Answered By: Main Reference Library
Last Updated: Sep 10, 2024     Views: 11159

For a library card renewal, please visit your local library branch. Make sure you bring your library card and current photo ID with you, as well as proof of your current address if it is not on your photo ID. Your card will be updated for three years.

We ask that parents who are renewing their children's cards do so at a time they can bring their children to the library with them.

If you would like to see when your library card expires, log into your library account at abqlibrary.org and navigate to the Personal Information tab. Your card expiration date will be listed as Date Privileges Expire.

You will also receive a notice 6 months before your card is set to expire by email.

There is no charge to renew your library card.

We do offer services for patrons that are homebound and unable to come into the library to apply for or renew a library card. For homebound patrons, please call (505)768-5141 Monday-Friday between the hours of 10am and 4pm and ask for homebound services.

 

Why do I have to go to the library to renew my card, why can't I renew online?

The Public Library is required legally to ensure that the patrons we serve live in the state of New Mexico. Our contracts with our electronic resource vendors, such as OverDrive/Libby and Hoopla, state that the services we pay for are intended for New Mexico state residents, whose tax dollars are used to pay for such services. As such, the Library's policy does require patrons to visit one of our 19 library branches and show their photo ID in order to apply for a library card, and to visit a branch at least once every three years with their photo ID to confirm that they still do live in New Mexico. 

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Comments (13)

  1. All Public Library customers can renew library cards and use eResources during closure in response to public health considerations.To renew your card, please call 768-5141 and visit https://abqlibrary.org/digitalmedia to access popular eResources available with your library card. We have also created a list of online resources at https://abqlibrary.org/kidsathome for parents looking for activities while children are at home.
    by Becky on Mar 27, 2020
  2. This policy is discriminatory to library patrons with lack of transportation due to disability. A homebound person certainly wants to enjoy library materials - especially electronic sources such as ebooks and audiobooks - as much (possibly more!) as those without disabilities or the means to get to a library branch in person. A library is a place of joy that changes lives. When access to a library and its resources are limited due to an unwillingness to provide alternatives to card renewal, the joy a library can bring is only afforded to some, not all. When can patrons unable to get to the library in person due to disability (or other limitations) expect this discriminatory practice to end? When does our city's public library system plan on ending this discriminatory practice and allowing those without the ability to appear in person, during certain hours, the joy of engaging with the library system?
    by Suzanne Sandoval on Jun 08, 2022
  3. It’s hard to believe that, in 2022-2023, our library system limits library cards to people who can come in to a library. This is discriminatory for those with physical or financial limitations. Get with the program people.
    by Sheryl Evans on Dec 28, 2022
  4. Yes, I tried to renew and called the library. I was told I needed to come in. This is discrimination. I am disabled. The man said he would extend it two weeks until I can come in. I guess I will no longer be using the library, or donating.
    by Gretchen on Mar 20, 2023
  5. I live in Silver City. The Albuquerque library generously permits all New Mexicans to obtain a library card provided they visit a library. Unfortunately my card expires soon, and it's inconvenient to drive nine hours to renew. If you're in the same boat, the Branigan library in Las Cruces issues cards online (provided you already possess any NM library card)!
    by Mark on Mar 27, 2023
  6. The State of New Mexico has an organized digital system for renewing my vehicle registration. Why in the world would ABQ library requirie IN PERSON renewal for a library card? A FREE card? This is so foolish.
    by Rachel on Apr 11, 2023
  7. I wish I had received an email that my card was expiring! I was in Albuquerque in April and would have gladly come in to renew! I don't know when my next trip will be.
    by ML on Jun 11, 2023
  8. I agree with another comment why were we not told when our library card would expire?
    by JG on Jul 02, 2023
  9. It is annoying to not be prompted that it was expiring and to not be able to renew online. I drove past the library about 90 minutes ago and could have stopped if I had known. I don't have a disability or lack of transportation like some of the other commenters, but I am still disgruntled.
    by LM on Sep 02, 2023
  10. I can't believe how antiquated this policy is. There are other options to ensure that your borrowers are NM residents. Why can't we show a pic of our NM issued ID while getting or renewing a library card. PLEASE fix this policy so all residents of NM can use the library and it's digital materials.
    by Lisa M on Dec 27, 2023
  11. This is an antiquated system. We should not have to show up in person every three years, and if for some ancient bureaucratic non-sense reason we do have to show up in person, it would be nice to get an advance notice. Having access just disappear one day is bad form.
    by Mike B on Apr 13, 2024
  12. Like Mike B just wrote, why in the world are we not notified that our library card is about to expire? I spend about half the week outside of Albuquerque. I was unaware that my card expired a few days ago. I was in Albq over the weekend and could easily have renewed my card. I only discovered it was expired when I tried to download a book that I've been waiting months to get. Will I now lose my place in line because I can't get my card renewed until I'm in town again next weekend?
    by David S on Apr 16, 2024
  13. Just these days I needed to prove my identity for a financial service and a photo of my ID was sufficient. I’m sure it’s fine for a library card … Please change this rule.
    by Jan on Dec 08, 2024

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