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Library Card FAQ

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About Library Cards Holds
Library Card Application
Printable Version
Loan Periods
Update your Phone Number or E-Mail Address PIN
Fines
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E-cards
(for online use only)

Item Limits
Online e-Card Registration Form Interlibrary Loan
e-Card FAQ

Library Card Application - Printable Version

Print and complete an application; then bring it to any branch of the Palm Beach County Library System with proof of your current address to receive a library card with full borrowing privileges.

Online e-Card Registration Form

Fill out the form... Get instant access to electronic resources! (note that this card is not for borrowing items at a branch but only for online database access.)
Click here.


Update your Phone Number or E-Mail Address

Keep in touch... Let us know if you have a new phone number or e-mail address. Click here.


How do I get a library card?

Library cards are free to all residents in the Palm Beach County Library District, and are valid for a period of 2 years before needing updating.

The Palm Beach County Library District is a special taxing district that provides library services to unincorporated areas of the County and residents in the following municipalities: Atlantis, Belle Glade, Briny Breezes, Cloud Lake, Glen Ridge, Greenacres, Haverhill, Hypoluxo, Juno Beach, Jupiter, Jupiter Inlet Colony, Lake Clarke Shores, Loxahatchee Groves, Mangonia Park, Ocean Ridge, Pahokee, Palm Beach Gardens, Palm Beach Shores, Royal Palm Beach, South Bay, South Palm Beach, Tequesta, and Wellington.

Residents that reside in one of the cities that fall into the Library Cooperative also receive free cards. The Library Cooperative of the Palm Beaches includes: The Palm Beach County Library System, Boynton Beach City Library, Delray Beach Public Library, Lake Park Public Library, Lake Worth Public Library, Lantana Public Library, North Palm Beach Library, Palm Springs Public Library, Riviera Beach Public Library, and West Palm Beach Public Library. There is a reciprocal borrowing agreement to patrons amongst these locations.

In short, if you live in unincorporated Palm Beach County or one of the cities listed above in either section, you are eligible for a free card.

Cards are issued at all locations in the System upon verification of address. Children under 16 can get a card with a parent's or guardian's identification and signature. All children, from birth through 12th grade, living in Palm Beach County, are eligible for free juvenile library cards. Your card may be used at any branch in the Palm Beach County Library System. When your card expires, we will re-verify your address and renew your card. There is no cost to replace lost, damaged or stolen cards.

You may allow other people to use your library card. However, you are responsible for any items checked out on that card. Be sure to report lost cards immediately.

Non-residents may obtain a card for an annual fee of $30. A six month period is also available for $15.


How long do I get to keep library material?

The loan period for library materials varies according to the item and the demand. All materials may be returned to any branch in the library system.

  • Videocassettes and DVDs - 7 days

  • New Books & Best Sellers - 14 days

  • Music CD's - 14 days

  • Audio Books (6 or fewer Tapes or CDs) - 14 days

  • Audio Books (7 or more Tapes or CDs) - 28 Days

  • All other books including children's books can be checked out for 28 days.

Get a longer loan period in the summer: The Summer Loan Period is available between the dates of May 1 and September 30. The following types of books may, upon request, be checked out for an extended 8-week loan period:

  • Juvenile - fiction, nonfiction, and paperbacks

  • Young Adult - fiction, nonfiction, and paperbacks

  • Adult - fiction, nonfiction, paperbacks, and older large print, excluding popular books as defined above


How do I place an item on hold?

If the book, video or DVD you would like is at another branch location it can be delivered to the branch of your choice via our courier service. Holds may be placed through the web site. Holds may also be placed in person or over the phone.


How do I place an Interlibrary Loan?

If a book is not in our collection, we'll be happy to try to obtain it for you through an interlibrary loan.


How do I renew my materials?

Materials may be renewed, up to three (3) times, if no one is waiting for the material.

Renewals may be requested by visiting any branch of the library system or through the Check My Account section of this web site. To learn how, check out How to Renew Books.


What is a PIN?

Your Personal Identification Number (PIN) provides access to your borrowing information on our web site. A PIN is assigned to you when you receive your library card. If you do not know your PIN, we suggest you try the last four digits of your home phone number. A PIN may be changed in any library by talking to a staff member at the check-out desk or online in the "My Account" section of our Web Catalog.

In the Check My Account section, enter your library card number without any spaces (i.e.. D012345678).


How many items may I borrow?

Library patrons may borrow up to 50 cataloged items at a time.

Juvenile patrons may not borrow videos or DVDs from the adult AV Section of the collection but may borrow videos or DVDs from the juvenile AV section.


What happens if I return my materials late?

Library patrons are encouraged to return library materials on time. Late materials are subject to fines of 10 cents per day. Library fines stop accumulating when the materials are returned or when the maximum fine limit is reached which is $5.00 per item.

Patrons are responsible for returning materials in good condition. Fines may also be charged for materials which are lost, damaged, or never returned.


Related Pages: Search the Web Catalog - Renew Books Online - Catalog Search Help

Palm Beach County Library System Sitemap

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