How to get a library card: what to say at the library desk
You want a library card, so you go to the library desk. A librarian helps you. This is what to say, in simple English. Say hello and say what you want. Show your photo ID and a letter or a bill with your address. Fill out the short form with your name and email. Hear how many books you can borrow and when they are due back.
Ask one last question, then say thank you. If your card stops working, you can also practice how to fix the problem and renew it. Listen to each line, then practice with Mr. Kim in the game. Every library has its own rules, so check your library's website before you go.
Useful phrases
Hello, I would like to get a library card, please.
Say hello, then say what you want: "I would like to get a library card, please." A library card lets you borrow books.
Yes, here is my driver's license.
A photo ID has your picture and your name on it, like a driver's license or a passport. Say "here is my" and show it.
Yes, I have a letter from my bank with my address on it.
The library needs to know where you live. A letter or a bill with your name and address on it works. Say what it is, and who sent it.
Yes, I will fill out the form now.
"Fill out" means write your answers on a form. Say "Yes, I will fill out the form now" and write your name and email.
Great, ten books at one time is plenty for me.
"Borrow" means take a book home for a short time, then bring it back. Show that you are happy: "Great, ten books at one time is plenty for me."
I understand, three weeks is a good time for me.
"Due back" is the last day you can keep the book. Say that you understand: "I understand, three weeks is a good time for me."
Yes, can I use my card today?
Ask your question with "can I": "Can I use my card today?" Start with "Yes" so the librarian knows that you have one more thing to ask.
Thank you very much for your help.
End with a clear thank you: "Thank you very much for your help." It is polite and short.
Hello, I would like to check out these three books, please.
"Check out" means borrow a book from the library. Say hello, then say what you want: "I would like to check out these three books, please."
Yes, here is my card, and I got it last week.
Answer the question first, then add one useful fact: "Yes, here is my card, and I got it last week."
That is very helpful, because I read slowly.
"Renew" means keep a book for more time. Say that the help is useful and give a short reason: "That is very helpful, because I read slowly."
I understand, and I will set a reminder on my phone.
"Late" means after the due date. Show that you understand and say what you will do: "I will set a reminder on my phone."
Good to know, because I need to write an email for work.
A library computer is free for a short time. Say what you need it for: "I need to write an email for work."
That is fine, I only need to print two pages.
Say that the price is fine and say how much you need: "I only need to print two pages."
Yes, can I put a book on hold if it is not on the shelf?
"On hold" means the library keeps the book for you when it comes back. Ask with "can I": "Can I put a book on hold if it is not on the shelf?"
Thank you so much for all your help.
End with a warm thank you: "Thank you so much for all your help." It is polite and clear.
Hello, my library card did not work at the computer yesterday.
Say hello, then say what the problem is and when it happened: "My library card did not work at the computer yesterday."
Here is my card, and I also brought my photo ID.
Hand over the card and offer a little more: "Here is my card, and I also brought my photo ID." The librarian needs to know that the card is yours.
I did not know that, so I am glad you found the problem.
"Expired" means the card is not good anymore because the date has passed. Stay friendly and say what you feel: "I am glad you found the problem."
Yes, I moved in May, and I brought a bill with my new address.
Say what changed and show your proof: "I moved in May, and I brought a bill with my new address." The library needs your new address to keep your card.
That is fair, and I would like to pay it now.
A "late fee" is money you pay when you bring a book back after the due date. Accept it politely and say what you want to do: "I would like to pay it now."
A copy would be great, in case I have a problem again.
Say yes and give a reason: "A copy would be great, in case I have a problem again." Your account shows your card, your books and your fees.
One more thing: could you tell me how to renew my card next year?
Ask with "could you tell me": "One more thing: could you tell me how to renew my card next year?" This is a polite way to ask for information.
Thank you, I will renew it online next year.
End with thanks and say what you will do: "I will renew it online next year." Write the date in your phone, so you do not forget.
Level 1 (A2): Get a library card
8 lines in the order you hear them. Each game picks 5 of them, so every game is a little different.
