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Frequently Asked Questions


Is the Library open?

As a precautionary measure to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus), all City Library locations will remain closed until further notice.

All events, programs, outreach, and meeting room reservations have been cancelled through September 1, 2020.

The Library will continue to follow the direction, instruction, and guidance of health agencies, including state and county health departments, World Health Organization (WHO), and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC). For updates, follow us on social media:




We will also send updates to e-newsletter subscribers.

How do I get a library card while the Library is closed?

All residents of Salt Lake City and Salt Lake County can sign up online for a City Library Card free of charge. Click Here to sign up for a Library Card online.

Once your registration is processed and you receive your card number via email, you may begin exploring our Digital Library of online resources, including eBooks, audiobooks, music, and more.

At this time, all Salt Lake City Public Library locations are closed in order to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus). As a result, there are some changes to our standard process:

  • Library staff are processing card applications from home. You will receive an email with your card number as soon as it has been processed.
  • We have temporarily suspended the ID requirement. We will contact you when we are ready to re-open with instructions on how to provide your ID.
  • If you have lost your existing card, please register for a new one.
  • You must provide your email address so that we can send your new card number.


Please note: Patrons under the age of 18 must obtain a parent's or legal guardian's consent. If you are not a Salt Lake County resident, you may still register for a City Library card for an annual fee of $80.00.

I forgot my PIN. How do I retrieve it while the Library is closed?

If you know your Library Card number or Username, you can reset your PIN here, or you can chat with us during available hoursMon–Fri · 6am–9pm
Sat · 7am–7pm
Sun · 10am–7pm.

What if I forgot or lost my Library Card number?

Please register for a new card online.

Will the Library be offering holds-to-go?

Given our current knowledge about how long the Coronavirus lives on a variety of surfaces, we are not offering access to the Library's physical collections (books, DVDs, CDs, etc.) at this time. We are asking staff to stay home, and do not feel it would be prudent to ask staff to handle materials or pass those materials on to patrons. Our outdoor book drops are closed. Please keep any materials that are already checked out until further notice. As always, no late fees will be charged.

Where can I return my items?

At this time, we are not offering access to the Library's physical collections (books, DVDs, CDs, etc.), and ask that any materials that are already checked out not be returned until further notice. As always, no late fees will be charged.

How can I give The City Library feedback?

The City Library only gets better through the feedback we receive from the people who use our services. Please let us know your thoughts by filling out our Online Contact Form.

Why isn't my library card working? Why can't I place a hold?

There are a few situations where your library card will no longer be able to place holds, check out items, use the online resource databases, or other functions. To find out the specific reason your card may not be working, please submit the Contact Us form or chat with us during available hoursMon–Fri · 6am–9pm
Sat · 7am–7pm
Sun · 10am–7pm.

Possible causes for your card not working:

  • If your account has more than $25 of total fees, you may not be able to place holds, use our online resource databases, check out items, and perform other functions at the Library. A staff member at any City Library location is happy to set up a payment plan to allow you to check out more items while paying off these fees.
  • If the address on your library card account is not up-to-date, your card may stop working.
  • If you have a conditional card (out-of-county card, for example), your privileges may have expired.
How do I let the Library know I have moved or changed my phone number?

Can I get a City Library card if I don't live in Salt Lake City?

If you live outside of Salt Lake County, you may purchase a City Library card for $80.00 per year ($20 for three months; $10 for one month). The purchase of a non-county card allows any other residents of your household to also receive a card. All other rules for obtaining a City Library card apply to those living outside Salt Lake County.
I own property in Salt Lake County but I live outside the County; may I get a free City Library card?

Yes, you will need to present your property tax statement and the card will expire annually for updated proof of property ownership. All other rules for obtaining a card will apply.
Interlibrary Loan (ILL) Frequently Asked Questions

NOTICE DURING CLOSURE

  • All ILL requests are suspended until further notice due to the closure of libraries across the United States and Canada. This includes new requests for our patrons as well as loans to other libraries.
  • Please do not return any ILLs until after we reopen. We will be in contact with the lending libraries about extensions for due ILLs and/or late forgiveness. You will most likely not hear from us about ILL renewals, but rest assured that libraries will be lenient during this state of emergency.

ILL HOLDS:

  • ILL holds that are still active or were already in the mail when we closed will be triggered once we reopen. Some holds may be cancelled by the lending library and will show cancelled in your account.
  • ILL holds that arrived March 1–13: we will try our best to hold them until we reopen (depending on the length of closure), and we'll request extensions as needed.
  • ILL holds that arrived before March 1: If they reach their due date, they'll be returned. There will be the option to re-request after we reopen.