Can I get more cards from more libraries to make my Libby better?

[Anonymous]

Yes, I have DC, Montgomery County, Fairfax, and Alexandria. I haven't maxed mine out.

You can get Montgomery County online (you will have to go in person at some point to to confirm it).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Another person touched on this, but I want to just be explict for you.

Every library within DC is connected - your library card for the library closest to you will allow you to check out books at any library. If you live in Columbia Heights and visit the Mt Pleasant library, you can also visit and check out books from the Takoma library, or Chevy Chase, or Southwest, or Anacostia. Any of the 26 locations of libraries across the city.

https://www.dclibrary.org/plan-visit

You can check out books from any library, you can request books online and pick them up where it's convenient to you, and you can return any book to any library in DC. Location doesn't really matter.

Ok....but you're not answering the OP's question which is about the Libby. The Libby is for Kindle or Hoopla books.

Hoopla and Libby are different services.

[Anonymous]

I have cards for multiple library systems around the DC area but have found you need to visit a branch in person during a set time (3 months, maybe?) to verify the card.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have cards for multiple library systems around the DC area but have found you need to visit a branch in person during a set time (3 months, maybe?) to verify the card.

Yes, cards you get online are temporary.

[Anonymous]

I have a Massachusetts library card as we vacation there in the summer and I asked for one.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have a Massachusetts library card as we vacation there in the summer and I asked for one.

Which county?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have a Massachusetts library card as we vacation there in the summer and I asked for one.

This isn't right for you to do this. Do you fit any of these criteria? Otherwise you are stealing. https://www.bpl.org/ecard/

Your primary residence is in Massachusetts.
You are living in Massachusetts for most of the year while attending school in-state.
You work for a Massachusetts employer. Learn more.
You own property (real estate) in Massachusetts. Learn more.
Other Restrictions
If you are a short-term resident staying in Massachusetts you are not eligible for an eCard. However, you can visit any of our locations and apply for a research card in-person at the Central Library in Copley Square.

[Anonymous]

You can get an LA Public Library card online and they will send a little postcard with a code to your mailing address. If you put the code in to their website it turns into a permanent e-card without ever visiting a branch. It would of course be completely against the rules to use a friend's LA mailing address to do this. The LA library system has an excellent selection of obscure and academic e-books.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For many years I only have one library card, it's from the DC library branch near where I live, and it's been enough for me.

But recently as my son grew to reading age, I started borrowing more and more children's books from Libby, and I found my library doesn't always have what I need.

1. Would it help if I get additional cards from other DC library branches?

2. Is it possible for me (DC resident) to get Virginia or Maryland library cards?

Thanks!

I added four cards in 2025. Two from VA, one from Baltimore, and one from NY. Definitely improved what I could access. NY, I have to renew in person every three months. DH and I go up for the day. Eat a few restaurant meals and stroll around. Renew our cards at some point. My next goal is PA.

[Anonymous]

We have DC and Arlington.

I will say for kids books, paper is so much better than online for their learning. The brain processes the info differently.

But multiple library cards still are great, especially for audiobooks which we use on road trips or while making jigsaw puzzles together.

[Anonymous]

I have a library card from Miami Dade county in Florida. I get so many books quicker from them.

[Anonymous]

I signed up for DC. I had like 3 months to go in person. The availability was so much worse than MoCo, I let the dc card lapse. It was not worth the trip

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I signed up for DC. I had like 3 months to go in person. The availability was so much worse than MoCo, I let the dc card lapse. It was not worth the trip

I have both DC and Montgomery County as well and actually find I’m getting some popular books more quickly from DC.

I’m thinking of adding a third card but not sure from where.

[Anonymous]

I have a friend in Sacramento who lets me use his library card. Their catalog is excellent.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I signed up for DC. I had like 3 months to go in person. The availability was so much worse than MoCo, I let the dc card lapse. It was not worth the trip

I agree that Moco has a bigger selection, especially for audiobooks. But I find the lines for Libby books through DCPL are often shorter.