Is one of your New Year's Resolutions to read more books? Me too. Are you in a situation where buying books is hard, carrying books is hard, storing books is hard, and/or your local library doesn't have enough of the kind of books you want to read? Tired of waiting for your library's ZipBooks queue?
If you live in California, under the cut is a big list of public libraries who offer free library cards to California residents 18 and older through some form of online registration. Includes links to catalogs and links to online registration forms. Some libraries listed here offer permanent/physical cards if you go into a branch, offer permanent cards online, offer cards to minors/out-of-state residents, etc. I've made notes on each library, but there's also a link to the library website if you need more info.
Nearly all of these libraries require a photo ID and proof of address for a full, permanent library card for a person 18 or older. Persons under 18 can typically get a permanent card with parent permission/signature. Some libraries allow teens to get a permanent library card if they have photo ID and proof of address, even if a parent is not present. I didn't make note of these nuances in this list, because this list focuses on digital access to materials. If you're traveling, you might find it worth half an hour to pop into a library branch and get that card.
These digital cards generally give you access to Libby, and some to Hoopla, but I haven't checked all of them. I've noted which ones are on Libby.
While the California libraries ask for your physical address, California public libraries are required by state law to protect the privacy of their patrons, and they are not allowed to disclose or sell the address you provided to any third parties.
If you don't live in California but you do live in the US, I highly recommend looking through the directory of libraries in your state (you'll need to expand the search options and enter the name of your state).
If you know of a California library that offers free cards online to all CA residents, even if those digital cards expire, please drop me a line and I'll look it up and add it.
If you want to make a list for a different state and drop me a line, I will add a link to that post in this post.
Disclaimer: I haven't tried most of these and the information contained here is what was present and available as of the writing of the post. It's possible I misread, misinterpreted, or flat out missed some information. If you find an error in this info, please let me know!
Queer Liberation Library: You only need an email address to obtain one. You have to attest that you live in the US, but they don't ask for your address or your age. This is my one exception to the "California" filter on this list, because it's incredibly useful and awesome. Gives you access to their Libby catalog.
Alameda County Library: Get an eCard online (valid for 30 days), or a permanent card in person. Libby, Hoopla, & a lot more. (Catalog | Apply Online)
Alameda Free Library: Get an eCard online (valid for 2 months), or a permanent card in person. Libby, Hoopla, & other services. (Catalog | Apply Online)
Altadena Library District: Get an eCard online (doesn't seem to expire), or a permanent card in person. CloudLibrary, Hoopla, & other services. (Catalog | Apply Online)
Arcadia Public Library: Get an eCard online (valid for 90 days, takes up to 48 hours), or a permanent card in person. Libby & Hoopla, possibly others (I couldn't find a list). (Catalog | Apply Online)
Burbank Public Library: Get an eCard online (valid for 1 year), or a permanent card in person or by phone (info on their website). Libby, Hoopla, & other services. (Catalog | Apply Online)
Burlingame Public Library: Get an eCard online (doesn't seem to expire), or a permanent card in person. Libby & Hoopla. (Catalog | Apply Online)
Commerce Public Library: Get an eCard online (valid for 1 month), or a permanent card in person. Libby, Hoopla, & other services. (Catalog | Apply Online)
El Dorado County Library: Get an eCard online (temporary, but I couldn't find any information on when it expires), or a permanent card in person. Libby & others. (Catalog | Apply Online)
El Segundo Public Library: Get an eCard online (temporary, don't know how long it lasts), permanent card in person. Libby, Kanopy, & others. (Catalog | Apply Online)
Escondido Public Library: Get an eCard online, physical in person. Libby, Hoopla, & others. (Catalog | Apply Online)
Fullerton Public Library: Get an eCard online, physical in person. Libby & others. (Catalog | Apply Online)
Humboldt County Library: Get an eCard online, physical in person. County residents can get a permanent card; non-residents get an express card. Both get you access to Libby. (Catalog | Apply Online)
Mendocino County Library: Get an eCard online (valid for a year), permanent card in person. Libby, Hoopla, & others. (Catalog | Apply Online)
Monterey County Free Libraries: Apply online for a card by mail (CA residents only), or get a card immediately in person at a branch (CA & out of state residents). (Catalog | Apply Online)
Oakland Public Library: Get a temporary card online (valid for 30 days), permanent card in person. Small chance you can get your card verified (and therefore permanent) by calling, but I haven't tried it yet. Check out their FAQ. (Catalog | Apply Online)
Riverside County Library: Get a card online (unclear how long it's valid for), permanent card in person. Out-of-state residents can get a card for $10/yr. Cloud Library, Comics Plus, Kanopy & others. (Catalog | Apply Online)
Riverside Public Library: Get an eCard online (doesn't expire), physical card in person. Libby, Hoopla, & others. (Catalog | Apply Online)
San Bernardino County Library: Get an eCard online, physical card in person. Libby, Comics Plus, & others. (Catalog | Apply Online)
San Diego Public Library: Get an eCard online (temporary, but doesn't say how long it lasts), permanent card in person. Cloud Library, Comics Plus, Kanopy, & others. (Catalog | Apply Online)
San Jose Public Library: Get a temporary eCard online (valid for 1 year), physical card in person. Libby, Hoopla, & much more. (Catalog | Apply Online)
South San Francisco Public Library: Get a temporary card online (valid for 30 days), permanent card in person. Cards (both kinds) expire after 3 years. Libby, Hoopla, & others. (Catalog | Apply Online)
Stanislaus County Library: Get a temporary card online (valid for 30 days, takes 48-72 hours to process), permanent card in person. Libby & others. (Catalog | Apply Online)