Library Cards

Chesapeake Resident Free Full Service Card Available if you are a Chesapeake resident, property owner, business owner, Chesapeake City or School employee, or retired City employee (proof required).

• You can check out up to 30 items (limit 5 video games) and renew items online.
• You can place Inter-Library Loans.
• You can place holds and request materials be transferred from one branch to another for pickup.
• You can access the Library’s online databases from outside the Library.
• You will be asked to renew your card every 3 years.

Virginia Resident Reciprocal Card Available for Virginia residents who do not live in the City of Chesapeake.

• Free.
• You can check out up to 6 items (limit 5 video games).
• Placing holds and transferring materials between branches are not available.

Non-Resident Full Service Card  Available for anyone who does not live in the City of Chesapeake.

• An annual fee of $35.00 is required. (non-refundable)
• You get all of the services that come with a Chesapeake resident full service card.

Loan Periods & Fines

• All items check out for 2 weeks.
• Items may be renewed for an additional 2 weeks if no one else has requested the item. You may renew items twice, which gives you up to 6 total weeks.
• Any item returned past its due date will accrue an overdue fine.
• Fines are $0.20 per day with a $10.00 maximum for each item. (Please keep this in mind when checking out multiple items. $0.20/day for each item checked out can add up quickly.)
• Fines for Inter-Library Loan materials are $0.50 per day with no maximum.
• When a fine reaches $5.00 or more, your library card will be blocked. You will be unable to check materials out, place holds or renew items until the fine is paid below $5.00.
• Fines that haven't been paid within 90 days will also cause your card to be blocked. Fines below $5.00 that haven't been paid within 90 days may still cause your card to be blocked.
• Fines may be paid online by logging into your account and choosing Fines from the menu.
• We do not store your sensitive financial information in our systems. Should we need to issue you a refund, a check will be sent to your mailing address.

How to Apply for a Library Card

1. Please include your 4 digit zip code extension number if you know it. Please limit your PIN to 4-8 digit numbers.
2. Click on Apply Now
3. Fill in application form online.
4. Within three days, visit one of the 7 Chesapeake Public Library buildings.
5. Show your photo ID and proof of address (ex. Driver’s license, bank statement, bill received in the mail, etc).
6. Receive and sign your library card!