Skip to main content

Library Services

Explore all we have to offer to in our libraries.

Library Card

Buncombe County residents can get a library card free of charge, and library cards are good for three years.

To get a library card, just visit any library branch with a photo ID. That's it!

If your photo ID does not have your current local address, please bring another piece of information with your current local address such as a utility bill, rental agreement or check.

Cards for Kids and Teens

Children ages birth through 17 can get a library card with a parent or guardian who has a photo ID and proof of local residence. Teens ages 14 through 17 do not need a parent or guardian to get a library card — they can be issued a library card by providing a photo ID and proof of local residence. A school ID with a photo may be used as photo ID.

Student Access

Buncombe County Public Libraries partners with local schools to support students' ongoing education through Student Access, an initiative from the State Library of North Carolina. We share the belief that a love of books and learning is a strong foundation for student success and we are working together to provide students access to books and resources found at their public library.

Students who are enrolled in Asheville City Schools and Buncombe County Schools use their Student ID numbers to borrow public library books and access digital resources. If your child attends a charter or private school, please check with your school to see if they participate in Student Access.

Any Buncombe County Library materials that are checked out with a Student Access card will be subject to the same library policies, fines and fees as all other library materials.

For more information about Student Access, please check with your school administration, or email us.

Cards by Email

If you can’t visit the library to get a card, we can issue library cards by email. You will need to email a copy of your local ID to the library. You can use your card to download digital books anywhere you have an internet connection. Contact the library at 828-250-4700 if you have any questions.

Out of County Cards

Non-Buncombe County residents can also get a Buncombe County Library card for $20 per year. You will need to visit a library in person to get an out-of-County card, as out-of-County cards are not issued by mail.

Book a Meeting Room

Library meeting rooms for community groups and organizations are available at most Buncombe County Libraries.

There are meeting rooms at the following libraries:

Library meeting rooms are free for non-profit groups. For profit groups will be charged a fee. All events at any library must be free to the public. Groups booking the room will be responsible for set-up and clean-up. The room is not reserved until the Use Agreement and fees are submitted.

NOTE: Contact the library you’re interested in to book their meeting room.

Interlibrary Loans

There are two ways to borrow books from other libraries.

NC Cardinal Loans – Free

NC Cardinal Library Catalog Logo ButtonBuncombe County Public Library is a member of the statewide NC Cardinal library system. This means that anyone with a Buncombe County library card can borrow books, audiobooks, music and movies from over 30 other NC Cardinal libraries in North Carolina.

To locate books available to you across the state, use our library catalog search feature and change the “library” location drop down from your home library to “NC Cardinal.” Place a hold on the item you’d like and it will be sent to you free of charge.

Interlibrary Loans

Interlibrary Loan (ILL) is a service that borrows materials from other libraries that are not available in Buncombe County Public Libraries or the NC Cardinal System. A valid BCPL library card is required. No more than 5 requests may be processed at one time. For periodical requests, there may be extra charges for photocopying.

Books published within the last six months can't be requested. Patrons should allow at least 2 weeks for materials to arrive.

For libraries who wish to borrow materials: BCPL is a full member of OCLC and follows all the recommended OCLC guidelines. BCPL does not loan reference or AV materials.