Library Cards for Students

We've got all the information you need about class visits, getting your students library cards, and books for your classes.

Help your students get or renew their library cards!

When you request a class visit, please upload a class roster with your students' full names and birth dates. A staff member will follow up with you on next steps.
- Oakland Public Library cards are good at any branch of the OPL system.
- There is no charge for new or replacement cards.
- Students who have lost their cards do not need to apply again. They will need to confirm their address, phone number, and date of birth.
- Encourage your students to return any books they may have at home!
You can verify your current Teacher Status with any of the following:
- School or institution ID
- School or institution paystub
- CA family childcare home license
- Affidavit of Private School
- Letter of acknowledgement of homeschooling from a local school district (Oakland, Piedmont, or Emeryville)
There's no separate application for a Teacher Card. Fill out a regular library card application and visit the library or contact us to request teacher card status.

Teacher cards must be renewed every two years by showing proof of continued work as an educator.
- Borrow print books for six weeks instead of three
- Up to 30 holds at a time, instead of 15
Teacher cards cannot be used to borrow Link+ or interlibrary loan items, or items for personal use.

eBooks and other digital materials cannot checked out for longer than usual with a Teacher Card.