Library users must present a valid library card to check items out. All residents of Putnam County are eligible to register for a library card free of charge from the PCLS. Your library card will work at all five PCLS library locations. To qualify for a free card, you must live in Putnam County or one of the counties with which we have an agreement. We have reciporical borrowing relationships with most counties that share a border with us. The signature of a legal guardian is required on a child’s application (you are responsible for all charges associated with the use of their card) but otherwise there is no minimum age requirement.

To register for a library card, the applicant must show proof of address. If your photo ID does not have your correct mailing address on it, we will need another piece of identification. These include: a voter’s registration card, vehicle
registration, the address section of a utility bill (last three months), or an imprinted check. Visitors who are here for a limited time may get a card by paying our $30 (annual) non-resident fee.

New library users are permitted limited materials at the time of registration (ONLY 2 items within the first 24 hours of being a member.) but will not have access to ILL materials during the first visit. Parents are required to sign a statement of responsibility for children under the age of 14.

Library cards expire every year but can be renewed at no cost. Library cards that are not used in four years may be deleted from the system unless there is a fine on the account. Lost library cards can be replaced for a $3.00 fee.

By signing up for a library card, patrons accept the responsibility of the Patron Code of Conduct and Internet Access Policy, as well as responsibility for any items checked out. For more information, download our New Patron Brochure.