Library Cards & Accounts FAQs

  • General Questions

    To apply for a library card visit one of our branches to verify your identity and other information or apply online here. For minors, any accompanying adult acting in a caregiving capacity may verify ID and information.

    The two most common card types are:

    • Basic Card:  Verifying your ID allows you to check out up to 10 items and place 10 items on hold. Basic cards may not check out Library of Things items.   
    • Regular Card:  If your current address is on your ID, or you provide another form of address verification in addition to your ID, you can upgrade to a regular card.  This allows you to borrow up to 50 items and also place 50 items on hold.

    Both card types provide full access to online resources, digital ebooks and audiobooks, computers and printing. 

    Timberland library cards are free to applicants of any age who meet any of the following criteria:
    • Anyone living or owning property in TRL's 5-county Service Area: Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston counties
      • Except residents of these cities: Mossyrock, Napavine, Ocean Shores, Pe Ell, and Vader. These locations have not contracted or annexed for library service. Residents may pay a non-resident fee for a regular card.
    • Non-resident individuals who work or attend school in the TRL Service Area.
    • Institutions, businesses, and qualifying homeschools in the TRL Service Area.
    • Residents of library districts that have reciprocal borrowing agreements with TRL.
    • Residents of other areas outside of the TRL Service area within Washington that have tax-supported public library service.

    Students in grades K-12 may already have a MyTRL account that can be used to access online resources, ebooks and more. Learn about MyTRL accounts here.

    To sign up, visit any TRL location or speak with staff during staffed hours. At registration, library staff will explain the Patron Agreement and EAH terms and conditions, and answer any questions you may have about using the library during Expanded Access Hours. Your EAH card will open the door, you will need your regular library card to use services.

    Yes! Visit our Get a Library Card page for more information and the link to apply online.

    Printable applications can be found at the links below. We can also send you a blank application via mail or email upon request. 

    Mail your completed application to the nearest branch for processing, or scan and email to asklib@trl.org. The applicant assumes all risk associated with the voluntary submission of personal information via email. Please do not send scanned images of your ID.

    The table below summarizes the different library card options available. Please Ask Us if you have any questions!

    Regular, opens a new window Basic
    Needs Proof of Address & ID
    50/50 Checkouts/Holds Limits
    Interlibrary Loans
    21 Day Checkout Period
    2 Renewals
    Access Online Resources
    Access Libby/Overdrive
    Access Library of Things    		 ID Required; No Proof of Address Needed
    10/10 Checkouts/Holds Limit
    No Interlibrary Loans
    21 Day Checkout Period
    2 Renewals
    Access Online Resources
    Access Libby/Overdrive
    No Checkouts of Library of Things
    Reciprocal and Cooperative Internet and MyTRL
    Needs Proof of Address & ID
    50/50 Checkouts/Holds Limits
    No Interlibrary Loans
    21 Day Checkout Period
    2 Renewals
    Access Online Resources
    Access Libby/Overdrive
    Access Library of Things    		 No Proof of Address Needed
    No Physical Checkouts/Holds
    No Interlibrary Loans
    N/A Checkout Period
    N/A Renewals
    Access Online Resources
    Access Libby/Overdrive
    No Checkouts of Library of Things
    Non-Resident Books by Mail
    Needs Proof of Address & ID + Fee
    50/50 Checkouts/Holds Limits
    Interlibrary Loans
    21 Day Checkout Period
    2 Renewals
    Access Online Resources
    Access Libby/Overdrive
    Access Library of Things    		 Needs Proof of Residency & Application
    50/50 Checkouts/Holds Limits
    Interlibrary Loans
    35 Day Checkout Period
    1 Renewal
    Access Online Resources
    Access Libby/Overdrive
    No Checkouts of Library of Things
    Homeschool Institution or Business
    Needs Proof of Address & Application
    50/50 Checkouts/Holds Limits
    Interlibrary Loans
    35 Day Checkout Period
    1 Renewal
    No Online Resources Access
    Access Libby/Overdrive
    Access Library of Things    		 Needs Proof of Address & Application
    50/25 Checkouts/Holds Limits
    No Interlibrary Loans
    35 Day Checkout Period
    1 Renewal
    No Online Resources Access
    No Libby/Overdrive Access
    No Checkouts of Library of Things

    Timberland Regional Library cards are free to residents of Thurston, Mason, Lewis, Grays Harbor and Pacific counties except residents of these cities: Morton, Mossyrock, Napavine, Ocean Shores, Pe Ell, and Vader. These locations have not contracted or annexed for library service. Residents of these cities may pay a non-resident fee for a regular card.

