All permanent residents of San Juan Island and their dependants qualify for a free library card. Patrons under 17 years old will be issued a youth card and must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Qualified individuals wishing to receive a library card should visit the Library in person to fill out a library card application, and be prepared to provide a form of identification and proof of San Juan Island residency as listed below.

Resident Library Card:

In order to be eligible for a Resident Library Card, a patron must have one of the following:

• Driver’s license with local address
• State ID card with local address
• Passport with local address

OR, a photo ID and one of the following:

• Utility bill addressed to the person at a local address
• Lease or rental agreement in the person’s name
• Property tax bill in the person’s name, or call the assessor’s office or check the    assessor’s website
• Telephone number in the person’s name (in phone book or call information)
• Checks with name and local address printed on the checks
• Receipt for a PO Box from the Post Office or Post San Juan
• Marina slip rental agreement

Note: Pay stubs are not an acceptable proof of residency. People often live outside the district and work on the island. We are supported by property taxes, so individuals must reside within the district.

Special Exceptions

Applicants who are living with someone but have no proof of residency, may bring in a written statement from the resident with whom they are residing, stating that they are in fact a resident. The statement must come from someone who is a verifiable local resident.

Applicants who are temporary employees of a summer resort or institution on San Juan Island, may bring in a signed statement from their employer verifying their resident status. The employer may also issue a group letter stating the names of individuals living in employee housing or dormitories as proof of residency.

Reciprocal Library Card:

Patrons of Orcas Island Public Library and Lopez Island Library with active accounts may receive a reciprocal borrowing card for free. Applicants should be prepared to present their card or ID for verification of eligibility.

Guest Library Card:

Guest cards are available for anyone with a photo ID for a fee of $10 per month or $100 per year.