Library Cards

Application for a library card may be made at the Central Library or at the Fairhaven Branch Library. You may print out the application here to fill-out and bring into the library.

A library card is required to check out materials; to place holds; to request interlibrary loans; and to access the library's subscription databases from home. A library card is also required to access the Internet inside the library.

Whatcom County Library System cards are valid at the Central Library and the Fairhaven Branch. Bellingham Public Library cards are valid at any branch of the Whatcom County Library System. (Exception: remote access to subscription databases is limited to the card you have, either BPL or WCLS).

All borrowers are responsible for anything checked out on their cards. If a card is lost or stolen, the borrower is no longer responsible for its use from the date the loss is reported. Anything checked out on a lost or stolen card prior to its being reported lost is still the responsibility of the borrower up to a maximum liability of $50.00.

If a library card has to be replaced because of damage or loss, there is no charge for the replacement.

Resident and student borrowers: Persons having resident status are entitled to a borrower's card and full library service. Resident status requires that the borrower be either/or a property owner or renter in the City of Bellingham or Whatcom County. A student enrolled in a Whatcom County college may qualify for a library card upon proof of enrollment. (Seasonal cards are available for summer school students - to expire in September. The student, however, must reside in Whatcom County.).

Non resident borrowers: Persons who do not meet the requirements set forth above may have borrowing privileges upon paying a fee of $52.00 per year (senior citizens, 65+, pay one-half the fee). The nonresident fee is automatically adjusted each January to reflect the actual per capita cost of library service for residents. Payments are not accepted for less than a year and there is no rebate for any unused portion of the time. (See also section on "Visitor".) Nonresident borrowers and their immediate families residing at the same address are entitled to use the card for their personal use. The nonresident library card will automatically expire in one year.

Visitor: A person staying temporarily in the City of Bellingham or Whatcom County may have limited borrowing privileges upon paying a fee of $5.00 per month. Local History material, reference books, or motor manuals are not included except by special permission.

Agency cards: An organization or agency may acquire a special library card under the current rules and regulations in effect for individuals. a. The individual who is legally authorized to enter into contractual obligations for that agency will sign and be responsible for use of the card. b. The card must be presented at the time of each loan, and the Library will assume the card-holder is authorized by the agency to borrow materials. No items will be loaned without presenting the card. c. A maximum of two cards will be allowed per agency.

Youth cards:
Young people may have their own cards beginning at age 5. A parent's or legal guardian's signature is required for applicants under 18. The parent/guardian assumes responsibility for materials borrowed on the card. Young people are welcome to use the library's entire collection, subject only to the parent's guidance.