The Best Non-Resident Library Cards for Libby
Last Updated: July 2026 — Now includes options for Canadian residents!
If your local library has a small digital catalog, you already know the pain of staring at a 20-week hold on Libby for a popular book.
The fastest way around this is to buy a non-resident library card from a major out-of-state system, instantly adding hundreds of thousands of new titles to your Libby app.
Getting a non-resident card is basically a fast pass to skip the line. You plug a massive new Libby catalog into your app for a flat yearly fee, which usually costs less than a couple of months of an Audible subscription. Below you'll find the best non-resident library cards available, including libraries that offer non resident cards to anyone in the U.S. and Canada.
Before You Pay, Check for Free Cards First!
Before you open your wallet for an out of state library card, make sure you aren't missing out on free access. Thousands of libraries share reciprocal agreements that grant free non-resident cards. Use the ReciproCard Search at the top of the site to check your home library. You might already be eligible for a massive digital catalog entirely for free.
But wait! Did you know there are free library cards you can get that aren't based on where you live or your home library? Check out this guide on every free library card you can get for Libby, including cards that anyone in the U.S. can sign up for regardless of where they live.
Best Out-of-State Library Cards You Can Buy Right Now
If you've already exhausted your free options and want to drastically cut down your wait times, here are the best premium non-resident cards currently available. Most are open to anyone in the U.S., and several also accept Canadian residents — look for the eligibility tag on each listing.
Monroe County Library System
Rochester, NY
Monroe County is the most affordable option on this list and can be done entirely online. At just $25/year, it's the clear choice if you're budget-conscious or want to test the waters before committing to a more expensive card. Note that the out-of-county card is for Libby/OverDrive access only — it does not include Hoopla or Kanopy.
Purchase Card →Broward County Library
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Broward offers the best balance of price and catalog size on this list. After applying online you should receive an email within 14 days with a link to pay. Even with the wait, this is one of the best options for getting a meaningful boost to your Libby access.
Purchase Card →Queens Public Library
Queens, NY
Queens has the largest Libby catalog on this list, with over 193,000 titles and solid availability on popular titles. Signup is fully online. Their catalog leans heavy on newer releases, which is great if you're mostly looking for recent bestsellers.
Purchase Card →Fairfax County Public Library
Fairfax, VA
Fairfax is a well-funded system with a quality collection. A solid addition to your Libby setup if you're looking for US-only options. Online signup, US residents only.
Purchase Card →Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA
Carnegie is the only option on this list that gives you two years for one fee. At $30/year effectively, it's a great deal per year. Their collection is solid and the two-year term means you don't have to think about renewing for a while.
Purchase Card →Which Card Should You Buy?
With five options at different price points, here's how I'd think about it:
Absolute cheapest: Monroe County at $25/year. At roughly $2/month, it's the easiest way to dip your toes in. Start here if you're on a tight budget.
Largest catalog: Queens Public Library at $50/year, with over 193,000 titles. If you want maximum selection for your money, this is it.
Best overall value: Broward County at $38/year. Great balance of price and catalog size — this is the one most people should start with.
Multi-year deal: Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh at $60 for 2 years. Lock in two years of access and forget about it.
Budget stack: Monroe ($25) + Broward ($38) for $63/year total. That gives you access to over 186,000 titles across two systems — more than most single cards at twice the price.
If you live in Canada: Monroe, Broward, and Queens all accept Canadian residents for online signup. Monroe is cheapest, Queens has the largest catalog, and Broward is the best middle-ground.
Tight budget: Start with Monroe. At $25/year, it's roughly $2/month and still gets you meaningful Libby access.
| Library | Cost | Catalog Size | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monroe County | $25 / year | 65,523 items | US & Canada |
| Broward County | $38 / year | 121,201 items | US & Canada |
| Queens Public Library | $50 / year | 193,128 items | US & Canada |
| Fairfax County | $50 / year | 84,723 items | US Only |
| Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh | $60 / 2 years | 138,629 items | US Only |
How to Add a Non-Resident Card to Libby
Once you've purchased your card, adding it to Libby takes about 30 seconds:
- Open the Libby app
- Tap the library icon at the bottom
- Tap "Add A Library"
- Search for the library by name (e.g., "Broward County")
- Enter your new card number and PIN
- Done. You now have access to their full Libby catalog.
Each card gives you access to that library's full Libby catalog. You can add multiple cards and switch between them in the app.
What to Expect
Non-resident cards work exactly like a regular library card on Libby. You get access to the full digital catalog including ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines.
Each library has its own borrowing limits and renewal policies, so check the details when you sign up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use multiple library cards on Libby? Yes! Libby is designed to handle multiple cards at once, allowing you to search across all your collections at the exact same time. If you live in a state with a lot of reciprocal agreements or if you stack up these non-resident library card options, you could easily end up linking 5, 10, or even 15 cards to hunt down the shortest wait times.
Are non-resident library cards worth it? If you're regularly waiting weeks for popular titles, a $25–50 annual card pays for itself almost immediately. Compare that to Audible at $15/month or buying a couple of books on Amazon. And you're supporting libraries!
Can I get a non-resident library card if I live outside the US? My research found that Canadian library systems do offer non-resident cards, but require you to visit a branch in person to apply. None can be purchased or activated online. However, some US libraries accept Canadian residents for online registration. Those are marked "US & Canada" in the listings above. I haven't yet expanded my search beyond the U.S. and Canada, so if you're in other countries, it's probably best to check directly with the library.
What's the difference between a reciprocal library card and a non-resident card? Reciprocal cards are free and based on agreements between library systems. You qualify because of where you live. Non-resident cards are paid and available to anyone regardless of location. Use the ReciproCard search to find your free options first, then consider a paid card if you want even more access.
Do I need to visit a branch? Nope! Not for any of the cards listed on this page. They can all be purchased and activated entirely online.
Are these the only non-resident cards available to purchase? No! It's actually fairly common for libraries to offer a non-resident card for purchase. The options included here were chosen because they offer the absolute best mix of Libby catalog size to price, and they let you apply online. If you'd prefer for your purchase to support a library closer to home, there are likely options available. If there's interest in me compiling a more comprehensive list across the country, shoot me a message and I'll add it to my list!