Library Cards & My Account FAQs

  • General Questions

    Visit any Palm Beach County Library location to pick up and sign your new Library card. You will need to present a valid photo ID and proof of current residential address. Children and teens under 16 must have a parent or guardian present to obtain a Library card. The child or teen must be present when applying, or the parent or guardian must provide a birth certificate, report card, school document, school or state issued ID or an insurance card for the child.

    If you live in the Palm Beach County Library District you can get a free Library card.

    The Palm Beach County Library District is a special taxing district that provides library services to unincorporated areas of the County and the following municipalities: Atlantis, Belle Glade, Briny Breezes, Cloud Lake, Glen Ridge, Greenacres, Haverhill, Hypoluxo, Juno Beach, Jupiter, Jupiter Inlet Colony, Lake Clarke Shores, Loxahatchee Groves, Mangonia Park, Ocean Ridge, Pahokee, Palm Beach Gardens, Palm Beach Shores, Royal Palm Beach, South Bay, South Palm Beach, Tequesta (Palm Beach County residents), Wellington and Westlake.

    Also includes all residents of Hendry County.

    Residents of cities in the Library Cooperative also receive free cards. The Library Cooperative of the Palm Beaches cities include: Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, Lake Park, Lake Worth Beach, Lantana, North Palm Beach, Palm Springs, Riviera Beach and West Palm Beach.

    All students, from birth through 12th grade, living in Palm Beach County or attending a Palm Beach County school can get free Library cards.

    In short, if you live in unincorporated Palm Beach County or one of the cities listed above, you are eligible for a free card.

    A Library card will be issued or renewed when a valid Florida driver’s license or identification (ID) card with a member’s full legal name is presented in-person or via online video chat with a current Palm Beach County residential address.

    Or, when one item from each of the following lists is presented:

    Original, Current Physical Documentation with photo ID:
    • Passport
    • Alien registration card
    • Student ID card
    • Consular ID card
    • Employee ID card
    • Out-of-state driver’s license
    • Condo ID
    • Military ID
    • Community ID of the Palm Beaches (Legal Aid Society)
    • Any other government-issued ID

    Proof of current, valid Palm Beach County residential address presented in either printed or electronic format:
    • Florida Voter’s registration card
    • Rental receipt, lease or deed
    • Vehicle registration
    • Checks imprinted with name and address
    • Utility bill
    • School report card or other school document
    • Pay check or stub
    • Vehicle insurance card
    • Palm Beach County tax bill with library tax included
    • Mail postmarked within the last 30 days

    Library members using a post office box as a mailing address must show proof of current Palm Beach County residential address.

    A parent or guardian must present photo ID and verification of current address to obtain a Library card for a child from birth to 15 years old. The child must be present when applying or the parent/guardian must provide one of the following:

    • Birth Certificate
    • Report Card or other School Document
    • School or State issued photo ID
    • Insurance Card

    With prior arrangement, a child may bring a photocopy of the parent/guardian’s ID, along with a signed registration form, to receive a Library card without the parent/guardian being present. Teachers may also bring a classroom set of pre-prepared applications.

    For cards issued at Outreach Events where the child is not present and no documentation is on hand, the parent/guardian may be issued a card for the child that will have no privileges. To activate the card, the parent must visit a Library location with the required documentation and/or with the child present.

    Yes! Non-resident cards are issued at a yearly rate of $95.00 or at a six-month rate of $55.00. One adult or child non-resident card is issued upon payment of this fee.

    The amount of the non-resident fee is set by the Library Advisory Board and Library Administration with approval from the Board of County Commissioners. The Palm Beach County Library System's policy is to issue non-resident Library cards to the following people upon payment of the non-resident fee:

    • A non-resident adult: One who lives outside of the PBC Library District and outside a city in the Library Cooperative and outside of a city within Palm Beach County receiving a State Aid operating grant and does not own property in the PBC Library District.
    • A part-time resident or visitor: One who has a permanent address outside of the PBC Library District and outside a city in the Library Cooperative and outside of a city within Palm Beach County receiving a State Aid operating grant and does not own property in the PBC Library District. Their local address is either outside of the PBC Library District or, if in it, they are visiting for less than one month.

    You may borrow an item for 21 days. Most items are eligible for up to 3 renewals of an additional 21 days each.

    Will my items be automatically renewed?

    The Palm Beach County Library System will attempt to renew your borrowed item two days before the due date. If successful, your loan period will be extended for 21 days from the existing due date, an additional full loan period. If unsuccessful, you will continue to receive notices about overdue items. You may wish to try to renew manually before you return the item.

