New Library Card options in honor of National Library Card Sign-up Month

WCCLS libraries offer library cards that fit a variety of needs. Most registered patrons have General cards. This is the card we prefer to issue as we want all residents to have full access to library services and collections. But one size does not fit all.

In the last few years, the E-access card has become more popular for school students. In partnership with a school, students are registered for WCCLS E-access cards which provide access to electronic resources only – research databases and e-books. This is useful for schools that issue students tablet computers to complete classroom and homework assignments. WCCLS began offering online registration for E-access cards for all residents through our website this September.

Another new option that WCCLS offers is a Youth Access card. Youth Access cards are designed for children up to 17 years old, and in addition to providing access to electronic resources, the Youth Access card will allow up to five checkouts of books or audiobooks as well. It is designed to fill the gap between E-access only and a full service General card. It’s a Goldilocks card – not too restrictive, not too open, but just right for many children and students, and for families that want their children to have access to library materials but are concerned about limiting potential costs if materials are lost.

WCCLS Director Eva Calcagno said, “We are rolling out these new options as part of our five-year levy plan to reduce barriers to library access and improve and expand services that support children and learning. We know that an essential ‘back to school’ supply is an active public library card!”

Celebrate National Library Card Sign-up Month by visiting your library to get a card for everyone in your family!

New! Apply online for an E-Access Library Card

WCCLS is happy to announce that you can now apply online for an E-Access library card!

What can you do with an E-Access card?

• Download e-books and audiobooks for all ages (no late fees!)
• Learn business, creative, and technology skills, from workplace communication to Photoshop to coding, with Lynda.com
• Immerse yourself in a new language with Mango Languages
• Get live homework help for your child with Brainfuse: HelpNow
• Read the New York Times online
• Find new books to read through Novelist Plus
• Get admission to local destinations through the Cultural Pass to Adventure

Online registration is currently open to Washington County residents who do not currently have a WCCLS library card. If you already have a WCCLS library card, you currently have access to everything listed above!

To check out or place holds on physical items, please visit your library to get a different kind of library card.

Celebrate National Library Card Sign-up Month by applying for a card today!