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