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Getting/Using a Library Card
- Log into your account.
- After logging into your account, click your name in the upper right-hand corner to access account information.
Updating Library Card
All La Crosse Public Library and WRLSWEB cards are updated yearly. Updates may be done in person or over the phone.
Loan Periods & Fines
To see the details of loan periods and fines, look here.
Getting a Library Card
Getting a La Crosse Public Library card is easy and free! Applications are available at any La Crosse Public Library location, in person, or available online.
Additional requirements are as follows:
Wisconsin Residents
An adult must complete and sign an application and present:
- A current valid ID with photo, name, and current address (driver’s license, Wisconsin state ID, etc.)
OR
- An ID with photo and name and another piece of current identification which must include name and current address. Accepted forms of address are: personal check; current telephone, gas, electric or cable bill; or lease agreement. (Post office box numbers and general delivery are not accepted.)
A youth, age 15 or younger, must present a completed and signed application that includes the signature of a parent, stepparent, foster parent, or legal guardian. The guardian must also present identification as described above, and must be willing to accept full responsibility for fines and charges on that child’s card.
Anyone without a fixed address may use a letter certifying their local residency from the social service agency where he or she receives mail.
Organizations providing facilities and regular care for residents may apply for a caregiver/educator card. Stop by the La Crosse Public Library to pick up a caregiver/educator application.
Nonresidents
| Type | ID Needed | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin taxpayer, nonresident | Current valid ID with photo, name, and address; current Wisconsin property tax bill with their name(s) on the title | Free |
| Nonresident | Current valid ID with photo, name, and address | $10/Month $50/Six Months $90/Year $35/Year (Student Rate) Free/Computer Only Card |
Holds: Notifications and picking up
Shoutbomb is the newest way for you to keep up to date on your account:
The SMS Alerts service gives you the option to receive text messages from Winding Rivers Library System on your mobile device. After you opt into SMS Alerts, Winding Rivers Library System will send you text messages to bring an event to your attention, such as an overdue item or a hold ready for pickup. Contact the library for specific information about when you’ll receive alerts.
You can choose to opt out of the SMS Alerts service at any time.
Picking up holds
To ensure your safety and privacy, we will remind you to always present your library card when picking up materials.
In order to pick up your own holds, you will need to do one of the following:
- Present your physical library card
- Present your ID so that we can verify your identity
- Completely and correctly answer a series of questions to confirm your identity
Picking up someone else's holds
In order to pick up someone else's holds, you must present that person's library card.
Picking up a minor's holds (under the age of 16)
In order to pick up a minor's holds, you will need to do one of the following:
- Present the minor's library card
- If an adult comes in to pick up a minor's holds, without the minor present, the adult must be able to completely and correctly answer a series of questions to confirm the identity of the minor who the holds are for
- If only the minor is present, the minor must be able to completely and correctly answer a series of questions to confirm identity.
Replacing Your Library Card
If a library card is lost or stolen, please report it to any La Crosse Public Library location immediately. A library cardholder is responsible for all materials, fines, and fees charged against their library card until its loss is reported to the La Crosse Public Library. To be issued a new card, you will need to either present a current valid ID with name or must be able to completely and correctly answer a series of questions to confirm identity.
Seasonal Residents, Visiting Professionals, People in Transition
For individuals who cannot provide proof of current address or property ownership within the state of Wisconsin, the library offers a short-term card with limited privileges. A short-term card is issued for three months and limits the number of items to be checked out to five. This card allows access to the Internet. Some form of identification is required, such as an out-of-state driver's license, a Social Security card, or a letter of support from a supporting agency.
Special note: due to cost and licensing issues, certain online resources may not be available to non-residents of the City of La Crosse.
Your WRLSWEB Library Responsibilities
- Any library materials checked out on a card are the sole responsibility of that cardholder.
- Users will promptly return all borrowed items by the due date or pay overdue charges.
- Users will pay any replacement costs assessed for lost, unreturned, or damaged items.
- Users will not lend their library card to others.
- Users will promptly report any change in contact information.
- Users will promptly report a lost or stolen card.
- Users will obey the rules of behavior when visiting the library.
- If signing a library card application for a juvenile, the users accepts responsibility for fines and charges on the child’s card and acknowledge that it is the guardian’s responsibility, not the library’s, to monitor and approve the child’s choice of materials and/or other information resources.
- Failure to act responsibly may result in the suspension of library borrowing and use privileges, and that failure to pay library fines or return materials may result in local and state criminal penalties.
- WRLSWEB library card holders agree to comply with the policies of each member library with which they do business.