Library Cards

Library Card Eligibility and Privileges

The Oak Bluffs Public Library issues library cards free of charge to Massachusetts residents, homeowners and workers. Children under age 16 may sign up for a library card with the signature of a parent or guardian. Library cards may also be issued to other categories of borrowers such as the homebound, teachers, local institutions, or out of state residents.

Library Card Responsibilities

Pursuant to OBPL’s Cardholder Policy, cardholders assume responsibility for the care and safekeeping of all materials borrowed on their cards. The card owner in whose name the card is issued assumes responsibility for settling any and all fines, damages, losses, or other assessments incurred by the use of their cards.

Card owners are asked to report changes in names, addresses, e-mail and telephone numbers to the Library as soon as possible, so that the Library’s borrower records can be kept up to date. Card owners should also report lost, stolen, or damaged cards to the Library as soon as possible.

The Library encourages borrowers to use their own library cards exclusively and not to lend them for use by other persons.

Borrower Registration Types & Requirements

Resident / Property Owner Card

Resident / Three-year expiration / Free / 50-item limit

All applicants are asked to present a valid identification. Any of the following IDs are acceptable:

  • Driver’s License
  • State-Issued Photo ID
  • Passport or Passport Card

Applicants must also present proof of Massachusetts residence or property ownership. The following are acceptable proofs of residence / property ownership:

  • Deed Dukes County/Massachusetts
  • Listing on Dukes County Property Owner’s Tax List,
  • Listing on Oak Bluffs Street List
  • Massachusetts lease agreement for one year or more
  • Massachusetts Car Registration
  • Massachusetts Medicare or Medicaid Card
  • Utility Bill with local address
  • Checkbook with street address
  • Mail showing address that patron will be or has been living at for six months or more

Children (16 and under) or patrons requiring a guardian will not be required to present a photo ID. In such cases, a guardian with an ID and proof of address will need to be present to obtain an account.

MV Worker’s Card

Nonresident / One-year expiration / Free / 10-item limit

We welcome those who come to the island to help with our busy summer season. Patrons with MV Worker’s cards may check out up to ten (10) items.

All applicants are asked to present a valid identification. Any of the following IDs are acceptable:

  • Driver’s License
  • State-Issued Photo ID
  • Passport or Passport Card
  • International Student ID card

Applicants must also provide proof of employment on Martha’s Vineyard. The following are acceptable:

  • Pay stub from an island business
  • Social Security forms with local business name as sponsor
  • Signed letter from business manager confirming employment

Out-of-State Card

Nonresident / One-year expiration / $10 / 10-item limit

Applicants visiting the island may apply for an Out-of-State card, which costs $10 to help defray the cost of providing a service normally paid for by local taxes. Patrons with Out-of-State cards may check out up to ten (10) items. To obtain an Out-of-State card, the applicant must provide a photo ID and proof of the patron’s legal address. Out-of-State cards expire in twelve months and may be renewed at the rate of $10 per year.

Acceptable forms of photo identification:

  • International Student ID card
  • Valid State Driver’s License or State Picture ID
  • Current School Picture ID
  • Current Employment Picture ID Card
  • Valid Passport Identification

Legal residence may be verified by one or more of the following:

  • Valid State Driver’s License or State Picture ID
  • Checkbook with street address
  • Lease agreement
  • Mail that is postmarked
  • Employment identification or verification.
  • Military ID for active duty personnel, a spouse and/or dependent of personnel

Apply for a Library Card Online

Coming to see us? Apply for your library card in advance and save time!

Complete the online form to get a temporary 6 month CLAMS eCard. This form is for new registrations only. Then visit a CLAMS library convenient to you within 6 months to complete the library card application.

This card grants you access to our digital resources (Kanopy, Libby, Hoopla, etc.) and you can place up to five holds for physical items that will be waiting for you when you arrive.

Manage your Library Account from the CLAMS App

After you get your new card, go to your phone or device’s APP store. Search for and download the CLAMS APP by searching “CLAMS Library Network”. Enter your card details into the APP! From here, you can browse & discover our entire CLAMS collection, manage your account, access your library card, check out e-content, check hours & contact information, all from your smartphone!

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