How do I get a library card?
Scituate Residents
A photo ID and proof of residency is required to get a library card. Photo ID can include driver’s license, Massachusetts ID, passport, military ID or student ID. If the photo ID does not have your Scituate address on it, proof of residency can include any of the following with a Scituate address: utility (gas, phone, electric, cable or oil) bill, lease agreement or house sale documents, tax bill (must include your name), checkbook with Scituate address, piece of mail addressed to you.
Residents of other OCLN towns
Residents of OCLN towns may apply for a library at any OCLN library. When applying for a card in Scituate, proper identification is needed including a photo ID and proof of residency in an OCLN town. Only one OCLN library card per person is allowed.
Residents of Non-OCLN towns
Massachusetts residents of Non-OCLN towns are eligible for an Old Colony Library Network card with presentation of proper identification including a photo ID and proof of residency in Massachusetts.
Summer Residents
Summer residents must apply in person at the library. Patrons may show as proof of summer residency a lease, rental agreement, or utility bill. If the patron is visiting for the summer, and does not have any proof of current address, the patron can request a postcard at the Service Desk. The patron will have to mail themselves the postcard and subsequently bring it back to the library to prove their current address. Once the mailing address has been authenticated for the patron, they will be required to show valid identification. This must include a photo ID with the patron’s current residential street address and the mailed postcard.
Please note
In order to borrow materials your library card is required at check out. It is the responsibility of the card holder to return materials by the due date.
Temporary e-Cards
Patrons may register for an e-card by visiting the Library’s website. Patrons may not have more than one card in the Old Colony Library Network. If a patron is unsure if they have an active OCLN card, they can contact the Scituate Town Library’s Service Desk for information. If an existing card is already under the patron’s name, library staff will issue a replacement card. Only residents of Massachusetts are permitted to apply for an e-card.
Once registered, a confirmation email with a temporary e-card number will be sent to the patron. This enables patrons to immediately access digital materials from the Scituate Town Library website. This card is temporary only and will expire. To preserve access to your digital content, please come to the Library with a valid form of identification. Register online by clicking here.
Registration for Children, Teens & Boston Students
Children must be five years of age to get a Library card. Children ages 5-11 must apply in person at the library with a parent or guardian. The child’s parent or guardian must present their own valid identification (See Registration for Adults). A parent may also present their own active Scituate Town Library card as proof of identity and address. In rare cases, a parent or guardian may be unable to accompany a child to the library. In such cases, a caregiver may obtain library card with the child, provided that the parent/guardian has filled out the Library Card Registration form in advance.
High School students may apply for a library card with or without a parent or guardian present. As identification, teens may present a school ID, bus pass, or driver’s license. Teens may also apply for a library card if accompanied by a parent or guardian who presents photo ID or a valid OCLN library card.
Middle School students in sixth, seventh, or eighth grade may apply for a library card with or without a parent or guardian present. Students must present a school ID or bus pass in order to get a card.
Registration for Students from Boston
Boston students attending school in Scituate are eligible for Scituate Library Cards despite not being residents of the Old Colony Network. To register for a library card, Boston students follow the respective age guidelines listed in Registration for Teens, Middle School Children, and Children. Boston students are also welcome to register for an e-card by visiting the Library’s website.
Registration for Town of Scituate Employees
Employees who work for the Town of Scituate and need library materials for their position are encouraged to register for either a Teacher or Organization library card. Teacher cards are used for those who are currently employed as a teacher, educator, librarian, administrator, or caregiver for before/after school programs. Employees need to apply in person at the Library’s Service Desk and bring a valid form of identification.