Thanks so much for the help everyone.
desertgrandma: That's a great link, I'll definitely try the libraries that say you can apply by mail. I've added a section on New Mexico.
KarenH: Ah, that's the ticket! I had searched for "buy library card" but that only got me links to extraordinarily expensive factual libraries I could use in person. Isn't it funny how sometimes you need just the right words to unlock the data you want.
Linda!: I will check them out.
- Joel C.