Library Cards

Library patrons must present their own library card when checking out or renewing materials.

Borrowers are responsible for materials borrowed with their cards. Please report loss of library card immediately to prevent unauthorized use.

Library Card Registration ends one half-hour before closing.

To apply for a library card, you do not have to be a resident of Malden, but you do have to be a resident of Massachusetts. People applying for a library card must provide a valid photo ID, and an accepted form of proof of current address. (If your photo ID has your current address, then that is all you need.)

Acceptable Photo ID:

  • Driver’s License/Learner’s Permit
  • Massachusetts State ID/Real ID
  • High School Student ID (Aspen/X2)
  • Passport
  • Visa

College IDs or work badges, even if they have a photo, are NOT accepted.

Acceptable Proof of Address:

  • Checkbook
  • Recent telephone/gas/electric bill
  • Recent bank statement
  • Post Office change of address notification (has to have first and last name)

If you cannot provide one of the above items as a proof of address, you can request a Malden Public Library postcard which we will provide to you, to fill out with your name and address. We will then mail the postcard to you (at no charge), and when it arrives, bring in your postcard with your valid photo ID to obtain a library card.

Malden Public Library cards entitle borrowers to take out materials from libraries in Boston, Chelsea and Malden (the Metro Boston Library Network).

A lost library card may be replaced upon presentation of a valid ID and a replacement fee of $2.00 per adult card/young adult card and $1.00 per child’s card.

Materials not currently available in Malden may be requested from MBLN libraries, and other Massachusetts library networks through the Commonwealth Catalog.