Getting access to the wealth of resources at the St. Pete Beach Public Library is easier than you might think. Whether you’re a resident of Pinellas County, a seasonal visitor, or just curious about borrowing materials, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about obtaining and using your library card.
Who Can Get a Free Library Card?
If you call Pinellas County home, good news! Your library card is absolutely free** and will be valid for a generous three-year period. To kickstart the process, you have two convenient options:
Option 1: Online Registration
For ultimate convenience, you can begin your library card application online. Simply visit the Online Registration portal and follow the steps. This is a great way to save time and get a head start before visiting the library.
Option 2: In-Person Application
Prefer a more personal touch? You can apply for your library card directly at the St. Pete Beach Public Library. Just bring the necessary documentation with you.
What to Bring:
To verify your residency, please bring one of the following:
- Valid Florida Driver’s License or Florida Identification Card: This must display your current local Pinellas County address.
- Alternative Valid Picture ID AND One of the following:
- Your current TRIM notice (property tax bill)
- A current utility bill (such as electricity, water, or cable television)
- A long-term lease agreement for a property in Pinellas County (minimum 6 months)
- A property deed for a Pinellas County residence
- Vehicle registration or title (must be for the current year)
- Voter’s registration card
- Other government-issued photo identification that includes your local address
Important Note for Applicants Under 16:
If you are under the age of 16, you will need to have a parent or legal guardian present with you when applying for your library card.
What About Non-Member City Residents?
** If you reside in a city that is not a member of the Pinellas Public Library Cooperative (PPLC), you can still apply for a PPLC library card. However, it’s important to be aware that your city might not cover the full cost associated with your library card. To check if your city is a non-member and to understand potential costs, please visit the PPLC website’s Non Member City Reimbursements page.**
Options for Seasonal Visitors
Welcome, snowbirds and temporary residents! If you are visiting Pinellas County and are not a property owner or year-round resident, you are still eligible for a library card. We offer a seasonal visitor’s library card to ensure you can enjoy our resources during your stay.
To obtain a seasonal visitor’s card, simply present a current photo ID and provide a temporary local address within Pinellas County.
Seasonal Visitor Card Details:
- There is a $25.00 QUARTERLY fee for a seasonal visitor’s card.
- This card grants you borrowing privileges at all PPLC member libraries throughout Pinellas County.
- Please be aware that seasonal visitors are responsible for any fees or fines accumulated on their account. To avoid any unexpected charges, we advise against sharing your card with others.
Explore the Honor Collection
If none of the above library card options fit your situation, or if you are just visiting briefly, the St. Pete Beach Public Library still offers ways for you to access reading materials. We have an “honor collection” of books and puzzles that can be borrowed without a traditional library card.
Simply speak with the friendly staff at the circulation desk to let them know how many items you are borrowing from the honor collection. We kindly ask that you return these items when you are finished with them so that others can enjoy them as well.
Free Events for Everyone!
Don’t forget that all events hosted by the St. Pete Beach Public Library are free and open to the public. You do not need a library card to attend and participate in our engaging programs and activities.
Renewing Your Expired Library Card
Has your library card expired? Don’t worry, renewing it is a straightforward process.
How to Renew
To renew your St. Pete Beach Public Library card, simply visit any PPLC library location. Make sure to bring your expired library card and a valid photo ID or proof of residency for verification. The library staff will assist you with the renewal process, ensuring you can continue enjoying uninterrupted access to library resources.
Where Can You Use Your St. Pete Beach Library Card?
Your St. Pete Beach Public Library card is your key to accessing resources across the entire Pinellas Public Library Cooperative network. This means you can use your card at any PPLC member library in Pinellas County, expanding your access to books, databases, and services beyond just the St. Pete Beach location. Explore libraries in neighboring cities and discover the vast resources available to you!
Using Cards from Other Florida Counties or Cities
Are you visiting from another part of Florida and already have a library card from your home county or city? While your library card from outside of Pinellas County might not directly allow you to check out materials at the St. Pete Beach Public Library, it’s always worth inquiring at the circulation desk. Florida library systems sometimes have reciprocal agreements, or they may be able to provide you with guest access or information about obtaining a temporary visitor card if needed.
What to Do if You Lose Your Library Card
Oh no, you’ve lost your library card! Don’t panic. Replacing a lost library card is an easy process.
Getting a Replacement Card
Simply visit the St. Pete Beach Public Library with your photo ID or proof of residency. The library staff will be happy to issue you a new library card.
Important Information Regarding Lost Cards:
Please note that when you receive a new library card to replace a lost one, your library card number will change. This means you will need to update your card number for any online databases or resources that you have linked to your previous card. Take a moment to update your information to ensure seamless access to all digital library services.
Borrowing Materials Without Your Physical Card
Forgot your library card at home? No problem! The St. Pete Beach Public Library offers flexible options for borrowing materials even if you don’t have your physical card with you.
Options for Borrowing Without Your Card
You have a few convenient alternatives:
- Use Your Physical Library Card: This is the most traditional method, of course, and always works!
- Digital Card on the PPLC App: If you have the PPLC mobile app installed on your smartphone or tablet, you can access a digital version of your library card right on your device. Simply present your digital card at the circulation desk.
- Photo ID: As a last resort, if you have neither your physical card nor the digital app, the library staff may be able to look up your account using your photo ID.
With these options, you can always access the materials you need at the St. Pete Beach Public Library, even if you accidentally leave your physical card at home.
By following this comprehensive guide, you’ll be well-equipped to get your St. Pete Beach Public Library card and start exploring the vast world of knowledge and resources available to you!
