Chattanooga-Hamilton County Bicentennial Library

How to Get a Library Card

To check out library materials and use our online databases a person must have a valid library card.
The following types are available:

Member

Temporary

Online Patron

Restricted

Guest

Member

Persons wishing to obtain a library card will be expected to verify identification and local residency. The proof of address is particularly important so the library can obtain the return of borrowed material.

Local residency is defined as existing for at least 3 months with housing within a fifty-mile radius of the downtown library. Cards are free to Hamilton County residents; but costs $25/three years OR $10/one year for residents of neighboring counties. To save time you may download and print the application form and bring it with you to apply. We also have an application in Spanish if new residents prefer to use it

Those who will reside locally for less than 3 months and/or do not have a permanent address might qualify for a temporary card with full privileges or a restricted card.

Residents with a post office box as their mailing address must also verify their residence address.

Identification

There are two methods for identification when applying for a library card. They are:

Verification of both identity and residential address. Acceptable forms include one of the following:

Valid driver's license with current local address or state-issued identification card (this is the preferred verification source)
Printed check
Utility receipt
Rent receipt
Voter registration card

One piece of canceled mail to current address and one of the following:

Social Security Card
Credit Card
School, employee, or military ID
Insurance card
Valid driver's license with previous address.

Persons aged 13 through 17 who do not have personal identification may, when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, be identified by that person. In this situation the parent or guardian will be expected to show a valid Chattanooga-Hamilton County Bicentennial Library card or identification and verification of address as detailed above.

Residential students who attend school in the local area but who have permanent residence outside the local area must provide verification of both the local address and their permanent residence address.

Identification and Address Verification
for Children Through Age Twelve.

A child accompanied by a parent or legal guardian:

The parent or legal guardian must show verification of identity and address as detailed above.

The parent or legal guardian will sign the application form and be legally responsible for returning library materials checked out on the child's card.

A child unaccompanied by a parent or legal guardian:

A library card application may be sent home with the child. The signed and completed application form must be brought back with the valid identification and address verification of the parent or legal guardian before the library card can be issued.

Circulation staff may refuse to issue or renew a library card if any of the following apply:

Fines in excess of $5.00 have been incurred.
Delinquent materials have not been returned.
Adequate identification and proof of address cannot be supplied.
False information is given.
No permanent address can be provided.

A patron may not have more than one valid card.

The patron is responsible for all materials checked out on his library card. A patron reporting his card stolen is responsible for materials checked out on the card prior to his reporting it stolen.

A patron may not check out materials on an expired library card. Cards will be renewed every three years, except for temporary cards, which are issued for only three months.

A patron may obtain a replacement card for the charge of $1.00 if he loses his card or it is stolen.

Temporary Cards

We offer qualified visitors the option of unrestricted library services with a $25 refundable deposit. The applicant must provide the same identification as for a regular card as well as both permanent and temporary addresses. To save time you may download and print the application form and bring it with you to apply. We also have an application in Spanish if new residents prefer to use it. A refund will be issued when the person returns the card on or before the card's expiration date. All materials borrowed must be returned before a refund can be issued.

A patron may not have more than one valid card.

The patron is responsible for all materials checked out on his library card. A patron reporting his card stolen is responsible for materials checked out on the card prior to his reporting it stolen.

A patron may not check out materials on an expired library card, but they can be renewed by visiting our Circulation Department and reafirming your information.

A patron may obtain a replacement card for the charge of $1.00 if he loses his card or it is stolen.

Online Patron Card

The library will issue an Online Patron card to any person who wishes to access the online databases available on the library's website. It will be valid for one year at $30 per person and will permit online use only; books or other physical materials may not be checked out. Multiple persons are not permitted to log in simultaneously using this card. To apply for this card, please call the library at 423-757-5310.

Restricted Cards

The library will issue a restricted card valid for up to three months to persons without a permanent address but participating in authorized treatment programs that have granted them mail privileges within our local area. To save time you may download and print the application form and bring it with you to apply. We also have an application in Spanish if new residents prefer to use it. The card will enable the patron to check out one item at a time.

Identification:

Adults and persons 13 and older must present a letter from and signed by a local treatment program administrator confirming the person's name and the street address the person is authorized to use for mail privileges.

The address will be confirmed by mailing the restricted library card to the applicant. If the envelope containing the card is returned as undeliverable, the card will be cancelled.

Restricted cards for children through age 12 will be provided when the parent or guardian can provide the identification required for a restricted card and will be legally responsible for the materials checked out by the child.

Circulation staff may refuse to issue or renew a restricted card if:

Fines in excess of $5.00 have been incurred.
Delinquent materials have not been returned.
Adequate identification and proof of address cannot be supplied.
False information is given.

A patron may not have more than one valid card.

The patron is responsible for all materials checked out on his library card. A patron reporting his card stolen is responsible for materials checked out on the card prior to his reporting it stolen.

A patron may not check out materials on an expired library card, but they can be renewed by visiting our Circulation Department and reafirming your information.

A patron may obtain a replacement card for the charge of $1.00 if he loses his card or it is stolen.

Guest

Guest cards are intended for persons ineligible for other library cards who need to use the computers in our library locations. Guest cards are $1 and are good for the current day (time limited sessions per day depending on computer type). Each person may have only one valid card at a time. Guest cards are available at the reference department and the circulation desks. Printing at all computers must be paid for after you print, but before you pick up the copies. Materials may not be checked out on guest cards. See Computer Services for more details.