    If you live outside of the area served by TRL but can verify that you work or attend school within the library district you are eligible for a TRL card at no cost. 

    In 2025, the price for a non-resident card is $93 per year, with the option of a six-month card at $47, a three-month card at $23, or a one-month card at $8. 

    • The non-resident fee is for the entire household, each household member receives their own library card. 
    • Residents of Washington State and Clatsop County in Oregon, not in the TRL Service Area and not covered by a reciprocal agreement or cooperative service area, may purchase a Non-Resident card. 
    • The cost of the card is determined by the average cost each household in the Timberland district pays in property taxes for library services and is re-calculated annually. 
    • You may pay the non-resident fee by cash or check, or staff can bill your account and you can pay online.

    Washington State residents who live outside of the TRL service area and have a library card with another public library system may be eligible for a TRL card (see: Reciprocal and Cooperative cards).

    No. When you complete the online card application you will be issued a card number and prompted to create your account. You can start using your card right away to access online resources, including ebooks and downloadable audiobooks.

    Visit your local library anytime to verify your ID and address, and library staff will upgrade your account and issue you a physical card.

    Use your Timberland Regional Library card to:

    • Check out books, magazines, DVDs, CDs, book group kits and a wide variety of additional formats including VOX books, Playaways and unique items from our Library of Things.
    • Download eBooks and audiobooks 
    • Stream videos 
    • Check the online catalog  to see what items you have checked out, overdue, or on hold and place holds on items 
    • Use the Mobile App to search, place holds, and access digital resources 
    • Use a library computer with Internet access and Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Publisher 
    • Print, scan and fax from copy machines available at every library
    • Access hundreds of digital newspapers and magazines, online classes and other resources on health, business, computers, genealogy, car repair, hobbies, and many more topics in the library, or from home.

    Reciprocal borrowing agreements between library systems allow residents of one library district to use the services of another library district and vice versa. Library users may apply for and have library cards in the other library system. 

    • What this means for residents of the Timberland Regional Library area is that you may get library cards with other library districts, expanding your options for physical or digital items. 
    • What this means for Washington State residents living outside of the Timberland Regional Library district is that in many cases you are covered either under our reciprocal agreements or our cooperative service areas and may get a TRL card to access our materials and services. 

    In general, you must show proof of residence in your "home" library district to get a card in the "other" library district.  Our agreements with Seattle Public Library and Longview Public Library require that you show a valid library card in your "home" library in order to apply for a card in the "other" system.  Users are encouraged to contact the library where they wish to get a card to confirm the application requirements.

    TRL has reciprocal borrowing agreements with the following library systems: 

    Cooperative Service Area: 

    An alternative to reciprocal cards, the cooperative service area includes those areas in Washington State, outside of the TRL Service area, that have tax-supported public library service. As with areas covered by a reciprocal agreement, you will need to apply at a Timberland Regional Library and provide ID and address verification showing that you qualify. 

    No. When you apply in person at your local Timberland library, opens a new window or Anywhere Library mobile stop, staff will verify your identity and ask you a few short questions to get your account set up. It's a good idea to bring your photo ID and address verification (if different from what's on your ID), but you don't need to print and fill out an application. 

    At this time, we do not have an online card application form so most new card applications happen at the library. If you cannot make it to the library to apply for a card in-person we can issue you a card remotely that will grant access to online resources only. 

    Printable applications can be found at the links below. We can also send you a blank application via mail or email upon request. 

    Mail your completed application to the nearest branch for processing, or scan and email to asklib@trl.org. The applicant assumes all risk associated with the voluntary submission of personal information via email. Please do not send scanned images of your ID.

    While we want every visitor to have the best possible experience on our website, we recognize that it is impossible to develop applications and sites that work identically, efficiently, and effectively with all browsers.

    Web browsers

    Google Chrome (Preferred browser)
    Apple Safari 11, 12, and 13 on supported versions of Apple's macOS/OS X
    Microsoft Edge (Chromium & Legacy) on Windows 10
    Mozilla Firefox Latest two versions

    Mobile OS

    iOS 

    • Apple Safari on iOS 11 and above
    • Google Chrome on iOS 11 and above

    Android

    • The most recent stable release of Google Chrome for Android

    Supported Screen Readers

    JAWS: 16 to the most recent version on Internet Explorer 11
    NDVA: On the most recent version of Mozilla Firefox.
    VoiceOver: On the most recent version of Apple Safari.

    Known Issues
    After logging into BiblioCore on iPhone with Safari, users continue to see the 'Log-in' prompt in the website header. This indicates to users that they are not logged in when in fact they are. This issue is related to a Safari limitation and how they handle cookies. BiblioCommons is unable to resolve this issue until Safari addresses this limitation. 

