Library Card

1.  Adults and children requesting a library card are required to provide their name, address, phone number, and ID.

2.  A form of picture ID with CURRENT address and name is required. If an individual does not have a picture ID with current address, another document such as a rental agreement or utility bill in conjunction with a photo ID may be accepted at the discretion of the librarian.

3.  There are no age limits on applying for a library card. If a child is under 12 years of age, a parent or guardian must be present at registration and assumes responsibility for all materials charged on the card. Parents or guardians do not have to have a library card themselves. However, if the parent or guardian does have a library card, it must be in good standing before a card will be issued to their child. -The Washington Public Library will not judge or control the circulation of materials to children. Parents must assume the responsibility of supervising their children’s material usage. -The Library Director, as Custodian of Records, or his/her designee is granted the authority, but not the obligation, to provide a parent or guardian access to his/her child’s circulation records if the child is under the age of 12 as outlined in Section C of the Library’s Confidentiality of Records policy.

4. Cards not used within a three year period will no longer be considered valid and may be purged from the system.

6. The owner of the card used to check out materials is responsible for the materials and their return to the library, and will be assessed fines or invoiced for missing books as appropriate.

Temporary Card (Type 12): Temporary cards are available to persons residing temporarily in the WPL service area (i.e. Washington County and contracting cities). Temporary card-holders are limited to checking out two (2) items at a time and Bridges e-resources access is allowed. The user’s permanent address must be verified through photo ID and the temporary address verified in an acceptable manner. Library card applicants residing temporarily at an established shelter location must present a letter from the shelter.

Youth Card (Type 5): Youth residing in the WPL service area may register for a library card with limited borrowing privileges without a parent present. While there is not an age limit for eligibility for this card, youth must be able to provide their birthday, address and must provide information that verifies their address. Fines will not accrue for these cards and parents will not be held responsible for items borrowed. Borrowing is limited to two (2) items at a time and use of the Bridge e-consortium is allowed. A photo ID with proof of address (as outlined in #3 above) is required. Youth card-holders must pay for any lost or damaged material to continue using the card.  

NOTE:  For full borrowing privileges, a minor under the age of 18 must have a parent present to register for a library card.  If the parent currently has a valid library card additional proof of address is not required.   As outlined in Iowa Code 613.16, parents are legally responsible for items checked out by their minor child.

RENEWALS:

Resident, Open Access and Youth cards are issued for a term of two (2) years and may be renewed for successive periods upon confirmation of current address and other information as required by the library.  Temporary cards are issued for a term of two (2) months and can be extended with verification of continued residency. The Library reserves the right to verify identity and confirm customer information at any time.