Visit any Dakota County Library to get a library card.

You can also register for a library card online and then come in person to validate your account.

You will need to provide picture ID and proof of your current address.

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 (can be shown on electronic device):  

• Driver’s license or state-issued ID   
• Postmarked mail
• Bill
• Lease

There is no fee charged in obtaining your library card.

For the South St. Paul Library, acceptable identification with current address is needed.

Library cards for children

Children of any age may obtain a library card for borrowing materials by coming to the Library in person. A library card will be issued when child’s parent/legal guardian, is present with the child and can produce a valid photo ID and proof of address. A child with a photo ID and proof of address may also be issued a permanent library card without a parent or guardian. Permanent library cards do not carry a loan restriction and do not expire.

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 the account will be valid for 60 days. Children visiting the Library as part of a school class, but not in the company of a parent or legal guardian, may apply for and receive a library card if the parent or legal guardian has pre-signed and approved a library card application form.

As parents/legal guardians are financially responsible for materials borrowed by their children, the library sends a notification letter to parents/legal guardians when their child opens an account at a Dakota County 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 is also good for checking 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 branch. There is a $2.25 processing fee for the replacement card.

Personal Identification Numbers (PIN)

Your Personal Identification Number (PIN) allows you access to:

• Your account online.
• Free remote access to electronic encyclopedias, full-text magazine and newspaper articles, and other information sources.

The standard PIN assigned is the last four digits of your telephone number as it appears in your customer account. If this PIN does not work, you can request that your PIN be sent through email. Or, you can come in to the library with additional identification, such as a driver's license, in order for us to check your record and furnish the PIN to you. You will then be free to change your PIN for security.