Get a Library Card
The Georgetown Peabody Library is a member of the Merrimack Valley Library Consortium (MVLC), which is made up of 36 libraries in Massachusetts’ Merrimack Valley. Any card-holding patron at any MVLC member library can check out materials from any other MVLC member library.
How to get a physical GPL library card:
If you are a resident of Georgetown and would like to register for a physical library card, follow these steps:
- Stop by the Circulation Desk during regular operating hours.
- Bring photo ID showing (1) your name and (2) proof of residence.
- If your ID does NOT display your current address, a piece of mail, utility bill, lease, or another document with your address on it will be needed for proof of address.
- Complete a short library card application at the desk.
Children under 14 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian when applying for a library card. Children age 14 and over are required to present proper identification (i.e. school ID) or be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian with acceptable identification.
Note that library cards expire every three years. You do not need to get a new library card if you receive notification that your card is expiring. Please come to the library or call the Circulation Desk at 978-352-5728 ext. 1 to renew your card. Patron information is verified and updated as needed to renew.
How to get a physical MVLC card:
If you are not a resident of Georgetown, but you are a resident of another MVLC area town (i.e. Boxford, Groveland, Haverhill, etc.), you may sign up for a physical MVLC library card at Georgetown! Please note that Georgetown-specific materials, such as the Garden Tools in our Library of Things, may only be checked out by Georgetown residents, regardless of where you sign up for a card.
Follow the same steps as written above regarding Georgetown library cards. Note that we will still need to see photo ID even if you are not a Georgetown resident seeking a Georgetown card.
How to get an eCard:
Complete the online eCard application here.
You are eligible to apply for an MVLC library eCard if you are a resident of Massachusetts, and do not currently have a library card from an MVLC member library.
An eCard is a Merrimack Valley Library Consortium (MVLC) library card that allows you immediate access to electronic resources, such as e-books, e-audiobooks, e-magazines, streaming music and video, and databases.
As of May 2024, the MVLC eCard now allows the same privileges to physical library materials and museum passes as a physical card would. To use your eCard in person at GPL, you may do any of the following:
- Show us your library card barcode in your MVLC app.
- Recite your library card number to us, if you know it. We will double check the information on your profile to ensure we have the correct patron profile.
- Tell us your name verbally, or show us your photo ID. We will look you up in our system and double check the information on your profile to ensure we have the correct patron profile.
If you would like to convert your MVLC eCard to a physical card, or if you are a Georgetown resident who received a physical MVLC card at another library and would prefer a Georgetown-branded physical card instead, please stop by the Circulation Desk so we may process this request for you.
Please note that fulfilling this request will assign you a new library card number, so if you have your information saved in any database, you will need to update the information accordingly.
If you are unsure of your library card number and/or PIN, please contact the Circulation Desk at 978-352-5728, ext. 1 to speak with a staff member about gaining access.