    How will I know if my item was renewed?
    There are a few ways to find out an item's due date:

    • On the courtesy notice emailed or texted to you 2 days before the due date. 
    • Via your online account.
    • By chat or phone.

    Why Can’t I Renew?
    There are several reasons why an item can't be renewed:

    • Outstanding holds (requests) on the item by other members.
    • Your Library card account has a balance due of more than $24.99.
    • Your Library card account is expired.
    • The item was already renewed as many times as is allowed.

    Yes! While Library cards do require a valid photo ID and proof of residential address, a "Quick Access Card" does not require proof of address. 

    What's the difference between a regular card and a quick access card?

      Quick Access Card Regular Card
    Checkout Limit 5 items 50 items
    Holds Limit 10 holds 200 holds
    Privilege 1 year 5 years
    Borrow Interlibrary Loans No Yes
    Borrow Kits No Yes

    How do I get a Quick Access card?

    Fill out a library card application and show a valid photo ID. Staff then verify that you live within the Library Taxing District or Library Cooperative based on the information provided.

    What if my regular library card has expired and I can no longer prove my current/new addres? Can I change my card to a Quick Access Card?

    Yes. Once you have proof of your current/new address, present it to a staff member to return to full borrowing privileges.

    Can I borrow a HotSpot with a Quick Access Card?

    Yes, adult members (16+) can borrow a HotSpot.

    Yes, online registration is now available here: Get a Library Card Online!

    How do I update my contact information?

    You can update your phone number, email address and choose to switch to email notifications through here: Account Information, opens a new window any time day or night. To update your address or any other account information, please contact any of our branches.

    Yes. You can create a digital barcode that you can add to your Apple or Google wallet here: Account Information, opens a new window

    Yes, the Library offers many options for notification: email, phone and text messages. All notice or automated calls from the Library are courtesy reminders only. You may want to check your account regularly in addition to receiving Library notices.

    To switch to another notification method, please call or visit any branch of the Palm Beach County Library System.

    Yes! We are currently transferring over all lists, which should take just a couple weeks. In the meantime, we will provide access to the old catalog (Classic Catalog)  for those who wish to continue to use it and access lists immediately. Do you want to create a list of items you've read/watched, are currently reading/watching, and those you want to read/watch? Use the new "My Shelves" feature.

    If you lose your card, report it immediately to any branch location.

    Yes. Most, but not all, cards are good for five years. When your card expires, please visit any Palm Beach County Library location with photo ID and proof of current residential address to renew your card or contact any of our locations to schedule a virtual appointment. Members with a webcam or mobile device with camera can use FaceTime or Google Meet accounts/apps to renew their Library card virtually. This service is currently unavailable for paid card memberships.

    Children under 16 can get a card with a parent or guardian's identification and signature. All students, from birth through 12th grade, living in Palm Beach County or attending a Palm Beach County school can get free Library cards. The child or teen must be present when applying or the parent or guardian must provide a birth certificate, report card, school document, school or state-issued id, or an insurance card for the child. The parent or guardian may choose to allow the child to borrow all DVDs and streaming videos or restrict access to only DVDs and streaming videos from the Children's Collection.

  • Fines & Fees

    As of Oct 01, 2019, the Palm Beach County Library System no longer charges late fines on materials that are overdue. Our mission is to provide open access to information and materials.

    Materials returned damaged will be billed for the replacement cost of the item. Materials lost or not returned to the library will be billed for the replacement cost of the item. If you return the lost item, the bill will be canceled.

    • Loan periods have not changed. Return items within seven days after the final due date to avoid replacement charges.
    • Any items that you have checked out will automatically renew up to three times if there are no holds.

    Effective October 1st, 2019: If your library account has accumulated fees exceeding $24.99, you may no longer borrow materials (including electronic resources such as CloudLibrary e-books), or place holds. You may pay for fees using our Online Payment System. Payments made online are immediately credited to your library account. Once you pay off all outstanding fees, borrowing privileges will be immediately restored. 

    Your account will be charged the full replacement cost for the item. If the amount owed on your account is above $24.99 your account will be blocked. If accrued fees exceed $49.99 your account will be sent to a collection agency after 90 days.
     

    The Library takes every step possible to protect your credit card information so you can pay with confidence. Our Online Payment System uses current technology and industry standards such as PCI compliance for both our customers and bank credit card processing. Your credit card and identity information are secure with us. 

    Data Encryption

    The Online Payment process uses servers and Internet connections that are secured using SSL (Secure Sockets Layer). SSL is the standard security technology for establishing an encrypted link between library services and your web browser. Additionally, the Library never retains or stores your credit card information.

