If you live, own property, teach or attend school in the Johnson County Public Library taxing district you are eligible to get a free library card. Residents of some Indiana library districts are eligible for a reciprocal borrowers card (see below for more information). Patrons who can demonstrate eligibility and complete the library card application will be issued a card immediately, and are entitled to full borrowing privileges and access to the library's online resources.

NOTE: please consult the Johnson County Library Districts map to verify that your address is within our taxing district. Your home library may be Greenwood or Edinburgh Public Library instead of JCPL.

Apply for a card online

Learn about My First Library Card for children in 5th grade or under.

Sign up for a card online and pick it up at any branch, or have it mailed to you. You can also register for a library card at any JCPL branch. If you choose to pick the card up at a branch, you will need photo identification and proof of address.

Applicants age 18 and over must show proof of current address and photo ID.

Acceptable forms of identification include:

  • Valid Drivers License
  • Valid State ID Card
  • Valid University or College ID Card with photo
  • Valid Passport, Military Identification or other government-issued ID


If your photo ID does not include your current home address, you will be required to provide proof of address. Other acceptable forms of proof of address include:

  • Utility bill, credit card bill or bank statement issued within the last 30 days
  • Valid Voter Registration Notification
  • Property tax receipt or other valid legal documents indicating ownership or residence, such as a deed or lease
  • Change of address confirmation from the USPS


You may elect to receive mail from the library at a P.O. Box, but you must maintain a current home address on file.


Non-Residents (PLAC)

Patrons who live outside the JCPL taxing district may obtain a Public Library Access Card (PLAC). To obtain a PLAC, you must already have a valid Indiana library card in your home library district and pay the $65.00 fee. PLACs are valid for one year from the date of issue.

Reciprocal Borrowers

Patrons in good standing at participating Indiana libraries may apply to receive Reciprocal Borrowing privileges at the Johnson County Public Library. Reciprocal borrowers may place holds and check out any on-shelf item, but may not access electronic resources, including e-books and e-audiobooks. Participating libraries include Greenwood, Edinburgh, Bartholomew County, Brown County, Morgan County and Shelbyville-Shelby County Public Libraries. A complete list of participating libraries is available on the Indiana State Library website. Please contact JCPL or your home library for more information.

Replacing Your Library Card

If your Johnson County Public Library card has been lost or stolen, please contact your branch immediately to prevent unauthorized borrowing or access to your account.

Accessing Your Account Online

Once your card has been issued, you will have immediate access to your online account for placing holds and renewing materials. Log in with your card number and PIN - your PIN is set by default to the last 4 digits of your card number. For maximum account security, you are encouraged to change your PIN after logging into your account the first time.

FAQs