lifetime library card.
• A short-term Welcome card provides public computer access and limited borrowing privileges.
• Presentation of photo ID and fee payment must be done in-person.

Reciprocal Borrowing

• A free Manatee Library card account may be obtained by showing a valid library card from the following Florida counties: Citrus, DeSoto, Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Okeechobee, Pasco, Pinellas, and Sarasota. 
• While reciprocal borrowers are entitled to check out books, DVDs, and other physical items from Manatee Library, there is limited access to electronic resources. 
• All materials must be returned to Manatee Library locations.

All-Access Pass

Currently enrolled Manatee County K-12 public school students have automatic access to many public library resources with their Student ID number.