You can learn, borrow, create, explore and so much more with your library card. Registering is free and easy.
Apply online
Residents of Dakota County can
register for a library card online and get immediate access to our electronic collections, including e-books, electronic magazines, audiobooks and more — free of charge.
Your account will be fully activated within 60 minutes and provide access to all digital material. A physical library card will be mailed to your address.
Register for a library card online
Apply in person
You can also visit any
Dakota County Library location to get a library card. You will need to provide a photo ID and proof of your current address. There is no fee charged in obtaining your library card.
Examples of photo ID
- Driver's license or state-issued ID
- Passport
- Armed services ID
- School ID
- Immigration cards
Examples of proof of current address
- Driver's license or state-issued ID
- Postmarked mail
- Bill
- Lease
All items can be shown on electronic devices.
Personal Identification Numbers (PIN)
Your PIN can be reset using Forgot my PIN. You will need your library card number and must have an email address on file.
Library cards for children
Children of any age may obtain a library card for borrowing materials by either providing a valid photo ID and proof of current address or visiting the library with their parent/legal guardian who can provide a valid photo ID and proof of current address.
Children visiting the library as part of a school class may apply for and receive a library card if the parent or legal guardian has pre-signed and approved a library card application form.
Children of any age may open a temporary library account by providing a valid address and phone number without a parent/legal guardian present. A temporary account is limited to two borrowed items and is valid for 60 days.
Dakota County Library sends notifications to parents/legal guardians when their child opens an account. Parents/legal guardians are responsible for their child's borrowed materials and for any associated fines and fees, until a child turns 18.
The library serves all ages and interests and library cards provide access to everything the library has to offer. We encourage parents and caregivers to help children select reading and viewing material of interest to your family.
Library card valid at all metro locations
Your Dakota County library card is valid for checking out all library materials (print and non-print) in all public libraries in the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. Your library card can also be used to check out print materials in non-metro public libraries in Minnesota.
Family members can pick up reserved items
Family members may pick up items reserved under your library card. This means that parents and children in the same household can check out materials for each other. In order to pick up the materials the library card that the items were reserved under must be presented. A Request to Limit Reserved Materials form needs to be filled out if you do not want family members to pick up materials requested under your library card.
Replacing library cards
Damaged or lost Dakota County Library cards can be replaced at any Dakota County Library location.