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Library Card
Applying for a Library Card
Smyth County Public Library offers library cards to all residents of Smyth County (beginning at age 4), as well as neighboring counties. Applicants under the age of 18 must have a parent or legal guardian with a card in good standing sign for their card.
We also offer temporary Out-of-State cards to people staying locally for an extended period for a yearly fee of $10.00.
To apply for a library card, you will need a current picture ID (such as a Driver’s license or a passport) that has a correct mailing address. If your mailing address is not correct on your ID, we will require a piece of mail that has been mailed to the correct address, a current signed lease with the correct address, or proof of address change from the post office. Please bring these items with you to any of our 3 locations.
Adult patrons are responsible for all items checked out on their cards. Parents or the authorizing adult of minor patrons are responsible for items checked out on the minor’s card. All responsible patrons should make the library aware of any changes in name, address, phone number, or email address.
Loss or theft of a library card must be reported to the library immediately to prevent unauthorized use.
If you lose your physical card, a replacement card can be purchased for $2.50.
Online Electronic Card Registration
Currently SCPL offers several databases and services that can be accessed via the internet (Hoopla, NewsBank, Libby, etc.). Residents of Smyth County may request an Electronic Services Card to be used to access digital materials only. This card can be converted to a regular library card by bringing the information specified under “Applying for a Library Card” to one of our locations.
Loan Policies
Checkout
A library card must be presented at checkout. As a courtesy, an individual may use a driver’s license or state-issued identification in lieu of a library card if they already have a library card.
SCPL materials (with the exception of hotspots and tablets) may be returned to any SCPL location regardless of where they were checked out.
Loan Policies
| Material Type | Loan Period | Limits | Renewals | Overdue Fine | Maximum Fine per Item |
| Book | 21 days | 15 | 2 | .10 per day | $3.00 |
| DVD | 21 days | 5 | 0 | 1.00 per day | $5.00 |
| Book on CD | 21 days | 5 | 2 | .10 per day | $3.00 |
| Magazines | 21 days | 10 | 2 | .10 per day | $3.00 |
| Paperback | 21 days | 25 | 2 | .10 per day | $3.00 |
| Hotspot | 60 days | 1 per family | 0 | .25 per day | |
| Tablet | 30 days | 1 per family | 0 | .25 per day | |
| Playaway | 7 days | 2 children/1 adult per family | 1 | 1.00 | $5.00 |
| Total | 50 |
Libby/Overdrive—14-21 days check out period (depending on your settings within the app)
Hoopla—21 days checkout for e-books and audiobooks; 7 days for music; 3 days for movies and TV shows.
Renewals
Items that are on hold for another patron may not be renewed. Renewals may be requested in person, by phone, or made online through the patron account portal. Patrons wanting a third renewal must bring the items into the library.
Renewal periods are the same as initial checkout periods.
Renewals for Libby/Overdrive and Hoopla are managed within the apps rather than through your library account.
Late Fees/Fines
Borrowing privileges are suspended when accumulated fines reach $5.00. Privileges will be reinstated when fines are paid.
Holds
If an item is currently checked out, a patron may place a hold on the item. You may have up to 10 items on hold at one time (excluding Libby/Overdrive materials). Holds may be placed in person, by phone, or online via the library catalog.
Hold limit on Libby/Overdrive materials is managed through the app.
