library card

Meaning

A library card is a small plastic or paper card issued by a library. It identifies you as a member and allows you to borrow books, digital media, and other resources. You usually need to show it or scan it at the front desk when checking out items.

Examples

• You need to show your library card if you want to borrow these books.

  You need to show your library card if you want to borrow these books.

• I lost my library card, so I had to pay two dollars for a replacement.

  I lost my library card, so I had to pay two dollars for a replacement.

• Can I sign up for a library card online, or do I have to come in person?

  Can I sign up for a library card online, or do I have to come in person?

• The librarian scanned my library card and handed me my receipt.

  The librarian scanned my library card and handed me my receipt.

• My kids love going to the public library now that they have their own library cards.

  My kids love going to the public library now that they have their own library cards.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I need to renew my book card to borrow this novel.

  ✓ I need to renew my library card to borrow this novel.

  Even though you use it to borrow books, the correct term is always 'library card,' not 'book card.'

• ✗ She showed her card of library to the receptionist.

  ✓ She showed her library card to the librarian.

  In English, we use 'library' as a noun adjunct before 'card' instead of using a prepositional phrase like 'card of library.'

Related Expressions

Practice

• If you don't bring your ___, you can't check out any books today.

  💡 The membership card for the library.

  Show answer

  library card

• I filled out a form at the front desk to get my very first ___.

  💡 The small card that lets you borrow items.

  Show answer

  library card