How to Get a Library Card

Where do I go to sign up for my card online?

Click here to register for your library card on our online catalog. Make sure to come into the library building after you sign up online to finish your registration and pick up your physical card – if you just sign up online, your card will not be active until you come in and finish up with a librarian.

Who may have a library card?

If you live or own property located in the Library’s service areas (listed below) you are eligible for a free card from the Indian River Area Library. While our cards are meant for individual use, you can have up to four members of a household on one card. Our limit is ten items on one card at any given time.

• Tuscarora Township
• Walker Township
• Ellis Township
• Burt Township
• Koehler Township

To verify your address is within our service area, click here and enter your street address in the search box for “Search By Your Address”.

If you work at a business in Tuscarora Township, you are eligible for a business library card. See the Nonresident Cards section for details.

What about people under 16?

The parent or guardian must sign a “Release of Minor Child’s Library Records” per section 3 of the Michigan Library Privacy Act, MLC 397.601 for a child under sixteen (16) years of age.  No library card shall be issued to any minor person under the age of sixteen (16) years without the prior written consent and acceptance of responsibility and liability for any and all fines, losses or assessments against the library card requested to be issued by such minor person’s parent or legal guardian. If the parent or legal guardian has their own Indian River Area Library card, said card must be in good standing (not barred or blocked) in order to sign for a minor’s card.

In our Library, all materials are available to people regardless of age. We believe that the family makes decisions about what is appropriate for children, not an outside authority. For information regarding minors and computer use, see our Computer Use and Public Access policy.

What kind of ID must I present to get a card?

To get a card, you must bring one of the following items showing your current residence (street address) to the circulation desk when you apply for your card. You may fill out a library card application in advance by clicking here.

• MI driver’s license or ID card (Secretary of State)
• Voter registration card
• Current tax receipt, utility bill, or lease agreement

What if I live outside your service area?

If you have a card from any of the consortium/reciprocal libraries listed below you can use it at the Indian River Area Library.  Likewise, an Indian River Area Library card can be used at any of the libraries listed below.

Nonresident cards

Student cards: Resident students and non-resident students attending school in Tuscarora Township will be offered a free student card.

• The parent or legal guardian of the student shall be required to consent in writing to allow the student a card and to accept responsibility for any and all fines, losses, or fees assessed against the card.
• Student cards are valid for the length of one year.

Business cards: You are eligible for a free business card if you own or are employed at a business within the Tuscarora Township service area. This card is valid for the length of one year. You will be required to show proof of employment upon registration of card.

Nonresident cards: If a patron would like borrowing privileges but does not meet the criteria above, a non‐resident card may be purchased.

• A one year card is available with a $40.00 fee. The card holder will be expected to pay the $40.00 fee each year when renewing the card at the card’s expiration date.
• You must present positive proof of residence. See the resident card section above for valid forms of identification.
• With a nonresident card, you are entitled to borrowing up to ten items in our collection, access to Mel, Overdrive/Libby, and the Creativebug digital service.

How can I renew my card?

If your card is expiring or has expired, come into the Library to renew your card. We accept payment by cash or check only.

What if I lose my card?

The replacement fee for a lost card is $2.00. When the fee is paid, a new card will be given to the card holder.

How long can I keep my library materials?

All materials have a three week circulation period.