How to get a library card
The Kokomo-Howard County Public Library serves residents of Center, Taylor, Howard, Clay, Ervin, Harrison, Honey Creek and Monroe townships within Howard County, Indiana. If you live outside of these townships, explore the list of other card types below or visit the library to speak with our staff about what card type may work for you.
Library Card Types
Please choose a card type from the list below to learn more about it. If you aren't sure which card type you are eligible for, or have any questions about becoming a patron of our library, please contact the Circulation Desk at any library location.
Valid photo ID's include but are not limited to:
- Driver’s License
- State ID
- Student ID
- Military ID
- Passport
- English Language ID issued by a foreign government
If the valid photo identification does not have the correct address, an additional form of identification listing the person's name and current address must be shown. Acceptable forms include:
- a piece of mail or utility bill postmarked within the last 30 days
- a current pay stub, check book or bank statement
- any current legal form which has the correct information on it
REGULAR ADULT
An adult patron, age 18 and over, must show valid photo identification with their name and a current address on it. If the valid photo identification does not have the correct address, an additional form of identification listing the person's name and current address must be shown.
Patrons must present a library card or valid photo identification when checking out materials.
A patron is responsible for all transactions on their library record.
REGULAR YOUTH CARD
Youth Patrons are age 17 and under.
Anyone under the age of 18 must have their parent, stepparent, or legal guardian complete the bottom part of the Youth registration form and sign it before a library card will be issued. The parent, stepparent, or legal guardian signing must show a valid library card or valid photo identification to verify residence.
If an appropriate adult is not present when the minor applies for the card, the minor may fill out the name and address portion of the registration form, which will be mailed to the parent, stepparent, or legal guardian. Once the signed form is returned, a card can be issued.
Youth patrons have the one-time option of checking out two items, except videos, DVDs, or parental warning CDs, when filling out the registration form and a parent, stepparent, or legal guardian is not available to sign.
If a patron is under the age of 18 but legally married or emancipated, the patron is classified as an adult; however, documentation that shows the minor is married or emancipated is required.
Youth patrons may check out videos, DVDs and compact discs that have a manufacturer's parental advisory if a signed Youth Patron Registration form granting permission from the parent, stepparent, or legal guardian is on file. The Youth patron can only use their own card to check out the above items and to access library computers.
The responsibility for screening what a child reads, views, or listens to belongs to the parent, stepparent, or legal guardian.
The adult signing a Youth registration form for a library card takes all financial reasonability for transactions on the Youth card, as well as its use on library computers.
RESPONSIBLE CAREGIVER CARD
Responsible caregiver cards are issued for patrons under 18 who are under the care of a responsible caregiver, such as a grandparent, foster parent, etc.
A responsible caregiver must complete the Responsible Caregiver registration form and sign it before a library card will be issued. The responsible caregiver signing must show a valid library card or valid photo identification to verify residence.
The adult signing a Responsible Caregiver registration form for a library card takes all financial reasonability for transactions on the card, as well as its use on library computers.
Responsible Caregiver cards expire after 90 days and can be renewed.
TEMPORARY CARD
Temporary cards are issued to:
- students
- visiting children
- teachers
- foreign exchange students
- people in temporary housing or shelters
- people who will only be in the area for a short period of time
Temporary patrons must plan on staying in our taxing district for at least 28 days.
An adult patron must show valid photo identification with their name and a current address on it.
If the valid photo identification does not have the correct address, an additional form of identification listing the person's name and current address must be shown.
Anyone under the age of 18 must have their parent, stepparent, legal guardian, or other responsible individual, such as a grandparent or host parent, complete a Youth registration form and sign it in order to receive a library card. The parent, stepparent, legal guardian, or other responsible individual, such as a grandparent or host parent, signing must show a valid library card or valid photo identification.
A patron, or in the case of a minor the individual signing the registration, is responsible for all transactions and the use of library computers on their library record.
Students and teachers must show verification that they attend or teach in a school in KHCPL's taxing district.
People in temporary housing or shelters must have a letter from the institution stating that the individual will be allowed to reside at the temporary shelter. A Temporary Housing patron may only have up to five items on their card at any one time.
People in temporary housing because of work will need a letter from their employer stating they are residing in the taxing district.
All Temporary Cards are valid for one year.
NON-RESIDENT CARD (Taxpayer)
This card is for the patron and any household member who does not live in KHCPL's district, but owns property and pays property taxes in the library's taxing district.
The patron must produce a current tax receipt or other appropriate verification for property taxes paid within the year on property owned in KHCPL’s taxing district.
An adult patron must show valid photo identification with their name and a current address on it.
If the valid photo identification does not have the correct address, an additional form of identification listing the person's name and current address must be shown.
