Library Card

WHO CAN GET A LIBRARY CARD?

It’s easy to get a library card, and it’s FREE! Any person 18 years of age or older residing or owning property within the Fairbanks North Star Borough is eligible for a free library card from FNSB Libraries. Also, a parent or legal guardian for a minor or foster child under the age of 18 can sign their child up for a free public library card. During the 2022 spring semester, students enrolled in the FNSB School District will become eligible for FREE START public library card.  Please contact the circulation desk at 459-1040 for further details on START cards. For all other library cards:

1. Come to either of our library locations. 
2. Bring a valid US government issued photo identification (see list below).
3. Bring a valid verification of current FNSB mailing address (see list below).
4. Fill out the simple application form available at the library.
5. For minors under age 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present, along with the minor, when applying and show all valid ID as listed above. Persons designated as legal guardians or foster parents will be asked to show legal documentation verifying guardianship or court ordered placement.

ACCEPTABLE FORMS OF PHOTO IDENTIFICATION

• State issued driver’s license or ID card
• US passport
• US military ID
• Tribal ID card
• School ID card

ACCEPTABLE FORMS OF MAILING ADDRESS VERIFICATION

• State issued driver’s license or ID card
• Current utility bill
• Current residential rental or lease agreement
• Current automobile registration
• Voter registration card
• Piece of mail in your name delivered to your address within the last 30 days
• Don’t have any of the above address verification? Let us know and we’ll mail you a postcard.

LOST CARDS

Cardholders are responsible for all materials borrowed on their account, so notify us immediately and we will block use of your card. Because checkouts require your PIN, it is unlikely another person could use your card, but we’ve seen our share of cards with PINs written on them or tucked in a wallet along with the card.

When you are ready to replace your card, come in to one of our branches, bringing an acceptable form of photo identification (see above). Minors without photo identification may come in with parent or legal guardian who have photo identification, or they will be required to answer several identifying questions. There is a $7.00 fee to replace a lost or missing library card.  

CAN I GET A LIBRARY CARD IF I DON'T RESIDE OR OWN PROPERTY IN THE BOROUGH?

Yes! There are several options available. Please contact one of our branches to find out which is the best option for your needs.

WHAT IF I AM UNABLE TO VISIT ONE OF THE LIBRARY BRANCHES?

For our homebound residents, we have Bookmobile Services! Please contact our Bookmobile office at 907-459-1031 to learn if you’d be eligible for this service.

WHY DO I HAVE A PIN? 

• A PIN is assigned to each library account at the time created. Patrons may change their PIN at any time.
• PINs are required to check out materials and to access information about a patron account through the library website or at a service desk.
• Patrons requesting information about their own cards may be given the information if:
  • They present their library card and know their PIN; or,
  • They are able to furnish a US government issued photo ID, or
  • They can be personally identified by library staff and can provide corroborating personal information.
• Account information or account changes may only be done over the telephone if the patron supplies their library card number and PIN.

WHY ALL THE CONFIDENTIALITY?

FNSB Libraries strive to protect the privacy of library patrons in accordance with Alaska Statute 40.25.140 Confidentiality of Library Records regardless of age.

Alaska Statute on Confidentiality of Library Records:

AS 40.25.140. Confidentiality of Library Records.

(a) Except as provided in (b) of this section, the names, addresses, or other personal identifying information of people who have used materials made available to the public by a library shall be kept confidential, except upon court order, and are not subject to inspection under AS 40.25.110 or 40.25.120. This section applies to libraries operated by the state, a municipality, or a public school, including the University of Alaska.
(b) Records of a public elementary or secondary school library identifying a minor child shall be made available on request to a parent or guardian of that child.