Library Card

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Sign up for a library card today!

With a free library card, you can...

  • Stream and download eBooks, audiobooks, digital magazines, and more.
    • Only residents of Harlan, rural Shelby County, and residents of contracting cities (Defiance, Earling, Kirkman, Panama, Portsmouth, Shelby, Tennant, & Westphalia) are eligible to access the library’s digital collection available through Bridges/Libby and Hoopla.
  • Browse and borrow books, DVDs, and CDs inside of our library building. In addition, our Library of Things allows you to borrow tech equipment, recreational equipment, and more.
  • Access the Librista app to get the most out of your library card account!

Getting Started

Residents of Harlan, rural Shelby County, and contracting cities are eligible for a free library card account.

Residents of the state of Iowa are eligible to register for a library card account through the State Library’s Open Access System. Residents in cities not participating in Open Access can apply for a non-resident card.

A valid photo ID and proof of address are required to sign up for a library card account. Acceptable forms of identification and proof of address include:

  • Photo ID
    • Valid driver’s license
    • State issued ID
    • School ID
    • Passport
  • Proof of Address
    • Valid driver’s license
    • Recent utility bill (last 30 days)
    • Current rental lease
    • Car registration
    • Mail received at the current address within the last 30 days.

The cardholder agrees to pay all fines, abide by the policies of the library, and promptly report loss or theft of the card and any change of name or address.

Adult Library Card Application Requirements:

  • Borrowers must apply for library cards in person.
  • Must provide proof of current name, address, and a photo ID.
  • Library cards are valid for one (1) year and can be renewed by showing a valid ID either in person or electronically.
  • There is a $1 fee to replace a lost card.
  • The cardholder is responsible for all materials borrowed on their card.

Youth Library Card Application Requirements:

  • Parents cannot sign up children for a library card unless the child is present.
  • Those 14 and younger are required to have a guardian present when signing up for a library card and their guardian must have a current library card in good standing.
  • Parents/guardians are financially responsible for the items checked out on their minor child’s library account.
  • Parents/guardians are responsible for guiding the selection of library materials by their children.

 

View all Circulation Policies.