Library cards

 

Materials and programs are available to everyone, but if you want to check something out (books, audiobooks, video games, music, DVDs, toys, games, iPads, wireless mobile hotspots...), access eLibrary resources, reserve a studio or a study room, or register for an event, you’ll need a library card!

Library cards are free for Monroe County residents of all ages. Here’s how to get one:

 

Verification

Monroe County residents age 18 and up
  • Government-issued photo ID that includes current Monroe County address (e.g., current Driver's License or Indiana State ID)

–OR–

  • Photo ID —AND— a document establishing current address
Monroe County residents age 17 and under
  • Verify name and address, in person

-OR-

  • Successfully log in to their MCCSC Skyward or RBB Harmony online student portal account, in person, to verify name and address

-OR-

  • Be accompanied, in person, by a legal guardian with acceptable ID, or if the legal guardian already has an active MCPL Library Card

 

Youth Starter Card

To apply for a Youth Starter Card, the patron must provide:

  • Their Monroe County address
  • Their full name and birth date
  • Contact information for receiving notifications

A Youth Starter Card allows for borrowing one item at a time while the account remains in good standing. A previously borrowed item must be returned before another item may be checked out. A Youth Starter Card may be upgraded upon meeting the identification requirements for a regular library card.

Ivy Tech-Bloomington and Indiana University-Bloomington Students

Students attending Ivy Tech-Bloomington or IU-Bloomington are eligible for a free library card as long as they can provide address verification that they currently reside in Monroe County (own or rent, or reside in a dorm), and verify their name with accepted name verification documents.

  • A Bursar's statement showing an on-campus housing charge or a Monroe County local address is acceptable as proof of address; Bursar's statements are accessible online through One.IU.
     
  • Students attending Ivy Tech-Bloomington or IU-Bloomington who reside outside of the county, such as in a neighboring county, will need to purchase a non-resident card.

 

Accepted Verification Documents

Name Verification

If the ID shows a current Monroe County address, no separate address verification is required.

Must include photo:

  • Driver’s license or learner’s permit
  • State ID
  • Consular ID
  • Mexican voter’s card
  • Military ID
  • Passport or passport card
  • School or student ID (must include name)
  • Yearbook photo with name (current or immediate past year)

Does not require photo:

  • Birth certificate
  • Social security card
  • K–12 school report card
Address Verification

PDF versions and online statements can be accepted.
Must be postmarked or issued within the last 90 days.

  • Bank Statement
  • Bill (credit card, phone, utility, etc.)
  • Bursar’s statement showing campus address
  • Car registration
  • Insurance card
  • Letter from State Attorney General stating patron is a client of Indiana Address Confidentiality Program
  • Log in to student portal to verify
    • MCCSC Skyward account
    • RBB Harmony account
  • Personal mail
  • Pre-printed check
  • Property tax statement or receipt
  • Signed lease agreement
  • Signed statement, on agency letterhead, by a recognized Monroe County institution or social service agency

 

A library card is not required to visit the Library, search the catalog, or use our public computers. For more information about library card requirements, please contact Library staff.

 

Non-Resident Cards

Public Library Access Cards (PLAC)

Indiana residents who hold a valid borrower's card at the public library of their residence may purchase an annual PLAC card. As a statewide public library borrowing card, a PLAC allows for in-person borrowing of items from any public library in Indiana.

The current annual fee for PLACs, determined by Indiana State Library, is $65.

Items borrowed on a PLAC must be returned to the library from which they were borrowed. PLAC borrowers are subject to the lending policies of the libraries from which they borrow, and assume responsibility for all borrowed materials and any related charges.

Per Indiana State Library, PLACs are issued to individuals; no family PLAC cards are issued.

See Indiana State Library's PLAC information.

Subscription Cards

Those who are not Monroe County residents and do not qualify for a PLAC may purchase an annual subscription card for borrowing only at the Monroe County Public Library. Currently, the annual fee for subscription cards is $65. Contact the Library to apply.

Educator Card for Out-of-County Residents

Educators employed at any preschool or K-12 school within Monroe County are eligible for a library card for the duration of their employment. 

Educator cards are issued for the benefit of Monroe County students, and may be used to check out items for educational use only. All regular library card policies apply to Educator cards. See other options on this page for personal borrowing.

In addition to name and address verification, educators must verify employment for the current school year with one of the following:

  • School or childcare ID badge
  • Copy of a contract confirming employment
  • Letter on school or childcare facility letterhead from the school administrator or childcare director
  • Paycheck statement (paper or online)

Employment eligibility must be confirmed each year for renewal.