Library cards are free and will open the doors to a whole world of books, movies, music, programs for kids and adults, computers and online information. A library card gives borrowing privileges at all branches and provides access to the library’s online resources.
Applications are available at all branches and can also be printed in either English or Spanish from the links below. The application must be submitted in person.
When you apply for a library card, you agree to return borrowed materials on time, pay overdue fees, and be responsible for lost or damaged items.
You may choose to set up a Personal Identification Number (PIN)/Password for your account at the time the card is issued, or anytime thereafter. You can change your PIN/Password at any library branch or online at any time. A PIN/Password will allow you to place holds and renew items online, as well as authenticating to use our E-Resources. Contact the library for assistance.
Library cards are free, although a fee of $1.00 is charged to replace a lost card.
To be issued an adult library card you must present the following identification:
- Valid California Driver License, or
- Valid California State Identification Card
Or, any one item from BOTH of the following two lists:
Current Picture Identification (I.D.):
- Passport
- Military I.D.
- School-issued student I.D.
- Employee identification card
- Out-of-State driver license
Address Verification: (must include name and California address)
- Mail postmarked within last 30 days
- An imprinted bank check or deposit slip
- Current rent receipt or lease
- Current utility bill dated within the last 30 days
Computer-Use Only Card
Adults who do not have photo ID, or proof of current address, may apply for a computer-use only card, which provides daily access to the library’s public computers. Please bring some sort of identification with your name in order to apply for this card (need not be photo ID). You may update your account later (for full borrowing privileges) by providing the above identification.
Children's Card
Children and young adults (ages 0 - 17) may receive a library card by completing an application signed by a parent or legal guardian.
Teachers Advantage Pass Cards
Teacher’s Advantage Pass is a borrowing program for Butte County educators. This special library card entitles educators to receive an extended 42-day loan period on most materials with the opportunity for one renewal period. Standard library overdue fines will apply.
Eligible borrowers are public and private school teachers in elementary, secondary, college/graduate and adult education schools. Licensed day care providers, tutors affiliated with a literacy program, and home educators also qualify.
Most materials are included with the exception of Audiobooks, DVDs, and E-Resources. Use of the Teacher’s Advantage Pass does not convey public performance rights for DVDs or videos. Materials must relate to work assignments; extended loan periods are not available for personal items. Extended loans are available only on materials owned by the Butte County Library. Most items may be renewed one time.
Contact us to ask about Teachers Advantage Pass.
Butte County Library e-Card
Butte County residents can get an e-Card to access to our digital collections without needing to apply for a full service library card. e-Card provides you access to the following resources:
- e-Media: Download e-books, audiobooks, e-magazines; stream movies and TVs.
- Research & Homework: Browse catalog, access to online databases, newspaper archives, genealogy tools, professional magazines, and scholarly journals, Britannica School Edition, Britannica Escolar, Chilton Library, Kids Infobits, Medline Plus, World Book Online.
- Online Learning: Basic Skills Tutorials, High School, College Prep, Career, Grad School, GED, Employment, Practice Tests.
You will receive your Username and e-Card Number by email within in one (1) business day after the registration.
OneCard - presented by Meriam Library, California State Library, Chico
Meriam Library and the Butte County Library have partnered to provide OneCard, which allows Chico State students, staff, and faculty to use their WildCat Card to access Butte County Library's electronic resources. For more information, visit https://library.csuchico.edu/onecard .