Apply for a Library Card

Library Card Options

Select your residency to view your library card options:

Library Municipal ID Card - Your Enhanced Library Card (Rochester Residents Only)

  • More information about the Library Municipal ID Card 
  • Paper applications are available at the Library Circulation desk

Standard Library Card

  • Visit us at the library or Bookmobile with a photo ID and address verification to apply for a card.
  • Want to save time? Fill out an application online before you visit us! We will keep your application on-file for 30 days.

When applying for a library card, each person must agree to the following:

  • I accept responsibility for the items on my card.
  • The information I provided is accurate and I will update my information when it changes.
  • If my card is missing or stolen, I will report it immediately. 
  • The library will make a good faith effort to contact me as needed.

Apply Online Today

To register with RPL, please bring photo ID, address verification, and home library card to the Public Service Desk at the library. OverDrive/Libby access is limited to SELCO region customers.

Visitors may apply for a library card at the main library. Please bring a photo ID with verification of permanent address. Visitor cards are not able to checkout ebooks through OverDrive/Libby.

Visitor cards cost $6 for 28 days.

How Do I?

  • Online - sign in under "My Account" at the top of this page and click "Place Hold" next to the item you wish to reserve
  • RPL app - tap "Place Hold" next to the item you wish to reserve
  • By phone - call us at 507-328-2300
  • In person - visit us at the Main Library or Bookmobile

Each library account may have a maximum of 20 holds.

Borrow items from another library

  •  Interlibrary Loan (ILL)
    • Interlibrary Loan is not available to all RPL users. Only RPL users with standard library cards are able to request interlibrary loans. If you have questions about your library card privileges, please contact the Public Service Desk at 507-328-2304 or by email at circ@rplmn.org

Pickup a hold

  • Wait until you have been notified that your item is ready, then visit the Main Library or Bookmobile

  • Items may be renewed once.

  • A second renewal may be requested by contacting the Library at 507-328-2304 or by sending an email to Circ@rplmn.org

  • Items on hold for another cardholder cannot be renewed 

  • Interlibrary Loans (ILLs) may not be renewed. 

  • Five or more overdue items on an account will block a card from reserving, renewing or using other online services.  Renewing items prior to the due date will allow continuous use of your card. 

To renew items: 

  • Online - login by clicking "My Account" at the top of this page 

  • RPL app - tap the item you want to renew under "My Account/Checkouts" 

  • Phone library staff - call 507-328-2304 

  • In Person - visit us at the Library or Bookmobile 

Outside the library

  • 24/7 at the automated or walk-up returns on 1st Ave SE

Inside the library

  • To the right of the Public Service desk as you enter the library, during library hours

Bookmobile

Other SELCO Libraries

Library cards expire at least every three years to ensure we have your current contact information. Expired cards will not work until they are renewed.

Renew a Card

To update your account or renew your card:

  • If your account information has not changed, you can call our Circulation desk at 507-328-2304 or log in to use our online form located in the “My Account” section of our website (located at the top of this page).

  • If you need to update information in your account, please bring a photo ID and your library card to renew in person at the library or on the Bookmobile.

Contact us immediately at 507-328-2300 or by sending an email to Circ@rplmn.org if your card is lost/stolen.

Your library card will be barred from further checkouts to protect yourself from unauthorized use. Library cardholders may be liable for the replacement costs of library materials checked out on their lost or stolen card (see the cardholder agreement on this page).

There is no charge for replacement cards.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know what my PIN number is?

  • When you registered for a library card, you chose a custom PIN.
    Alternatively, you might also try using the last 4 digits of your phone number.

How do I change my PIN?

  • Visit the Circulation Desk in person with a photo ID. Staff will be able to assist you in changing your PIN.
  • Use the "Forgot My PIN" option under the "My Account" link at the top of this webpage. 
    • Enter your library card number, click on "Forgot My Pin" and a recovery link will be emailed to the email address on file at your library.
      Please Note: An email must already be established in your library account in order to use this feature.
  • Contact us at 507-328-2304.  If you have an email address currently in your library account, staff can email it to you.  

All items check out for 4 weeks (28 days), unless they are in high demand* or part of a special collection.

  • Book Group in a Bag Kits: 6 weeks
  • BookBox Collection: 21 days
  • Explore the Community Passes: 7 days
  • OverDrive/Libby Materials: 7-21 days
  • Quick Pick Books: 7 days
  • Quick Flick DVDs: 2 days
  • Seeds: No Checkout Required

*In July 2023, a change was made to increase the loan periods for all items.  Most items now check out for four weeks (28 days). However, if there are holds on the item, our system will automatically shorten the due date to allow more users to have access to them.

