Library Card

The South Carolina State Library (SCSL) is open to the public. SC residents age 18 and over are eligible to apply for a free library card and may borrow circulating materials from our collections and access our electronic resources.

The State Library offers two ways to access our services:

  • Physical Card: Provides access to all physical and digital resources.
  • E-Card: Grants instant access to all digital services and materials.

Get a Library Card

Physical Card

Gives you the ability to borrow circulating materials and access electronic resources.

With this card, you can:

  • Borrow physical materials
  • Place holds on library items
  • Request InterLibrary Loans (ILL)
  • Access online resources

 Apply for Library Card

Your card will arrive by mail within 7-10 days.

E-Card

Gives you immediate access to the library’s digital services and materials.

With this card you can access:

  • Newspapers and eBooks
  • Online learning platforms
  • Research and homework resources

 Apply for E-Card

Your card number will be emailed to you instantly.

By submitting these forms, you agree to:

  • Accept full responsibility for all materials checked out to your account.
  • Return materials within the loan period.
  • Cover the cost of replacing lost or damaged materials.

Your physical library card will be mailed to the address provided on the form once it is processed. Any questions about either card may be directed to reference@statelibrary.sc.gov.

Borrowing Policies

Our loan policies have recently changed. If you have any questions about these changes, please contact us at reference@statelibrary.sc.gov or (803) 734-8026. 

  • Holds
    State Library cardholders may borrow library materials from other SCLENDS libraries. Any items requested by State Library cardholders will be available for pickup at the State Library. 
  • Loan periods
    21 days for books, government documents, audiobooks, music CDs, magazines, paperbacks, and items on reserve; 7 days for DVDs, with a maximum of 10 DVDs checked out per cardholder.
  • Total number of items
    A maximum of 30 items total may be checked out per cardholder
  • Renewals
    All items may be renewed twice, provided no one else has requested the item. There are several ways to renew items; patrons may either contact us or log in to their account by selecting “My Account” in the main menu above.
  • Fines
    While overdue fines are not charged, patrons are still responsible for paying the full replacement cost for lost items, and may also be asked to pay replacement costs for damaged items.