“Welcome to the library, and how can I help you today?”
Good answer: “Hello, I would like to get a library card, please.”
Why: Say hello, then say what you want: "I would like to get a library card, please." A library card lets you borrow books.
Avoid: “I want to take books home now. Give me a card quickly.” (too rude) · “I need some help with something.” (too vague)
“May I see your photo ID, please?”
Good answer: “Yes, here is my driver's license.”
Why: A photo ID has your picture and your name on it, like a driver's license or a passport. Say "here is my" and show it.
Avoid: “Why do you need to see my ID? That is private.” (too rude) · “I think I have something in my bag, maybe.” (too vague)
“Do you have a letter or a bill with your address on it?”
Good answer: “Yes, I have a letter from my bank with my address on it.”
Why: The library needs to know where you live. A letter or a bill with your name and address on it works. Say what it is, and who sent it.
Avoid: “Yes, I have some papers with me, and I think one of them is from my bank.” (too vague) · “Yes, I have a letter.” (needs more detail)
“I need your name and email, so please fill out this short form.”
Good answer: “Yes, I will fill out the form now.”
Why: "Fill out" means write your answers on a form. Say "Yes, I will fill out the form now" and write your name and email.
Avoid: “Why is there a form? That is too much work.” (too rude) · “Maybe later, I am not sure.” (too vague)
“The card is free, and you can borrow ten books at one time.”
Good answer: “Great, ten books at one time is plenty for me.”
Why: "Borrow" means take a book home for a short time, then bring it back. Show that you are happy: "Great, ten books at one time is plenty for me."
Avoid: “Only ten books? That is not very many.” (too negative) · “Cool, ten is okay, I guess, whatever.” (too casual)
“Books are due back in three weeks, so please bring them back on time.”
Good answer: “I understand, three weeks is a good time for me.”
Why: "Due back" is the last day you can keep the book. Say that you understand: "I understand, three weeks is a good time for me."
Avoid: “Three weeks is too short. Why can I not keep them longer?” (too rude) · “Maybe, I do not know yet.” (too vague)
“Is there anything else I can help you with?”
Good answer: “Yes, can I use my card today?”
Why: Ask your question with "can I": "Can I use my card today?" Start with "Yes" so the librarian knows that you have one more thing to ask.
Avoid: “No.” (too short) · “No, this took too long.” (too negative)
“Your card is ready, and you can use it today.”
Good answer: “Thank you very much for your help.”
Why: End with a clear thank you: "Thank you very much for your help." It is polite and short.
Avoid: “Finally! This took a very long time to finish.” (too rude) · “Cool, thanks. Maybe see you around, I guess.” (too casual)
Level 2 (B1): Borrow books and use the computers
8 lines in the order you hear them. Each game picks 5 of them, so every game is a little different.
“Hello, how can I help you today?”
Good answer: “Hello, I would like to check out these three books, please.”
Why: "Check out" means borrow a book from the library. Say hello, then say what you want: "I would like to check out these three books, please."
Avoid: “I need these books now, so please be quick about it, because I am busy.” (too rude) · “I want to do something with these books.” (too vague)
“Do you have your library card with you?”
Good answer: “Yes, here is my card, and I got it last week.”
Why: Answer the question first, then add one useful fact: "Yes, here is my card, and I got it last week."
Avoid: “No, I forgot it at home, and that is not my fault.” (too negative) · “Yes, I have a card.” (needs more detail)
“These books are due back in three weeks, and you can renew them online.”
Good answer: “That is very helpful, because I read slowly.”
Why: "Renew" means keep a book for more time. Say that the help is useful and give a short reason: "That is very helpful, because I read slowly."
Avoid: “Three weeks is not enough for me, so I will keep them longer.” (too rude) · “Maybe, I will think about it later when I have more time to read.” (too vague)
“A late book costs ten cents for each day, so please bring it back on time.”
Good answer: “I understand, and I will set a reminder on my phone.”
Why: "Late" means after the due date. Show that you understand and say what you will do: "I will set a reminder on my phone."
