What library cards are offered?

Tacoma Public Library offers several different types of library cards to meet your needs.

Standard card

  • For the majority of users
  • Good for 20 years or until January 17, 2038, whichever comes first
  • Maximum of 100 physical material checkouts, 20 Overdrive, opens a new window checkouts, 10 Hoopla, opens a new window checkouts per month, and 10 Kanopy, opens a new window play credits per month
  • 30 holds on physical materials and 20 Overdrive holds (materials in Hoopla and Kanopy are always instantly available)
  • Access to the Internet on the library's public computers
  • Your pin number defaults to the last four digits of the phone number you gave the library unless you have changed it yourself  
  • Requires photo ID and proof of current address

eCard

  • For users who want immediate access to eResources only
  • Good for 6 months
  • Maximum 3 physical material checkouts and 20 Overdrive, opens a new window checkouts, 10 Hoopla, opens a new window checkouts per month, and 10 Kanopy, opens a new window play credits per month
  • 3 holds on physical materials and 20 Overdrive holds (materials in Hoopla and Kanopy  are always instantly available)
  • Option to convert eCard to Standard Card by presenting photo ID and proof of current address
  • No access to the Internet on the library's public computers
  • Directions to create your pin number are included in the initial email you received containing your card number
  • You may visit the library and exchange your eCard for other types of library cards that may allow physical material checkouts

Unverified card

  • For users who have expired ID, cannot provide proof of address or are living in temporary or transitional housing
  • Good for 6 months
  • Maximum 3 physical material checkouts and 20 Overdrive, opens a new window checkouts, 10 Hoopla, opens a new window checkouts per month, and 10 Kanopy, opens a new window play credits per month
  • 3 holds on physical materials and 20 Overdrive holds (materials in Hoopla and Kanopy are always instantly available)
  • Your pin number defaults to the last four digits of the phone number you gave the library unless you have changed it yourself

Limited card

  • For those ages 14-17 who have photo ID and proof of address or for those whose parent/legal guardian prefer the juvenile to have this card
  • Good for 3 years or until the patron turns 18, whichever comes first
  • Maximum 10 physical material checkouts and 20 Overdrive, opens a new window checkouts, 10 Hoopla, opens a new window checkouts per month, and 10 Kanopy, opens a new window play credits per month
  • 10 holds on physical materials and 20 Overdrive holds (materials in Hoopla and Kanopy are always instantly available)
  • Your pin number defaults to the last four digits of the phone number you gave the library unless you have changed it yourself. 

Internet card

  • For visitors and users who only want access to eResources or the Internet on public access computers
  • Good for 20 years
  • No physical checkouts permitted and 20 Overdrive, opens a new window checkouts, 10 Hoopla, opens a new window checkouts per month, and 10 Kanopy, opens a new window play credits per month
  • No holds on physical materials and 20 Overdrive holds (materials in Hoopla and Kanopy are always instantly available)
  • Your pin number defaults to the last four digits of the phone number you gave the library unless you have changed it yourself. 

In addition to the cards mentioned above, students enrolled in the Tacoma Public School District may have received a card through the Pathway Partnership.