Application for Library Card

Readers holding the library card issued by the ex-Municipal Councils may continue to use their library cards to borrow library materials from the public libraries in the urban areas or the New Territories.
The procedures for applying of library cards are as follows :

NEW APPLICATIONS
A reader who has never applied for a library card can apply for a Hong Kong Public Libraries library card free of charge.

BORROWING LIMITS
The library card issued by the Hong Kong Public Libraries can be used to borrow a maximum of 10 items of library materials at one time from any branch of the Hong Kong Public Libraries.

RETURN OF BORROWED LIBRARY MATERIALS
Library materials must be returned to any branch of the Hong Kong Public Libraries.

HOW TO APPLY FOR A LIBRARY CARD

Persons aged 18 or above

1. Complete and submit an application form (Form no. LCS4) in person at any branch of the Hong Kong Public Libraries;
2. Produce the original copy of the Hong Kong Identity Card for verification; and
3. Produce the proof of residential address issued within the last 3 months (e.g. water/electricity/gas/telephone bill, etc.) for verification.

Persons under the age of 18

1. Complete and submit an application form (Form no. LCS4) at any branch of the Hong Kong Public Libraries;
2. the GUARANTEE section of the application form must also be completed by either the applicant's mother, father or guardian;
3. the applicant must also produce the following documents for verification:
   
   1. the original copy of the Hong Kong Identity Card or in its absence, the photocopy of the applicant's birth certificate;
   2. the original or photocopy of the guarantor's Hong Kong Identity Card; and
   3. the proof of residential address issued within the last 3 months (e.g. water/electricity/gas/telephone bill, etc.).

Non-residents of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region

Non-residents of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region e.g. overseas visitors, may apply for a temporary library card by:

1. Complete an application form and submit it in person to any public library.
2. Produce an adult resident of Hong Kong to be the guarantor. The “Guarantee” part of the form is to be completed and signed by the guarantor. In case of the absence of a guarantor, non-residents of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region aged 18 or above may still borrow a maximum of 10 items of library materials by paying a refundable deposit of HK$170 for each item borrowed.
3. Present the application form together with your valid travel document, an original copy or a photocopy of the guarantor’s Hong Kong Identity Card and the proof of residential address issued within the last 3 months (e.g. water/electricity/gas/telephone bill, etc.) for verification.

Important note :

• Temporary library cards are valid up to the Applicant’s limit of stay in Hong Kong as permitted by the Immigration Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region;
• Applicant may apply for an extension of use of library card in person at any branch of the Hong Kong Public Libraries;
• A claim for refund of deposit may be made in person by returning the original receipt and surrendering the library card at any branch of the Hong Kong Public Libraries (except Mobile Libraries) within 11 years from the date of the receipt. Any claims made after the said period will not be entertained.