Apply Online | Apply In Person | City of Bellingham Residents | Other WA and BC residents
HOW DO I GET A LIBRARY CARD?
If you live, work, or own property in Whatcom County, you are eligible for a WCLS library card. Minors under 18 years of age are eligible by submitting a library card application signed by a parent or guardian.
Nonresidents may purchase a WCLS library card for an annual fee ($40 for adults, $20 for children/seniors, or $52 for a family card).
WHAT CAN I DO WITH MY LIBRARY CARD?
Your WCLS library card gives you access to the vast collection shared between our 10 branches and bookmobile: hundreds of thousands of books, audiobooks, DVDs, and CDs as well as a vast collection of eBooks, eAudioBooks and other Digital Content
APPLY IN PERSON
Go to any WCLS library with your ID and your card will be issued to you instantly.
You can print and fill out an application to bring with you if you like.
If you live in Washington State and can present a library card from your local library, you may apply for a WCLS card free of charge. This also applies to cardholders of the Fraser Valley Regional Library.
Please note: Borrowing privileges for electronic materials and/or access to online services may be limited depending on vendor contracts.
CAN I USE MY CARD AT OTHER LIBRARIES?
Yes! Whatcom County Library System partners with Bellingham Public Library (BPL); use your WCLS library card to check out materials at any BPL location. You can check out from BPL and return items to WCLS libraries, and vice versa.
WCLS is a member in the Whatcom Libraries Collaborate (WLC) program. Bring your WCLS library card, along with proof of your identity and current address, and apply to receive a card from any WLC library: Bellingham Public Library, Bellingham Technical College, Northwest Indian College, Western Washington University, and Whatcom Community College.
Additionally, WCLS has made arrangements to give county residents access to Fraser Valley Regional Library (Canada), LaConner Regional Library District, Sno-Isle Regional Library System, Timberland Regional Library System, and the Upper Skagit Library District. Bring your WCLS library card along with proof of your identity and current address to any of these libraries to apply to receive a card. Similarly, residents of these communities are eligible for a WCLS library card.
Please note: Borrowing privileges for electronic materials and/or access to online services may be limited depending on vendor contracts.