GET A LIBRARY CARD
Your Library card connects you to a world of resources. Register for a card by visiting us in person or by starting the process online. To complete an application online, visit the online catalog by clicking here. In the top right corner of the page, click Sign Up. Complete and submit the form for approval. Proof of residency is required for all online and in person applications.
GENERAL BORROWING PRIVILEGES & CARD TYPES
Access to the Library resources is based on your residency. Below is a basic description of each patron card type and the borrowing power associated with each card type. Materials are automatically renewed two times. Additional renewals must be made in person or over the phone. Items may not be renewed if they are reserved for another patron.
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Business: anyone owning property within Black Hawk County and counties touching Black Hawk may apply for a business card; the borrowing rights are based on residential status as outlined below
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Residents (200 total item loan limit): anyone residing or owning property within the City limits of La Porte City and anyone residing or owning property within Rural Black Hawk County, which excludes city limits of other Black Hawk County cities (e.g., Waterloo and Cedar Falls)
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Nonresidents (100 total item loan limit): anyone residing in the State of Iowa, excluding anyone living within La Porte City and rural Black Hawk County
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Provisional (25 total item loan limit): card applications who have unconfirmed addresses as well as temporary borrowers
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Teacher (250 total item loan limit): teachers with valid school IDs teaching in a private or public school within Black Hawk County and counties touching Black Hawk
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Borrowing limits extend to material types as well as member types. Per contract with the State Library of Iowa, our digital consortium—called Bridges eLibrary—is only available to La Porte City and Rural Black Hawk County Residents. Patrons may borrow up to five digital items simultaneously, excluding periodicals, which have no limit.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Who can apply? Adults and teens (aged 13+) may apply for their own card. Children under the age of 13 must have a parent or guardian sign.
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What do I need to apply? ​All applicants must provide (1) a Proof of Address, (2) valid Photo ID, and (3) provide a Method of Contact.
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Acceptable Proof of Identification
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State issued photo ID (e.g., Driver's License)
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Passport
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School ID
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Military ID
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Other government issued ID
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Acceptable Proof of Address
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State issued photo ID (if the address is current, this is all you need)
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Mail postmarked within 30 days of the current date
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Utility bills
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Bank statements​​
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Official websites (e.g., JMC Canvas for students)
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Acceptable Method of Contact
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Valid Phone Number (landline or mobile)​
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Valid Email Address
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Who should apply for their own card? We highly recommend that all family members obtain their own cards. This allows each member of a family to have easier access to services and resources, plus it ensures you each access your fair share of resources up to the limit of each card.
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What privacy rights are granted to teens? Starting at the age of 13, teens are granted their own privacy rights (see Iowa Code Chapter 22.7). Materials checked out will remain private, even if a parent or guardian calls into the Library asking to review checkout history. Explicit permission must be granted by the teen for parents to access their account. The only exception to this rule is regarding items that are assumed lost after excessive overdue.
WHAT CAN I DO WITH A LIBRARY CARD?
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Attend events and programs
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Check out books, movies, and audiobooks
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Check out equipment, including puzzles and board games
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Download eBooks, eAudiobooks, and other electroic resources (BRIDGES)
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Make an appointment for technology assistance
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Place holds on items in person or online
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Request an interlibrary loan (SILO)
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Use the computers, scanner, printer, copier, and fax
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Use online resources for research and homework help
WHAT SERVICES CAN I USE WITHOUT A LIBRARY CARD?
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Access our wireless network on your personal devices
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Use our computers
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Read materials when visiting the Library
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Attend most events and participate in most activities
WHAT IF I HAVE ISSUES WITH MY PIN OR LOGIN?
If you have issues access your account or if your PIN is denied, please contact us
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Phone: 319-342-3025
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Email: info@lpcpubliclibrary.org