Borrowers Guide

Library Cards and Lending Policies

Library cards are provided to persons residing in Pennington County or to those who pay taxes on property or own a business within the county. A current tax receipt or proof of business address or ownership must be presented to receive a resident card.

Persons residing outside the county, who do not meet the above criteria, can get a card by paying a non-resident fee of $70.00 per year per user.

To register for a library card, an applicant must have verification of his or her current residential address.  A picture I.D. with current address is required, if your picture ID does not have a current address you also need one of the following:

Youth,  ages 5-15, are issued a card with the signature of an accompanying responsible party, 18 or older.

Applicants can apply for a library card in person at the library or by using the Borrower Card Online Registration Form. Applicants who need immediate access to online services may apply through the Ask A Librarian chat service or by telephone (394-6139 ext 500) during the library’s open hours. (After hours registrations cannot be processed.) Remote registered card holders, those who apply by chat or phone, must update their account within two weeks of issue by providing the library card and ID in person at one of the library’s service desks.

To borrow books or other library materials, present your library card to the circulation staff or the self-checkout system.  You will need your card to place Holds and to request materials from other libraries.   You may also use your card to view information concerning materials you have checked out or on reserve, fines, or overdues  by using any of the public access computers.  Please ask the staff for assistance if you need it.  We encourage all patrons to view their records periodically by using this service.

The Library also provides online services for patrons who have access to the Internet.  Online services include patron account information, Interlibrary Loan requests, catalog searches and magazine article searches. Your library card and password are required to access these services.

Your library card is good indefinitely provided you use it, are in good standing and  continue to update your record.  We update cards periodically to verify address, phone number and any other pertinent information.  If for any reason your record does not appear in our file, you will need to reactivate your card by filling out an application.

What if I forget to bring my card?

You may use many of the Library's services without a card; however, you must  bring your library card with you each time you want to check out materials.

Interlibrary loans and holds can only be checked out to the person that requested the service. If you forget your card, someone else will not be able to check out interlibrary loans or holds for you.

Can someone else use my card?

The person to whom the card is issued is responsible for all  items checked out on that card.  For that reason,  we strongly urge you to be very careful where you keep your card, not to loan it to  anyone, and to report it lost or stolen as soon as possible.  You are responsible for all items  checked out on your card until the Library is informed it has been lost.

Can library items be placed on hold?

You may reserve (place on HOLD) any library materials (except magazines), either online or by phone (394-4171).

Courtesy notices for holds, overdues and fines may be sent to you by e-mail or mail. Please let the Circulation Staff know your preference by calling 394-4171 extension 210.

You can use our drive-up windows to pick up holds and pay fines. Be sure to have your library card ready when you pull up to the West side of the building.