Who Is Eligible for a Card?
New York State residents, ages 5 and older, who come to the library, qualify to receive a free library card. Individuals who carry a current library card from a member library of the Southern Tier Library System may use the library with their home library card.
Nonresident Cards
Nonresidents will be issued a library card for one year for $25 per person. The nonresident fee will be waived if applicants show proof of employment or property ownership in New York State. Elmira College students with current college identification qualify to receive a free library card.
Organization Cards
Any Chemung County business or organization will receive a library card once its director or president agrees to accept responsibility for charged materials.
In order to get a library card, applicants are required to complete and sign an application signifying their agreement to adhere to CCLD policies. Children ages 5 – 15 years must have their application co-signed by their parent or guardian. (Guardians must provide a letter of proof that they are the legal guardian for the child).
Applicants must present identification before being issued a library card. Parents or guardians of children ages 5 – 15 years must present proof of address on their behalf. The most appropriate form of identification is a New York State driver’s license. Also accepted will be a NYS auto registration, a personal checkbook with printed current address, a letter postmarked to one’s current address, or another official document with one’s current name and address.
Teen Limited Card
Teens ages 13-15 can get a Limited Teen library card if their parent/legal guardian is not able to come to the library in person to fill out and sign the teens’ library card application. To get the limited card:
- Teens MUST provide photo ID such as a school ID card or show their school ID via the SchoolTool app.
- Teens will fill out their library card application and receive a Limited card.
This teen limited library card will allow them to check out any 4 items. At least one item must be returned before more items can be checked out. Teens can check out any items they wish: books, DVDs, video games, etc.
Digital Card
Want immediate access to downloadable audiobooks and eBooks? A digital card grants access to the STLS Overdrive (Libby) collection. Note: You cannot check out physical items with a digital card, or access any online subscriptions other than Overdrive (Libby).
Checkout Guidelines
Need information about how many items you can check out and how long you can keep them? Have questions about holds, renewals, returns? Find out everything you need to know about using your library card.