Orange County Library Non-Resident Card Review: Fees, Perks & How to Join
If you love access to endless books, audiobooks, and digital resources, one of the best-kept secrets is that many libraries offer non-resident library cards. For a small annual fee, you can unlock world-class collections—even if you don’t live in that library’s area. This is a game-changer for readers who want to expand their access to ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, and streaming platforms like Libby and Hoopla Digital without leaving home.
Each month, we’ll highlight different libraries across the U.S. that welcome non-resident borrowers, share their card fees, and break down what kind of perks you’ll get once you’re a member.
Orange County Library System (Orlando, FL) – Review
Website: https://ocls.org/sign-up-for-a-library-card-account/
Cost: $125/year
Digital Library: Libby and Hoopla
Hoopla Monthly Borrows: 10 Instant Borrows/ 10 Flex Borrows (Wait Times)
Libby Loans: 20
How to sign up: https://ocls.org/sign-up-for-a-library-card-account/
Who is this library for?
If you are an avid reader and want access to commercial fiction on release day this may work for you. If you are a NY Times Bestseller Reader, this library tends to buy multiple copies of these books.
There are wait times for this library.
Do I think it is worth the cost of Libby and Hoopla alone? No, I don’t think so. You are better off investing in two resident cards, such as NOLA, Miami Dade, or Stark.
Quick Overview
Go to genres: Commercial Fiction/NY Times Bestsellers
Format: E-Book and Audiobooks on Libby
Does it offer Skip-the-Line? Not at the moment.
Can I put upcoming releases on hold before release day? Yes! I had a lot of good luck accessing new releases on release day. So, put those books on hold!
Does it offer Free NY Times access? No, but they have Press Reader which allows you to access 6000+ newspapers.
Language Learning Classes: This library offers virtual programming, including language learning from Spanish, French, etc.
Spanish-speaking Resources: This library offers the community Spanish books, magazines, and other resources.
How to sign up: https://ocls.org/sign-up-for-a-library-card-account/
Can you tell me about their Hoopla?
This Hoopla offers 10 instant borrows and 10 flex borrows per month. For the instant borrows, titles include Hexed by Emily McIntyre, The Friend Zone by Abby Jimenez, and Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros.
For Flex borrows, titles include Open Book by Jessica Simpson, Tools of Engagement by Tessa Bailey, and The Teacher by Freida McFadden.
Movies, music, and other binge passes are also available.
If you are curious about Hoopla and want to make the most of it, check out our Hoopla Digital Guide.
Call to Action
Love this roundup? 📚 We’re turning this into a monthly library series, so you’ll always know which cards are worth the investment.
👉 If you’re curious about how to maximize your new card, don’t miss our Hoopla Digital Guide — it’s packed with tips to get the most out of free streaming ebooks, audiobooks, and movies.
👉 Looking for even more options? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Non-Resident Library Cards where we list fees, benefits, and libraries that offer remote signup.
Have a favorite library card that’s been a hidden gem? Share it in the comments—we’d love to feature your recommendation in a future post!