Anyone under the age of 18 must have their parent, stepparent, or legal guardian complete the bottom part of the Youth Registration form and sign it in order to receive a library card. The parent, stepparent or legal guardian signing must show valid library card or valid photo identification to verify residence.
A patron, or in the case of a minor the individual signing the registration, is responsible for all transactions and the use of library computers on their library record.
To renew their library card, the patron must bring in a current property tax receipt or other appropiate verification.
NON-RESIDENT CARD (Non-taxpayer)
Non-resident cards are available for patrons who do not live in or own property in our taxing district, and are not eligible for a temporary card.
An adult patron must show valid photo identification with their name and a current address on it.
If the valid photo identification does not have the correct address, an additional form of identification listing the person's name and current address must be shown.
Anyone under the age of 18 must have their parent, stepparent, or legal guardian complete the bottom part of the Juvenile or Young Adult Registration form and sign it in order to receive a library card. The parent, stepparent or legal guardian signing must show valid library card or valid photo identification to verify residence.
A patron, or in the case of a minor the individual signing a registration, is responsible for all transactions and use of library computers on their library record.
A non-resident registration form must be signed and kept on file. The card expires one year from the date of purchase.
To renew their library card, a new form must be signed each year and kept on file.
The price per person for a non-resident card is set each year using a formula based on service population and the library budget.
Please view the Library Fines & Fees page for the most recent non-resident card cost.
PUBLIC LIBRARY ACCESS CARD (PLAC)
PLAC's are statewide borrowing cards and are guaranteed by Indiana law. Patrons may purchase a Public Library Access Card at any library, so long as they have a valid library card from their home library. If a patron does not have a home library, they must first purchase a non-resident (non-taxpayer) card. A PLAC may be purchased at any library location except from the bookmobiles. The Kokomo-Howard County Public Library card expires the same date as the PLAC. The State Library sets the price each year, effective January 1st through December 31st. Please view the Library Fines & Fees page for the most recent PLAC card cost.
TEACHER COLLECTION CARD
Teacher Collection cards are used to check out materials to a teacher specifically for their classroom, and not for personal use. Proof of employment in the taxing district and valid photo identification is required to receive this card. A teacher or professional working with children or adults is allowed to check out 30 items and have an extended loan period of 45 days.
Any teacher who has five or more unreturned or damaged items per school year will have their privileges suspended until the number of items is fewer than five. The items can either be returned or paid for.
Generally, when fewer than five items are billed on Teacher cards the billed items are waived after the start of the school year that follows the date the billed items were checked out.
CHILD CARE CARD
Child Care cards are issued to state licensed day care providers and preschools in the KHCPL taxing district. Proof of a license, or other documentation approved by the Head of Circulation or Circulation Managers at the branch libraries, and a photo identification are required to receive this card. The school administrator must fill out a form verifying employment for employees who receive these cards each year. The authorized employee can check out 30 items and have an extended loan period of 45 days.
Child Care cards may check out ten movies of each media type at the same time for seven days. Any Child Care card who has five or more unreturned or damaged items per school year will have their privileges suspended until the number of items is less than five. The items can either be returned or paid for.
Generally, when fewer than five items are billed on Child Care cards the billed items are waived after the start of the school year that follows the date the billed items were checked out.
HOME SCHOOL CARD
Home School cards are issued to adults belonging to a Home School Association or who have an Indiana Department of Education identification number. Proof of membership must be presented upon registration. An adult patron must show valid photo identification with their name and a current address on it.
If the valid photo identification does not have the correct address, an additional form of identification listing the person's name and current address must be shown.
Up to 30 items may be checked out at any one time with the same material loan periods as a regular patron card. All circulating library material may be checked out on this card. Replacement fees will apply to all material checked out. A patron may be turned over to the collection agency if fines and replacement fees equal $60.00 or more.
An adult who registers for a Home School card is responsible for all transactions and the use of library computers on the card.
ORGANIZATION CARD
These are for local organizations who wish to have a card for their organization's use. Must be approved by the Head of Circulation. Normal loan periods, replacement fees are the same as an adult patron card with the exception that videos, DVDs and CD-ROMs cannot be checked out. Organization cards have two individuals that are authorized to use it.
BOOKMOBILE STUDENT CARD
Each student will need a library registration form signed by a parent, stepparent, or legal guardian. Students may check out two items on each bookmobile visit. Only books and magazines may be checked out. Students are not charged fines for overdue books, but will be charged replacement costs as per Billing for Replacement Policies.
Overdue notices are sent to the teacher of the student. Replacement notices are sent to the teacher and the parent, stepparent, or legal guardian of the student.
Bookmobile students are limited to two materials on a card at any one time.
All Bookmobile materials check out for 28 days.
