Your Library Card FAQs

  • General Questions

    I want a library card! How do I get one? Read the below information carefully. When you're ready, select this button: I agree. You will be prompted to fill out an application which acts as a contract. Once you submit the application, bring your photo ID to the Welcome Desk.

    We will contact you within 1 week with your new library card number if you have not yet stopped by to receive your physical card. You'll be able to use this number to gain access to thousands of digital resources, including ebooks, streaming movies, training courses, and more.

    To receive your library card, you need to:

    • Be an Ohio resident
    • Show your government-issued photo ID
    • Show proof of your current address (if not listed on ID)
    • Bring your parent or guardian with you (for minors under 18 only)

    It is your responsibility to:

    • Be financially responsible for items borrowed with this card.
    • Keep your account up to date with correct contact information.
    • Monitor the items your child selects and checks out on this card.
    • Report a lost or stolen card immediately. (You are solely responsible for items borrowed on your card until you report it lost or stolen.)

    Note: This application is a contract, and is for new cards only. If you need to renew or replace your library card, please visit the Welcome Desk.

     

    By default, your PIN is the last four digits of your phone number. You can change this at any time for additional security.

    Your library card number is located below the barcode on the back of your physical library card.

    If you've temporarily misplaced or lost your library card, request your library card number via this form.

    If you have lost or misplaced your library card, contact the library immediately to report it as lost or stolen:

    A replacement card will be mailed to your address on file.

    To obtain information about your account or update your contact information, you must show your government-issued photo ID (or school ID with the current school year's date clearly indicated) at the welcome desk or contact your school delivery representative.

    You are responsible for all items checked out on your library card, so make your report as soon as possible. There is no charge for replacing your card.

    Note: Your library card number will change when it is replaced. This may affect your access to existing holds or items through the library's ebook services. This may also affect your access to your account balance for printing.

    Your library card account is set to renew every three years. This provides the library an opportunity to seek your updated contact information.

    Renew Your Card

    Replacement cards: If you would like to replace your library card, please renew your card in person at the Welcome Desk. There is not a fee to replace your card.

    Educators: If you are an educator, you must renew your library card in person yearly. Please bring with you a picture ID, proof of address and proof of educator status.

    You may use your student card to:

    • Borrow up to 5 books, movies, and more *
    • Place holds on up to 5 items
    • Request free delivery of library items to your school
    • Download or stream ebooks, audiobooks, digital magazines, music albums and more
    • Use a library computer and connect to the internet
    • Get homework help
    • Do research and use subscription databases
    • Register for events

    * Some limitations may apply to student cards when borrowing from other libraries.

    For more information about the student library card project, visit this page.

    Yes, with some limitations. Check with staff at the neighboring library for details.

    Yes! You can borrow items here using a library card from any of these 17 neighboring libraries.

    Note: You will need a Westerville Public Library card to access some research databases, borrow a laptop, place orders for 3D and custom printing, or borrow some unique items in the Westerville Public Library collection.

    If you need to update your contact information on file with the library, contact us.

    Alternatively, you can update some information (like email address, username, PIN, phone number, or notification preference) via your online account.

    1. Log into your account.*
    2. Go to My Settings.
    3. Choose the desired option(s) from this menu: Account Information.

    * Trouble logging in? View these instructions.

    Educators who live or work in the Westerville City School District are eligible for an educator card. This includes K-12 classroom teachers in public and private schools, daycare center teachers and home schoolers.

    To apply for an educator card, you will need to appear in person at the library with the following items:

    • Photo ID (e.g., a driver's license)
    • Proof of current address (ex: mail addressed to the applicant, a checkbook, or a car insurance card)
    • Proof of educator status in the form of a current paycheck stub from your place of employment or a copy of your current Home Education Notification form

    Advantages

    The educator card, with its special advantages, is designed to help educators who live or work in the Westerville School District make full use of the library's resources.

    • Check out most items for double the loan period, fiction and juvenile movies for the normal loan period.
    • Renew most items 1 time, fiction and juvenile movies 4 times (Renewal is unavailable if the item is reserved for another customer or if your library card has a fine of over $10.00).
    • Payment is required for lost or damaged items.
    • Personal library card and educator card accounts are separate.

    Limits

    Educator cards expire on a yearly basis. Unless stated otherwise, all other library card policies apply. In addition, some limitations may apply to student cards when borrowing from other libraries.