library card: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral to informal in everyday contexts; formal when referring to official library policy.
Quick answer
What does “library card” mean?
An identification card issued by a library, granting the holder the right to borrow books and use other library services.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An identification card issued by a library, granting the holder the right to borrow books and use other library services.
A membership or access pass for a library system; can figuratively represent access to knowledge, learning, or public resources. In computing, can refer to an electronic access credential for digital library services.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Term is identical in both dialects. 'Library ticket' is a dated British alternative, now rare. 'Borrower's card' is understood but less common. The concept and institution are universal.
Connotations
Neutral/practical in both. Carries associations of education, public service, and community access.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “library card” in a Sentence
have + library cardneed + library card + to-infinitive (to borrow)show + library card + to + librarianuse + library card + for + purposeVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “library card” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- You must library-card the book at the self-service kiosk. (non-standard, very rare)
American English
- I need to library-card this novel before I leave. (non-standard, very rare)
adjective
British English
- The library-card application form is on the counter. (as compound modifier)
American English
- She forgot her library-card number. (as compound modifier)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not typically used in business contexts, unless referring to corporate library access.
Academic
Common in academic library contexts (university library card).
Everyday
Very common; relates to public library access for leisure, study, or community activities.
Technical
In library science, a specific term for patron identification and circulation systems.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “library card”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “library card”
- Incorrect plural: 'library cards' (correct).
- Spelling confusion: 'libary card' (missing 'r').
- Article use: 'I need library card' (missing 'a').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically, a library card is issued by a specific library system (e.g., a city or county). You may need a separate card or a reciprocal agreement to use other systems.
Requirements vary, but usually proof of identity and proof of address within the library's service area are needed. For minors, a parent or guardian's signature is often required.
In most public library systems in the UK and US, a basic library card is free for residents. There may be fees for replacement cards or for non-resident memberships.
Yes, library cards often have an expiry date (e.g., every 2-3 years) to ensure the holder's contact details are still current. You can usually renew it in person or online.
An identification card issued by a library, granting the holder the right to borrow books and use other library services.
Library card is usually neutral to informal in everyday contexts; formal when referring to official library policy. in register.
Library card: in British English it is pronounced /ˈlaɪ.brər.i kɑːd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈlaɪ.brer.i kɑːrd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: LIBRARY = books, CARD = key. Your library card is the 'key' to unlock the books in the library.
Conceptual Metaphor
ACCESS/KEY metaphor (a library card is a key to knowledge); MEMBERSHIP/TICKET metaphor (it's your ticket to borrow resources).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a library card?