What the Los Angeles Public Library System offers and how to get your free guide

The Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) is a network of 72 branch libraries across the city, plus the Central Library downtown, that lend books, digital materials, and access to computers and programs at no cost to anyone with a library card. You do not need to live in Los Angeles to get a card — the system issues them to anyone, though residents get some services non-residents do not. The card itself is free and takes about five minutes to obtain in person or online.

Beyond books, LAPL offers public computer access, free Wi-Fi, job training resources, tax preparation help during tax season, children's programs, and access to digital collections including e-books, audiobooks, and databases. Many branches have meeting rooms you can reserve, and some offer notary services. The system's website is the entry point for most digital services and for finding what is available at your nearest branch.

Key Takeaways

  • A Los Angeles Public Library card is free and works at all 72 branches plus the Central Library, and you can get one online or in person without proof of residency.
  • The library lends physical books, e-books, audiobooks, DVDs, and provides access to databases, computers, and Wi-Fi at every location.
  • LAPL offers free tax preparation help during tax season, job training programs, and notary services at select branches.
  • You can place holds on items online, renew materials through the website or app, and access your account from home.
  • Branch hours and services vary by location, so checking the LAPL website for your nearest branch before visiting saves time.

Getting a library card online or in person

You can obtain a library card through the LAPL website without leaving home. Go to the LAPL homepage, select "Get a Library Card," and fill in your name, address, phone number, and email. The system will issue you a temporary digital card number when ready that works for digital materials and online services. You can start borrowing e-books and audiobooks the same day.

To get a physical card for in-person borrowing at branches, you have two options. You can visit any LAPL branch with a photo ID and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works). Non-residents can also get a card by showing a photo ID alone, though some digital services are limited for non-residents. The card is issued on the spot and is active when ready.

If you do not have a photo ID or proof of address, you can still get a card through the "Opportunity Card" program, which requires a reference from a community organization or social service agency. Ask at your nearest branch for details on how to proceed.

Borrowing books, e-books, and audiobooks

LAPL's physical collection includes over 7 million items across all branches. You can search the online catalog from home, place a hold on any book or DVD, and pick it up at the branch of your choice when it arrives. Most holds arrive within one to two weeks. You can renew items online, through the LAPL mobile app, or by phone without visiting a branch.

Physical books can be checked out for 21 days. DVDs and Blu-rays check out for 7 days. If you return an item late, LAPL does not charge overdue fines — instead, your account is blocked from borrowing until you return the item. Once you return it, your account is restored when ready.

For digital borrowing, LAPL offers e-books and audiobooks through OverDrive and Libby, a free app where you can search and borrow titles using your library card number. E-books and audiobooks typically check out for 14 or 21 days depending on the title. The library also provides access to Hoopla, which offers streaming movies, music, and graphic novels with no wait list.

Using computers, Wi-Fi, and technology resources

Every LAPL branch has public computers available at no cost. You do not need a library card to use them, though having one lets you save your work and settings to your account. Computers are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and most branches limit sessions to two or three hours per day. You can reserve a computer in advance at some branches through the website.

All LAPL branches offer free Wi-Fi to anyone. You do not need a library card or password — straightforward select the LAPL network and connect. Wi-Fi is available during all branch hours, including outside the building in some locations.

LAPL also offers digital literacy classes at many branches, teaching basic computer skills, internet safety, and how to use specific software. These classes are free and are listed on the branch's program calendar. Some branches have dedicated technology centers with additional equipment like scanners and printers.

Tax preparation help and job training programs

During tax season (typically January through April), LAPL partners with community organizations to offer free tax preparation at select branches. Volunteers trained by the IRS prepare returns for individuals and families at no cost. You bring your documents — W-2s, 1099s, proof of dependents, and identification — and the volunteer prepares your return on the spot. The return is then filed electronically. Check the LAPL website in January to find which branches are offering this service and to schedule an appointment, as slots fill quickly.

LAPL also runs job training programs at several branches, including resume writing workshops, interview preparation, and digital skills training. Some programs are offered in multiple languages. These are free and open to anyone. Check your branch's calendar or the main LAPL website under "Programs & Classes" to see what is available near you.

Finding programs and services at your branch

Each LAPL branch offers different programs depending on its size and location. The Central Library and larger regional branches typically have the most services, including notary services, meeting rooms, and specialized collections. Smaller neighborhood branches focus on core services like borrowing and computer access.

To find out what your nearest branch offers, visit the LAPL website, search for your branch by name or zip code, and view its hours, services, and upcoming programs. You can also call the branch directly. Many branches post their program calendars online, showing everything from children's story time to adult literacy classes to community meetings.

Meeting rooms at LAPL branches are free or low-cost to reserve for community groups and nonprofit organizations. Individuals can also reserve rooms for personal use at some branches. Contact your branch directly to ask about availability and the reservation process.

Accessing databases and research materials

LAPL provides free access to online databases and research tools that are normally behind paywalls. These include genealogy databases, business research tools, language learning software, and academic databases. You access them through the LAPL website using your library card number. Many databases work from home, so you do not need to visit a branch.

The library also offers access to Mango Languages, which teaches over 70 languages through interactive lessons, and Lynda.com, which offers video training in software, business skills, and creative fields. Both are included with your library card at no additional cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to live in Los Angeles to get a library card?

No. Anyone can get a Los Angeles Public Library card. If you live outside the city, you can still get a card by showing a photo ID at any branch. Some digital services and programs may be limited for non-residents, but borrowing physical materials and using computers and Wi-Fi work the same way.

What happens if I lose my library card or forget my PIN?

You can request a replacement card at any branch with a photo ID, or you can reset your PIN online through the LAPL website. If you have lost your card and want to borrow materials when ready, staff can look up your account by name and ID and let you check out items on the spot.

Can I return items to a different branch than where I borrowed them?

Yes. You can return any item to any LAPL branch, regardless of where you checked it out. The system tracks returns automatically, and your account is updated the same day. This works for physical items only — digital materials are automatically returned when the loan period ends.

How do I place a hold on a book that is currently checked out?

Search for the title in the online catalog on the LAPL website, click "Place a Hold," and select which branch you want to pick it up from. You will receive an email or phone call when the item arrives. Holds are free and typically arrive within one to two weeks, though popular titles may take longer.

Is there a cost to use the library's computers or Wi-Fi?

No. Computers and Wi-Fi are free to all LAPL visitors. You do not need a library card to use Wi-Fi, though having a card lets you save your work on the computers. Computer sessions are typically limited to two or three hours per day depending on the branch.