100 items at a time is the limit for most library cards. Some special collections have specific limits:

  • Literacy Hub Collection: 10 per card
  • Quick Picks: 2 per card
  • Quick Flicks: 2 per card
  • Adult Video Games: 2 per card
  • Youth Video Games: 2 per card
  • Board Games: 2 per card

  • Any item that is not returned to the library will be billed to your account after the item is 28 days overdue. If your total bill equals $25.00 (or more) your card will be blocked. 

  • A card will also be blocked if five or more overdue items are on your account. 

  • You can view the library policy and request a review of your account by filling out the online form

If your card is blocked because of billed items: 

I have the billed item: 

  • Return the item to the outdoor book drop, indoor book drop, or bookmobile. We do not charge overdue fines! Once the item is returned, the fee will be removed. 

I cannot find the billed item: 

  • If you need more time to look for the item, please call 507-328-2304.   

  • If you're certain the item is lost, you can pay for the item: 

  • On your next visit to the library or bookmobile 

  • By using the My Account feature

I damaged an item: 

  • Please contact the library at 507-328-2304 or by sending an email to Circ@rplmn.org

If your card is blocked because of overdue items: 

I have the overdue item/s and would like to keep them longer. 

  • Items may be renewed once.  

  • A second renewal may be requested by contacting the Library at 507-328-2304 or by sending an email to Circ@rplmn.org

  • Items on hold for another cardholder cannot be renewed 

  • Online - sign in under "My Account" at the top of this page and click "Fines"
  • By phone  - call us at 507-328-2300
  • In person - Pay at a self-check machine or the Public Service Desk during Library Hours
  • Rochester Public Library does not accept customer-purchased replacements.

As of June 1, 2020, we no longer charge fines for items returned past the due date. We do charge for lost or damaged items. If an item is 5 days overdue you will receive an email or text message. If an item is 28 days overdue, you will receive an email or text message informing you that your account has been billed for the replacement cost of the item.

  • Courtesy Notice: Customers with email or text notifications will receive a Courtesy Notice two days prior to the due date. 
  • Check Out Notice: This email notice (sorry, no texts for this one) will let you know two things: which of your items received their one automatic renewal and which of your items cannot be renewed and need to be returned. 
  • 5 Day Overdue Notice: Customers with either email or text notifications will receive a notice that items are now five days past due. 
  • 14 Day Overdue Notice: Customers with text notifications will receive a notice informing them their items are 14 days past due. 
  • 28 Day Bill: At 28 days, we bill your account billed for the replacement cost of the item.  Notices for these charges are sent via email, text and paper.  When the item is returned, all fees are removed.   
  • Past Due Notice: Customers with email or text notifications will receive a monthly reminder of your outstanding bill.   When items are returned, all fees are removed. 

You may update the address, email or phone number in your account in one of two ways:

  • Please show photo ID on your next visit to the library or bookmobile. Staff will be happy to help you update your information. 
  • You may also use the My Account form at www.rplmn.org. After logging in with your library card and pin number, you will see a Personal Information tab.  At the bottom of this tab there is an Update My Card option. You may submit your address, phone or email changes via this form.
    • Staff will make these changes to your account information within 24-36 hours. 

If you have trouble using your card to check out materials, renew items or download titles, your card may need to be renewed. You may renew your account in one of two ways:

  • If the address, phone or email information on your account has not changed, you may call our Circulation Desk at 507-328-2304 or by sending an email to Circ@rplmn.org to renew your card. 
  • If your address, phone or email information in your account has changed, you may renew your card in one of two ways. 
    • Please show photo ID on your next visit to the library or bookmobile.  Staff will be happy to help you update your information. 
    • You may also use the My Account form at www.rplmn.org. After logging in with your library card and pin number, you will see a Personal Information tab.  At the bottom of this tab there is an Renew My Card option.  You may submit your address, phone or email changes via this form.   
      • Please note, card renewals are reviewed by staff and your card will be renewed within 24-36 hours. 

Contact Us

Rochester Public Library

101 2nd Street SE
Rochester, MN 55904

Phone: 507-328-2300

Open Hours

Monday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Tuesday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Wednesday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Thursday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Friday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Sunday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.