Avoid: “Ten cents a day is too much, and that is not fair.” (too negative) · “OK.” (too short)
“The computers are free for one hour, and you can sign in with your card.”
Good answer: “Good to know, because I need to write an email for work.”
Why: A library computer is free for a short time. Say what you need it for: "I need to write an email for work."
Avoid: “I might use one later today, but I am not sure about that.” (too vague) · “Cool, I will check it out, whatever.” (too casual)
“You can print pages for ten cents each, and you pay at the desk.”
Good answer: “That is fine, I only need to print two pages.”
Why: Say that the price is fine and say how much you need: "I only need to print two pages."
Avoid: “Ten cents each? That is a lot for one piece of paper.” (too rude) · “I will see if I need to print anything at all.” (too vague)
“Do you need help with anything else today?”
Good answer: “Yes, can I put a book on hold if it is not on the shelf?”
Why: "On hold" means the library keeps the book for you when it comes back. Ask with "can I": "Can I put a book on hold if it is not on the shelf?"
Avoid: “No.” (too short) · “No, I think that is all, and thank you for asking.” (does not ask your question)
“At this library, you can put a book on hold at the desk. We will send you an email when it is ready.”
Good answer: “Thank you so much for all your help.”
Why: End with a warm thank you: "Thank you so much for all your help." It is polite and clear.
Avoid: “About time, this was a lot of talking for a few books.” (too rude) · “Cool, thanks, see you around, I guess.” (too casual)
Level 3 (B2): Fix a problem with your card
8 lines in the order you hear them. Each game picks 5 of them, so every game is a little different.
“Good afternoon, how can I help you today?”
Good answer: “Hello, my library card did not work at the computer yesterday.”
Why: Say hello, then say what the problem is and when it happened: "My library card did not work at the computer yesterday."
Avoid: “My card is broken, and I want a new one right now.” (too rude) · “Hello, I have a problem with my card, and I need some help with it today.” (too vague)
“May I see your card, and a photo ID if you have one with you?”
Good answer: “Here is my card, and I also brought my photo ID.”
Why: Hand over the card and offer a little more: "Here is my card, and I also brought my photo ID." The librarian needs to know that the card is yours.
Avoid: “I do not have my ID with me, and it should not matter.” (too negative) · “Here is my card.” (needs more detail)
“I see the problem. Your card expired last month, and each card needs to be renewed once a year.”
Good answer: “I did not know that, so I am glad you found the problem.”
Why: "Expired" means the card is not good anymore because the date has passed. Stay friendly and say what you feel: "I am glad you found the problem."
Avoid: “Nobody told me that, and a card should not just stop working like that.” (too rude) · “Oh, I see, but I do not understand what that means for me.” (too vague)
“Has your address changed since you got the card? If it has, I need a bill or a letter with the new one.”
Good answer: “Yes, I moved in May, and I brought a bill with my new address.”
Why: Say what changed and show your proof: "I moved in May, and I brought a bill with my new address." The library needs your new address to keep your card.
Avoid: “Yes, I moved, and nobody told me that I need a bill for it.” (too negative) · “Yes, my address is new.” (needs more detail)
“Your card works again now, and it is good for one more year. I also see a late fee of two dollars for one book.”
Good answer: “That is fair, and I would like to pay it now.”
Why: A "late fee" is money you pay when you bring a book back after the due date. Accept it politely and say what you want to do: "I would like to pay it now."
Avoid: “Two dollars for one late book is too much, and I did not know.” (too negative) · “Fine, take the money, I guess.” (too casual)
“I can print a paper copy of your account for you. Would you like one?”
Good answer: “A copy would be great, in case I have a problem again.”
Why: Say yes and give a reason: "A copy would be great, in case I have a problem again." Your account shows your card, your books and your fees.
Avoid: “It does not matter to me, so you can decide for both of us.” (too vague) · “I do not need any paper, because I will not come back here again.” (too rude)
“Is there anything else I can help you with?”