BOOKMOBILE TEACHER/DAY CARE CARD
These cards are used when the bookmobile visits schools or day care providers. Any teacher or professional working with children or adults at a public or private school/day care in the library's taxing district is eligible for this service. Teachers may check out 60 items. Teachers may check out any bookmobile materials for school use only. This card is not to be used for personal use.
Replacement fees do not apply to materials checked out through this service. Any teacher who has five or more unreturned or damaged items per school year will have their privileges suspended until the number of items is fewer than five. The items can either be returned or paid for.
In some situations, bookmobile staff may allow nine or fewer items to be billed on a teacher card instead of five or fewer without the card being suspended.
All Bookmobile materials checkout for 28 days.
Generally, when fewer than five items are billed on Bookmobile Teacher/Day Care cards the billed items are waived after the start of the school year that follows the date the billed items were checked out.
LIBRARY-AT-HOME SERVICE CARD
Any patron in the library's taxing district who is Library-at-home, permanently or temporarily, is eligible for the Library-at-home program. Collections of up to 50 items are delivered at the beginning of each month. Specific titles, authors, or subjects may be requested.
Replacement fees will apply to this card. A patron who has materials which have not been returned six weeks after the due date, and whose materials total $60.00 or more, may be turned over to a material recovery.
SENIOR CITIZEN SERVICE CARD
Any senior citizen residential center in the library's taxing district, such as a nursing home, retirement center, or hospital extended care unit is eligible for this service. Collections of up to 100 items are delivered every four weeks. All circulating library materials are available for this service. Specific titles, authors, or subjects may be requested.
Replacement fees do not apply to materials checked out through this service. Any institution which has ten or more unreturned or damaged items per year will have these privileges suspended until the number of items is less than ten. The items can either be returned or paid for.
COMPUTER USE ONLY CARD
This card is for people who wish to use Library computers and either:
- do not want borrowing privileges, or
- are not eligible for a library card
To obtain a Computer Use Only adult card, a patron must show valid photo identification with their name and a current address on it.
If the valid photo identification does not have the correct address, an additional form of identification listing the person's name and current address must be shown.
Anyone under the age of 18 must have their parent, stepparent, or legal guardian complete a Youth registration form and sign it in order to receive a library card. The adult signing must show valid library card or valid photo identification to verify residence. A patron, or in the case of a minor the individual signing a registration, is responsible for all uses of a Computer Use Only card.
Patrons using computers must abide by the current Electronic Device and Internet Acceptable Use Policy. While KHCPL attempts to prevent direct access to materials that would not be generally acceptable in a public library, it is technically impossible to prevent access to all objectionable resources. It is the responsibility of the parent, stepparent, or legal guardian to monitor and guide their children in the use of the library computers and the Internet..
SECOND CHANCE CARDS
Second chance cards are intended for all patrons who have accounts with $60 or more in charges they are unable to pay.
Patrons must follow all regular card signup procedures when applying for a Second Chance Card, such as showing picture ID, proof of address, etc.
Checkouts using Second Chance Cards are limited to five books and/or magazines at any one time.
Balances on Second Chance Cards must remain at zero to maintain borrowing privileges.
Patrons 18 and over with Second Chance Cards must show picture IDs at every checkout.
Patrons under the age of 18 who apply for Second Chance Cards must have a parent or legal guardian sign them up and take responsibility for all uses of the card.
CENTRAL MIDDLE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL CARDS
Central Middle School cards are issued to students who attend Central Middle School and utilize the library services, provided by KHCPL through a contract with the Kokomo Schools Board of Trustees.
A parent, stepparent, or legal guardian must complete a registration form and sign it before a library card will be issued.
Checkouts on Central Middle International School cards are limited to ten books and/or magazines at any one time.
Central Middle International School cards will be charged replacement costs as per Billing for Replacement Policies.
E-ACCESS CARDS
E-Access Cards are provided to students in the KHCPL taxing district for the sole purpose of accessing KHCPL databases.
E-Access Cards cannot be used to check out materials.
Additional Information
Replacement Card
Lost Cards may be replaced for $2.00. Cards may be replaced at no charge if proof of theft or destruction is presented. Patrons are limited to two library cards per account.
Material Deposit
This option is for persons who are not eligible for, or choose not to purchase, a library card. Up to five items may be checked out, with a refundable cash deposit as defined by the Schedule of Fines and Fees for each item. Payment must be received in cash; no checks or credit cards payments will be accepted. A patron record will be created at the time of payment but no card will be issued. Normal fines and billing schedule apply and the patron may be turned over to the collection agency.
Expiration Dates
Most library subscriptions will be set to automatically renew yearly. Exceptions are paid subscriptions, such as PLAC, and other subscriptions with a limited time as explained in the card types
