If you’ve been using non-resident library cards to access ebooks and audiobooks through apps like Libby or Hoopla, you may have noticed a frustrating trend: more and more libraries are quietly ending these programs.

What’s going on?

Due to a combination of federal and state-level budget cuts, plus increased demand for local services driven by economic strain, many libraries are being forced to scale back. And one of the first things to go? Access for non-residents — even when users are willing to pay a fee.

These cuts aren’t about gatekeeping. They’re about survival. With tighter budgets and rising community needs, libraries are prioritizing their tax-paying residents.

But that doesn’t mean all hope is lost. Some library systems do still offer out-of-state access — you just need to know where to look.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through:

• Why this shift is happening

• Which libraries still offer non-resident cards (and how to apply)

• Tips to make the most of your access while it lasts

Let’s get into it.

Why Are Libraries Ending Non-Resident Access?

In short: budget cuts and rising local demand.

• Federal and state-level funding for public libraries is shrinking.

• Economic uncertainty is driving more people to rely on library services. Think job seekers, digital literacy programs, and basic tech access.

• Libraries are being forced to make hard choices about where to focus their limited staff and resources.

When money and bandwidth are tight, serving local residents — the ones whose taxes support the library — takes priority. That often means cutting off or limiting non-resident options, even when those memberships bring in extra revenue.

This isn’t about locking people out. It’s about survival.

What Is a Non-Resident Library Card?

A non-resident library card is a library membership you can purchase from a library system outside your state or local district. These cards typically cost between $20–$125 per year and give you digital borrowing access via apps like:

• Libby/OverDrive for ebooks and audiobooks

• Hoopla for instant access to books, movies, and more

• Kanopy for streaming films

• PressReader, NYTimes.com, and other bonus databases

These memberships are a fantastic tool for readers on a budget — or anyone who has maxed out their local borrowing limits.

NON-RESIDENT LIBRARY MEMBERSHIPS

Orange County Library System (Florida) 

Cost: $125 a year

Hoopla Borrows: 10 monthly borrows 

Great selection of audiobooks and a quick turnaround. I have borrowed countless books with this membership. Great selection of traditionally published romance novels in both e-book and audiobooks. Y

This library has 171k available books in Libby. The romance selection consists of 45k audiobooks and ebooks.

Wait Time: Just a few weeks for new releases. Audiobooks tend to come faster than e-books. 

Quick Tip When Signing Up: When applying, select the check box next to “Out of Country” to enter your address. They may ask a question on the form about what county OCLS is in to stop spammers. The answer is “Orange” since OCLS stands for Orange County Library System.

Houston Public Library (Texas)

Cost:  $40 a year 

Hoopla Borrows: 4  borrows per month

The romance selection was a bit limited. I found that there were long waits for books.  The library hold time is 14 days as opposed to 21 days. 

Queens Public Library (New York)

Cost: $50 a year.

Hoopla: 10 Hoopla Borrows

The selection is low.  Queens Public Library has little romance. The wait time is long for audiobooks and ebooks.  The library hold time is 14 days as opposed to 21 days. 

Fairfax County Public Library (Virginia)

Cost: $27 

Hoopla: No Hoopla Borrows

Selection for latest releases  Romance selection is ok but they have more literary fiction/thrillers/etc. 

St. Louis Public Library (Missouri)

Cost: The library will grant you access to its Library Catalog if you donate to the St. Louis Public Library Friends Program.

You will get access to Libby, where you can borrow up to 20 titles at a time and can place 30 titles on hold.

The following libraries are available for residents of the state where they are located.

Los Angeles Public Library (California) 

If you live in California or you are in the LA area then you must sign up for Los Angeles Public Library.

This library offers Hoopla borrows.

Cost: for Non-Resident the cost is $50 a year but you must go to the library in person, and for California Resident is free.

Great audiobook selection for both traditionally published and indie books. If you are an indie reader, this library has a great selection of e-books. 

Free  Library  of Philadelphia (Pennsylvania)

Cost: If you live in Pennsylvania, you can get a free library card for Philadelphia and the cost is free. 

Great Libby selection. 

Hoopla: N/A

Brooklyn Public Library (New York)

Cost: It is free if you live or work in New York State.

No Hoopla

Yes, Brooklyn used to offer non-resident library cards. However, this service has been discontinued.

Their Libby selection for indie romance and audiobooks is excellent.

Book Unbanned Inititative

“Teens and young adults ages 13-21 outside of New York State can apply for a free Books Unbanned eCard. This card provides access to BPL’s entire digital collection. It helps connect young people facing censorship and book bans in their communities with materials that explore a wider range of topics. You can support the Books Unbanned initiative by making a donation.” From the Brooklyn Public Library site as of April 5, 2023.

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If you are new to Hoopla, check out our Hoopla Digital Guide that walks you through your frequently asked questions, such as how to open multiple Hoopla accounts, find out how many borrows per month you have, etc.