Types of Library Cards

Who can get a Library Card?

Any Brown County resident or property owner and their family members are eligible for a library card, regardless of age.

You will need:

  • A photo ID plus another valid form of identification that shows your current address. (Valid voter registration card, apartment lease signed within the last 60 days, a bank statement or utility bill issued within the last 60 days, or a property tax receipt.)
  • If your driver’s license is up-to-date, that’s all you need!
  • Patrons under 18 years of age must have a parent or guardian sign their library card. The parent or guardian must provide a photo ID and identification stating their current address. They are not required to have a library card.
  • Read our complete Circulation Policy.

What if I don’t live in Brown County?

We offer three types of cards to non-Brown County residents. These cards give you access to all the physical and digital materials in the Brown County Public Library collection.

Reciprocal Card

Libraries like to share! If you are a resident of Bartholomew, Johnson, Morgan, Shelby, or Owen County you are eligible for a free Brown County Reciprocal Library Card.

You must be:

  • A patron in good standing with your home county library
  • Show your home county library card, plus photo ID
  • Reside in a reciprocating county

Non-resident Card

If you live in a non-reciprocal county and want to use the Brown County Public Library, you can get a Non-Resident Library Card.

Non-Resident Library Cards are:

  • Only valid in the Brown County, Indiana Public Library system
  • A non-refundable annual fee of $40
  • Valid for 1 year
  • Must be renewed in person at the Brown County Public Library

You must:

  • Provide photo ID and proof of Indiana residency
  • Be a patron in good standing with your home county library

PLAC Card

The Public Library Access Card (PLAC) allows you to check out materials from any public library in the state of Indiana, regardless of your Indiana county of residence.

PLAC Cards are:

  • A non-refundable annual fee of $65
  • Valid for 1 year
  • Must be renewed in person at an Indiana Library
  • Useable at any public library in the state of Indiana. Borrowing restrictions may apply

You must:

  • Provide photo ID and proof of Indiana residency
  • Be a patron in good standing with your home county library