Library Card Policy

Obtaining a Library Card

Library Card Application

Library cards may be obtained free of charge by all residents of Orange County and all residents of counties contiguous to Orange County (Albermarle, Culpeper, Greene, Louisa, Madison and Spotsylvania counties) upon presentation of proof of a permanent mailing address and proof of identity in the form of photo ID. Cards will also be issued to cardholders of Central Rappahannock Regional Library Cards (CRRL) upon presentation of their CRRL library card, photo ID, and proof of address. Acceptable forms of proof include: For identity: Drivers’ license, VA state ID card, passport, military ID, photo credit card, employment ID, and school ID. For address only: checkbook, utility bill, rental lease, proof of vehicle insurance, Lake of the Woods or other residential community ID card.

When applying for a library card for a minor child, we require that the responsible party (parent or legal guardian) signing the child's card application also have a library card. Photo ID is not required for children under the age of 16. Exceptions may be granted for minors under the age of 18 without photo ID (e.g. homeschooled children w/no school ID). Some other form of ID will still be required. (e.g. social security card, birth cerificate).

Patrons holding a library card signed for by a parent/legal guardian are required to re-register under their own signature when they turn 18 or achieve emancipated minor status.

Patrons who are unable to provide proof of a permanent local mailing address may be given a library card with privileges allowing them to check out a maximum of 2 items at a time at the discretion of the staff member in charge. For example, a new resident to the county who does not yet have proof of address, but has a school assignment due.

Effective December 1, 2004: Persons not having any permanent address in the county, such as residents of the homeless shelter, will be issued an in-house use card allowing them to check out only items to be used inside the library so that they may use the Internet, viewing station and other in-house services requiring a card. Any person in this category who had already been issued a provisional card will retain that card until it expires or they relocate outside our service area.

Provisional privileges will be revoked permanently if materials checked out are not returned.

Temporary residents who are unlikely to remain in our area for an extended period such as visitors and houseguests will not be issued cards.

Effective May 15, 2003 a library card must be presented in order to check out library materials.

(Adopted by the Library Board of Trustees 1/98, amended 6/98, amended 10/2002, 3/2003, 5/2004, 4/2005, 2/2006)