Library Cards FAQ Print

 

How do I get a library card?

Apply online for a temporary library card

  • Available to Whatcom County residents 18 years old and up with a valid email address.
  • Once the form is submitted you will receive an email within 2 business days with your temporary library card number.
  • Your temporary library card number will be valid for 45 days. To continue your access to the library, bring your photo ID to any WCLS library location and receive your full-access library card.

Or get a full-access library card at any WCLS library location

  • If you don’t have an email address.
  • If you are 17 years old and under.
  • If you live outside Whatcom County (includes Whatcom County property owners, employees working in Whatcom County, and registered borrowers of Sno-Isle Libraries and Fraser Valley Regional Library).

Temporary card gives access to: 

  1. online research databases
  2. place holds on library materials

You must obtain a full-access card to:

  1. check out library materials
  2. download eBooks and eAudiobooks

Go to temporary library card application


Who can get a card?

Whatcom County residents, Whatcom County property owners, People who work for Whatcom County employees, Patrons of Fraser Valley Regional and Sno-Isle libraries. See Borrower's Policy for details.

Can I use this card to borrow from the Bellingham Public Library?

Yes! - Read Borrowing FAQ for details.

Can I use this card to get a card at Fraser Valley Regional Library?

Yes! Through our reciprocal borrowing agreements, a WCLS library card allows you to get a card at both the Fraser Valley Regional Library in British Columbia, and Sno-Isle Libraries located in Snohomish and Island counties.

I'm not a resident of Whatcom County, can I get a card?

You are eligible to register for a library card with provision of current address and proof of identity if you are a resident of one of the communities with which WCLS has a reciprocal borrowing agreement:

  • Fraser Valley Regional Library (Canada)
  • Sno-Isle Regional Library System
  • Timberland Regional Library System
  • Non-residents of the Library District who pay taxes to support the Library District, such as individuals who work in or own businesses or property located in Whatcom County are eligible for library cards.  Please visit a library with photo identification.
If you want a card and do not live in one of those service areas, you can pay $40.00 to get a library card if you are an adult, $20 if you are a senior or disabled, $20 if the card is for a child, or $52.00 for a family. The visitor fee (one month or less) is $5.