Procedure descriptions
Landesbibliothek - Apply for a user card
In the rooms of the State Library, which are freely accessible, you can use the media and search the catalogues without registering.
You will need a library card if you:
- Borrow books or media to take home or to the reading rooms of the State Library or
- Wish to consult items from the stacks of the state libraries or use their electronic services or
- wish to reserve a workstation or similar.
Responsible authority
- the Badische Landesbibliothek in Karlsruhe for the administrative districts of Karlsruhe and Freiburg or
- the Württemberg State Library in Stuttgart for the administrative districts of Stuttgart and Tübingen
Details
Prerequisite
The prerequisite for registration, i.e. for the first application for a library card, is the presentation of a valid identity card, a valid residence permit or a valid passport in conjunction with a current registration certificate.
Procedure
Initial registrations and renewals of existing library cards can be made online or in person.
The form is available in the state libraries or is available Available on the Internet for downloading.
The library will issue your card immediately if you apply in person.
If you apply online, you must collect it in person and present the original ID documents within a certain period of time.
You can also use the Internet to search for or order media. The libraries are networked with each other. All online catalogues are accessible worldwide.
Deadlines
The following collection deadlines must be observed when applying online:
- Badische Landesbibliothek: within four weeks of online registration
- Württemberg State Library: within six weeks of online registration
If the library card is not collected and the user account is not activated on site, the transmitted data will be deleted. In addition, fees already paid cannot be refunded.
Required documents
- Proof of residence or employment in Baden-Württemberg
- Identity card or passport with confirmation of registration
- Minors: additional declaration of consent from a parent or legal guardian
- Foreign nationals: additional residence permit valid for at least three months. No residence permit is required for citizens of the European Union.
- If you would like to take advantage of benefits: appropriate proof
Costs
- for persons aged 18 and over and legal entities: EUR 30.00 for an annual pass
- for people doing a voluntary social or ecological year, the unemployed and recipients of basic income support: EUR 15.00 for an annual pass
- for people who use the library for less than three months: EUR 8.00
The following are exempt from the user fee
- Pupils, students, trainees who present appropriate proof
- public libraries in Baden-Württemberg that are part of the regional lending programme, and
- Institutions of the state of Baden-Württemberg that use the libraries for official purposes.
Miscellaneous
Even if you do not live or work in Baden-Württemberg, the state libraries can grant you access. The state libraries can impose conditions on this authorisation.
Further information on use can be found on the websites of the state libraries.
Legal basis
Bibliotheksgebührenverordnung (BiblGebVO)
Benutzungsordnung Badische Landesbibliothek
Benutzungsordnung Württembergische Landesbibliothek
Release note
machine generated, based on the German release by: Wissenschaftsministerium Baden-Württemberg, 24.02.2026