Borrow
Explore all that you can borrow with your York Public Library card.
How to Get a Library Card
Library cards are free to residents of York, York Beach, York Harbor, and Cape Neddick, as well as property owners in these towns who pay taxes for at least 6 months out of the year. Library cards are also free for those who work in the Yorks or Cape Neddick. To receive your library card, present a photo ID and proof of residency or employment at one of our circulation desks. Acceptable documents include: utility bills, purchase and sale agreements, rental documents, a paystub, or employee identification.
Youth library cards are given to children ages 5-13 years of age. Those ages 14+ receive an adult card.
Non-resident/temporary cards may be purchased at the Main Circulation Desk for $75 per year or $35 for 3 months. Check, cash, and credit cards are accepted.
Accessing the Library Catalog
The library’s online catalog, Minerva, allows cardholders to search for and request books. You may enter your search in the search bar located on the top of each page of our website, or simply click here to be redirected to the catalog. Minerva is a shared library system that brings together over 60 libraries of all types from across the state. If YPL doesn’t have it, another library most likely will! It will be delivered to York Public Library—and you can receive notification via email, text, or phone call when it’s ready to be picked up.
Maine Reciprocal Borrowing Program
The York Public Library enthusiastically participates in the Maine Reciprocal Borrowing Program. This means your York Public Library card will work to borrow materials at other participating libraries. This is particularly handy if you need a book right away, you know it is available at a participating library, and you don’t want to wait for it to be delivered to York. The borrowing privileges extend to materials, and not to other services such as ebooks, online databases, or museum passes. Participating libraries may also borrow materials from the York Public Library with a card from their home library. All library cards must be current and in good standing with their home library.
What is Your Library Worth?
How much money are you saving by using the library? Use this handy Library Value Calculator to find out!
Borrowing FAQ
How do I get a Library Card?
Library cards are free to residents, property owners who pay taxes in York for at least 6 months out of the year, and people who work in the town of York. Simply present a photo ID and proof of residency/employment to a librarian, and you will receive a card. Acceptable documents include: utility bills, purchase and sale agreements, rental documents, a paystub, or employee identification.
I don't live in York. Can I still get a Library card?
Non-resident cards can be purchased for $75 per year or $35 for 3 months.
How long may I borrow materials?
Materials circulate for 3 weeks. Materials may normally be renewed once, unless there is a waiting list.
*Please note that the circulation periods for digital materials vary.
How do I sign up for text notifications?
You can be alerted via email or text message when an item is due soon or when an item you requested is ready to be picked up. In your Minerva account, click “Modify Patron Information.” Enter your cell phone number and check the “Opt In” box.
How do I renew materials?
Materials may be renewed online through the Minerva system or by speaking with one of our librarians.
How do I reserve materials online?
For a helpful YouTube tutorial click here: How to Use Minerva. We also have a brochure available.
How do I borrow a ukulele, telescope or the Super 8 Film Digital Converter?
- Ukuleles are available to pick up in the Youth Services department on the lower level.
- The telescope is available to pick up at the Circulation desk on the upper level. Please call ahead to see if it is available.
- The Wolverine MovieMaker 8mm/Super 8 film to digital converter is available to pick up at the Circulation desk on the upper level. Please call ahead to see if it is available.
These items may be checked out for 1 week. Please call or visit for more information.
For more information, please contact the library at info@yorkpubliclibrary.org or call 207-363-2818.