A Carson City Library card may be obtained at the Information Desk by completing the Carson City Library Card Application and presenting a valid Nevada picture ID. An out-of-state ID may be used; however, it must be accompanied by proof of residence in Nevada. Examples of proof of residence include mail addressed to the applicant, a rental receipt, or a utility bill.

The Carson City Library belongs to a consortium of libraries called the Nevada Library Cooperative. The Nevada Library Cooperative shares a library catalog and member database. A card issued by the Carson City Library will automatically be accepted at other Nevada Library Cooperative libraries. Due to a state-wide reciprocal borrowing agreement, a Carson City Library card also will be honored at public libraries across Nevada.