Get a Library Card

You must have a library card to request or borrow materials at the National Library.

Most of our holdings are stored in closed stacks and must be requested in advance. Swedish literature may only be read in the reading rooms.

Library Card Qualifications

You must be 18 or over, have a valid photo ID, and a home address in Sweden to get a library card. If you have a Swedish civil registration number (personnummer), you can register in the National Library's catalog, Regina. You can request materials online immediately after you register.

When you visit the library, you will be required to fill out a Lending Undertaking at the Information and Circulation Desk. If you can show a valid ID, you will be allowed to sign for and pick up your library card. You are then eligible to request materials for reading room loans and circulation loans.

If you do not have a Swedish civil registration number, you can register at the Information and Circulation Desk. You will have to fill out a Lending Undertaking and show a passport or other acceptable form of photo ID. You must give a home address both in Sweden and your country of legal residence. You will then be able to request books for reading in the reading rooms, but may not check out materials from the library.

If you are staying in Sweden for more than three months, you may check out materials if you have a guarantor: someone who has a Swedish civic registration number must vouch for you and accept legal responsibility for the materials you borrow. Talk to a library employee for more information. You may also print out a  personal guarantee form and turn it into the Information and Circulation Desk.