Good answer: “One more thing: could you tell me how to renew my card next year?”
Why: Ask with "could you tell me": "One more thing: could you tell me how to renew my card next year?" This is a polite way to ask for information.
Avoid: “No.” (too short) · “No, that is all for today.” (does not ask your question)
“You can renew it online with your card number, or you can come to the desk. It takes about five minutes.”
Good answer: “Thank you, I will renew it online next year.”
Why: End with thanks and say what you will do: "I will renew it online next year." Write the date in your phone, so you do not forget.
Avoid: “Online? That sounds like a lot of work for a library card.” (too rude) · “Cool, I will try it online, see you around, I guess.” (too casual)
Questions and answers
How do you get a library card?
Go to your local public library with a photo ID and something with your address on it, like a bill or a letter. The librarian gives you a short form, and you write your name and email. In most US libraries the card is free. This game teaches the words for the library desk with Mr. Kim: say what you want, show your papers, fill out the form, and hear when the books are due.
What do you say when you want a library card?
Say hello, then say what you want: "Hello, I would like to get a library card, please." Then answer short questions. Show your ID and say: "Yes, here is my driver's license."
What do I need to get a library card?
Most libraries ask for a photo ID and proof of your address, like a letter or a bill with your name and address on it. Some libraries also take a passport or a student card. Check your library's website before you go.
Is a library card free?
In most US cities a library card is free if you live, work or go to school in the area. Some libraries ask for a small fee if you live outside their area. Ask the librarian: "Is the card free?"
How many books can I borrow with a library card?
It is different in each library. Many libraries let you borrow about ten books at one time. In the game, Mr. Kim says: "The card is free, and you can borrow ten books at one time."
What does "due back" mean?
"Due back" is the last day you can keep a book. In the game Mr. Kim says: "Your books are due back in three weeks, so please bring them back on time." You can say: "I understand, three weeks is a good time for me."
What does "borrow" mean?
To borrow means to take a book home for a short time and then bring it back. You do not pay for the book. The word for the person who gives it to you for a short time is "lend".
Can I get a library card online?
Many libraries let you start a card on their website. Some give you a digital card at once and a plastic card later, when you show your ID at the desk. Look for "get a library card" on your library's website.
What does "fill out a form" mean?
To fill out a form means to write your answers on a paper or on a screen: your name, your address, your phone number and your email. In the game you say: "Yes, I will fill out the form now."
What can I ask the librarian after I get my card?
Ask about the things you want to do: "Can I use my card today?" You can also ask where the books are, how to find a book, or how to use the computers.
How do I check out a book at the library?
Take the books to the desk and show your library card. Say: "Hello, I would like to check out these three books, please." The librarian scans your card and the books, and tells you the due date.
Can I use a computer at the library?
Yes. Most libraries have free computers. You sign in with your library card, and you can use one for about an hour. In the game Mr. Kim says: "The computers are free for one hour, and you can sign in with your card." Ask at the desk if you need help.
What does "on hold" mean at the library?
"On hold" means the library keeps a book for you when it comes back or when it comes from another library. You can ask: "Can I put a book on hold if it is not on the shelf?" The library sends you an email when the book is ready.
What do I do if my library card does not work?
Take the card to the library desk, with a photo ID if you have one. The card may be expired, or the library may need your new address. In the game you say: "Hello, my library card did not work at the computer yesterday." The librarian checks your account and can renew the card.
How do I renew my library card?
Most libraries ask you to renew the card once a year, at the desk or on their website. Bring a photo ID, and a bill or a letter if your address has changed. In the game Mr. Kim says: "You can renew it online with your card number, or you can come to the desk."
What is a late fee at the library?
A late fee is money you pay when you bring a book back after the due date. Some libraries do not charge it anymore. If you have one, say: "That is fair, and I would like to pay it now."
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Play Say It Right: all 26 real-life situations.
This game teaches English words and phrases for the library desk. Every library has its own rules about papers, fees and how many books you can borrow, so check your library's website before you go. Official information: Institute of Museum and Library Services.