    You will not be able to borrow print or electronic materials or use online resources until your account balance is below $25. You can still use Library computers, attend events and browse materials.
     

    When the item is returned the charge is waived.
     

    1. Log in to your account by clicking on "Log In / My PBCLS" in the upper righthand corner.
    2. Type in your username or barcode followed by your PIN.
    3. Click on your your name in the upper righthand corner and a dropdown will appear. 
    4. Click on "Fees" located under "MY BORROWING".
    5. You will see a list of titles, amounts due, and reasons for fee. Click "Pay fees" when you're ready to pay.
    6. On the following page, you will be able to choose which titles you will pay for. Click "Submit" at the bottom of your screen.

    If your account has been turned over to the collection agency, your card will still be blocked until the balance is $0.

    Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express.

    No. You may pay any of the fees owed, however, each individual fee must be paid in full.

      • When you borrow a HotSpot you are responsible for costs associated with loss or damage of the device and/or all cables and accessories. No fees will occur for data use of the device. Each kit contains four parts:
      1. One Mobile HotSpot unit containing one SIM card and one battery
      2. One charging cable
      3. One power adapter
      4. One Clear carrying case
      • Mobile HotSpots that are not returned will be deactivated and be rendered useless.
      • Failure to return the device may result in referral to the library's collection agency and additional fees.
      • Members will be charged a replacement cost due to loss or damage as follows:
      • 1 Mobile HotSpot unit: $90.00
      • 1 charging cable: $5.00
      • 1 power adapter: $10.00
      • Clear carrying case: $2.00

    Refunds will be issued for lost item payments made within 6 months.

    No. There is no service fee for paying your fees online.

    By default, a checkmark will appear next to every fee listed. You can uncheck items you do not wish to pay for. The total will be recalculated automatically. You cannot make partial payments on individual fees.

    Payments made online are applied immediately to your account. Once you have paid your fees down to a balance less than $24.99 you will be able to place holds and borrow materials.

    When your transaction is completed a receipt will be displayed. You should print and save this receipt for your records. You can also copy/paste the receipt into an email for your records.

    No. The Library will not retain any of your credit card information.

    If you receive an error message during the process, fees will remain on your account.You may visit any branch of the Palm Beach County Library System to make a payment by cash, check, or credit card at any of our branches. You may also pay by check via US Mail.

     

    Yes. You can pay your fees through your account or through here: Account Information., opens a new window Fees may also be paid by mail or in person at your library.

  • SEFLIN One Card

    One Card users may access up to five (5) of:

    • Books
    • Audiovisual materials (DVDs, Blu-Rays, audiobooks, music CDs)

    Holds may be placed for delivery to any of our seventeen locations throughout Palm Beach County.

    One Card Users will not have access to: digital content collections, (CloudLibrary, Hoopla, etc.), public internet terminals, proctoring services, ILL services, meeting room booking, Backpacks, Book club in a Bag kits, Laptops, Hotspots, and other special services, and Creation Station equipment and software.

    Eligible Users of the One Card:

    One Cards may be issued by participating libraries or library systems to their own library card holders. Library card holders must meet at least one of the criteria listed below to receive a One Card from their library. The library issuing the card will verify the eligibility criteria of the person requesting the card.

    • Any library user, 16 years old or older, who has a valid library card or the equivalent issued by one of the participating libraries or library systems
    • Staff persons belonging to participating libraries or library systems
    • Faculty members and students belonging to the participating libraries or institutions
    • Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate high school students (of any age) who have a valid library/media center card or the equivalent (The One Card will be issued only by the designated One Card administrator from the participating school system/district.)
    • All users must be in good standing at all participating institutions.

    • Users will need to present photo ID and proof of current address, such as: Florida driver’s license, Florida voter’s registration card, Rental receipt, lease, or deed, postmarked mail (must be accompanied by ID verifying name), vehicle registration, checks imprinted with name and address, vehicle insurance card, or condo ID with address along with the SEFLIN One Card to access borrowing privileges at participating libraries.

    The purpose of the SEFLIN One Card Library Card (One Card) program is to facilitate reciprocal borrowing among academic, public, and school libraries. The libraries participating in this program are members of SEFLIN and agree to the terms of this policy. Library participation in the project is voluntary. This policy identifies eligible users of the One Card and specifies the responsibilities of participating libraries.

    The libraries participating in the One Card project endeavor to:

    • Collectively leverage their library resources for the benefit of their communities
    • Minimize restrictions on the use of their library resources, while recognizing the nature of the resources, the existence of licensing and use agreements imposed on the resources, and the mission of each participating library
    • Provide reference services to library users as a vital component of resource sharing