Getting a Library Card

~Who May Receive a Card~
All residents of Douglas County may receive a free library card! Your card entitles you to check out library materials at the Central Library, any of our 10 branch libraries and online. Library cards for out-of-county residents are available for a fee.

~How to Obtain a Card~
Application for a library card requires picture ID to show identity and documentation to show residency and current mailing address in Douglas County. If an applicant is under 16 years of age, we require the signature and identification of a parent or guardian. You are financially responsible for all items borrowed on your card, until you report the card as lost or stolen. Report lost or stolen cards to DCLS immediately so staff can block further use of the card. There is a replacement fee for lost, stolen or damaged cards.

~Damaged Materials~
Please examine your materials BEFORE checking out, and make sure that library staff notes any pre-existing damages. If you return an item that is too damaged for others to use, you will be charged the replacement cost of the item plus a processing fee.

~Loan Period~
Library materials may be checked out and returned to any of our eleven outlets. All materials have a 21-day loan period. There is a 50 item limit for total items checked out to any one patron. If there have been no reserves placed on borrowed materials, they may be renewed up to two times. 

• in person
• by phone (contact your local library)
• online (your account)
  
  

~Overdue Fines and Lost Materials~
Library privileges are suspended for patrons who have overdue material and fines are incurred.

• Overdue 1-7 days, 50¢ per item
• Overdue 8-14 days, $1.00 per item (50¢ more)
• Overdue more than 14 days, $2.00 per item ($1.00 more)
The maximum overdue fine per item is $2.00.

A billing notice is sent to patrons for lost materials. This billing will include the price of the material plus a processing fee. If materials are not returned and charges paid, there is a possibility of referral to a collection agency.

Tips to Avoid Overdue Fines

Keep track of due dates. Save the slip you receive at checkout that shows the due dates. Visit your online account anytime to see a list of items checked out to your card, including due dates. Or ask staff in person or by phone.

Sign up for e-mail notices. This courtesy service provides  an advance reminder of upcoming due dates. Sign up at any Douglas County Library System location.

Renew loans before the due date. Most items may be renewed up to two times, if no one has placed a  hold request.

Return items to the most convenient DCLS location, regardless of where you borrowed it.





NEW LIBRARY APPLICANTS’ PHOTO REQUIREMENTS FOR PROOF OF IDENTITY 

1.    DRIVER’S LICENSE OR DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES IDENTIFICATION CARD 

2.     GOVERNMENT IDENTIFICATION

3.     PASSPORT 

4.     SCHOOL PHOTO IDENTIFICATION 
 

NEW LIBRARY APPLICANTS’ REQUIREMENTS FOR PROOF OF RESIDENCE

1. VALID OREGON DRIVER LICENSE OR IDENTIFICATION CARD WITH CURRENT ADDRESS

2. UTILITY STATEMENT IN APPLICANT’S NAME (NOT IN SPOUSE’S NAME)

3. BANK STATEMENT (POSTAL VERIFIED)

4. VOTER REGISTRATION CARD

5. CURRENT PROPERTY TAX STATEMENT OR PROOF OF COUNTY PROPERTY OWNERSHIP

6. STATEMENT FROM POST OFFICE TO VERIFY MAILING ADDRESS OR RECENT POSTAL LABEL WITH FORWARDING ADDRESS

 

Applications by Juveniles and Incapacitated Individuals

 An application shall be signed by the applicant's parent or legal guardian if:

The applicant is under sixteen years of age, or

The applicant is under eighteen years of age, lives with a parent or legal guardian, and does not possess one of the documents listed above or the applicant is subject to a guardianship under ORS Chapter 126.003, and the applicant lacks the capacity to incur the obligations of a cardholder without the approval of the applicant's guardian.