A step-by-step guide to getting a library card (online & in-person).
Ever wondered how easy it is to sign-up for a library card? Well, wonder no longer! Unlock all the benefits of a library card with these simple steps.
In-person
- Bring a state-issued ID or passport with proof of residency in Orange County with you.
- Head over to your nearest library location. For downtown location, there are parking meters on the street and a parking garage directly across the street at 112 E Central Blvd.
a. *Free parking is available for up to 2 hours at on-street metered and non-metered spaces via the ParkMobile app until December 2025. Use code: ParkDTO - Upon entering the library, make your way to the card registration desk.
- Tell a library worker you would like to sign up for a card. Sign-up takes about 5 minutes and ends with a quick photo for recordkeeping.
Online:
- Go to https://ocls.org/
- At the top right-hand corner of the page click the orange “New? Sign up for a library card” button.
- Navigate to the orange “Apply for a Resident Card Account” button and click the link. ¬¬
- Fill out personal information & submit.
- An e-mail will be sent to set up a pin number.
- To obtain a physical card, head to your nearest branch location with your ID to verify your identity. A quick photo will be taken for recordkeeping.
I have my card, now what?
Now that you’ve signed up for a library card, you can immediately start checking out materials (even if you signed up online) and take advantage of all the programs and resources OCLS has to offer. With your library card, you can check out up to 100 materials at a time!
Connecting to the OCLS App
Forget your card at home? No problem! With the OCLS App, you can add your library card to your digital wallet, so it’s always with you.
With the OCLS app, you can check out books, audiobooks and music, explore and register for library classes and events, manage room reservations and so much more! For more information on connecting with the OCLS app, visit https://ocls.org/ocls-app/.
Can’t make it to the library? Get materials delivered to your doorstep with Home Delivery.
Self-Checkout
There are two ways you can check out materials yourself. First, is with the OCLS app. Simply scan the barcode on the material you would like to borrow and follow the prompted steps.
Second, is with the self-checkout scanners located at the main entrance of the library. Scan the barcode on the back of your library card, then scan the materials you wish to borrow.
Benefits Beyond Books
In addition to borrowing library materials, your library card gives you access to programs, resources, and events at no cost to you.
Homework Help
Live tutors are available every day on Brainfuse from 2pm-11:59pm in English and Spanish and can assist with homework, practice tests and resume building. Users looking to get extra practice tests for the SAT, ACT, AP, GED and more can use LearningExpress Library. Get instant online access with your library card number.
Local Wanderer
Local Wanderer at Orange County Library System is the library’s award-winning culture pass program. Reserve up to two passes a month for free admission to some of the best local arts, science and culture venues with your library card!
Language Learning
The Orange County Library System hosts language learning classes for all ages and levels at select branch locations. “Cuéntame un Cuento” is an interactive bilingual story time for children age 3-5. Open Language Labs and English Conversation Hour are available to every library card-holder.
In addition to in person language learning classes, your library card grants you access to online language program databases to make learning accessible at any time.
Career Development
Whether you are just entering the workforce or looking to switch careers, your library card grants you access to virtual and in-person career development resources like resume building, interview skills, job searching and more.
Take your resume to the next level by earning select LinkedIn Learning Certifications for free with your library card!