    TRL protects the privacy of your account, keeping all records confidential. We only release information to the person to whom the card is issued, unless you instruct us otherwise. That includes all information in your account (e.g., address and contact information, items borrowed or requested, and computer use information). Information stored on public computers is automatically deleted when you log off. 

    You may opt to share information with others by granting others specific permissions. Parents should work with their minor children to determine what methods will work best to help children manage their accounts and selection of materials.

    Depending on the type of library card you have it will need to be renewed every year or every three years. This is a chance to make sure we have the most current address and contact information for you. If your account has been active in the last 365 days it will be renewed automatically. To keep your card current all you need to do is use it!

    Active accounts will still receive a message 28 days before the renewal date inviting you to update any outdated contact information. If all your information is up to date no action is required. 

    You may update your account information or renew your card anytime by visiting a local branch or contacting us via email or chat. 

  • Homeschool Accounts

    As soon as TRL staff member creates the account and issues the library card, it is fully functional.

    For more information visit your local branch or email asklib@trl.org with any questions.

    TRL provides homeschool library card accounts to homeschoolers within the TRL service area, excluding non-annexed, non-contracting cities, unless the homeschooler is a paying non-resident card holder

    An applicant must have a personal Timberland Regional Library card with a verified address, and a fee balance below 10 dollars. Homeschool accounts are used in tandem with your regular library card. Only one homeschool card is allowed per homeschool. 

    Yes. A homeschool card offers an additional account to access more materials for a longer checkout period.

    See "What library card options are available?"

    The following items are not eligible for checkout on the homeschool account:

    • Materials for personal use.
    • Streaming video services and databases. (TRL licenses databases for individual use by patrons.)

    • Homeschool accounts require annual renewal.
    • Homeschool accounts can check out up to 50 items at a time and have up to 25 items on hold.
    • Most items have an initial checkout period of 5 weeks, with one additional 5-week renewal allowed if there are no holds.
    • Feature films check out for the standard 7-day period and may be renewed if there are no holds.
    • Email notification of holds and overdue items is sent to email addresses provided. The account can be linked to your personal account for ease of online access.
    • Account holders have the same responsibilities as regular cardholders. Items must be renewed or returned by their due dates. Homeschool accounts will be billed for items considered lost or damaged. As long as fees stay below $10, materials can still be checked out

  • MyTRL Student Accounts

     

    MyTRL is a partnership between Timberland Regional Library and schools in our 5 county service region. MyTRL facilitates free access for K-12 students to TRL’s vast electronic resources as well as public computers and printing. Special MyTRL accounts allow students to login to TRL from school or home, on any computer or device, all without needing a physical card. Students and educators can take advantage of a wide range and depth of TRL’s supplemental educational tools to facilitate all stages of life-long learning.

    Students can use their accounts at Timberland Libraries to access online resources, create documents, use computers and print even if they already have a “regular” library card with TRL. (They will need a regular card to check out physical items).

    Timberland Regional Library and ESD 113 look forward to supporting student success this academic year with an ongoing opportunity to participate in MyTRL, a partnership between ESD 113, Timberland Regional Library, and schools in Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston counties.

     

    Current MyTRL Partner Schools
    Aberdeen
    Adna
    Boistfort
    Centralia School District
    Chehalis School District
    Cosmopolis
    Gravity
    Elma
    Evaline
    Grapeview
    Griffin
    Hood Canal
    Hoquiam School District
    Lake Quinault
    Mary M Knight
    McCleary
    Morton
    Mossyrock
    Napavine
    Naselle
    North Beach
    North Mason School District
    North River
    North Thurston Public Schools
    Oakville School District
    Ocosta
    Olympia School District
    Onalaska
    PeEll
    Pioneer School District
    Rainier School District
    Raymond School District
    Rochester School District
    Satsop
    Shelton School District
    South Bend School District
    Southside
    Taholah
    Tenino School District
    Tumwater School District
    Willapa
    Wishkah
    White Pass
    Winlock School District
    Yelm Community Schools

    Partnerships In Progress: MOUs Signed
    Ocean Beach
    Toledo School District

    Students may create an account with their MyTRL cards, but it is not required. MyTRL cards can be used to access online resources and digital materials without creating a separate account and username. 

    Online resources may be accessed with the student's MyTRL card and PIN. 

    To browse and borrow ebooks, magazines and downloadable audiobooks without creating a username students may visit our Overdrive catalog at: https://timberland.overdrive.com/

    A student's MyTRL card number is a combination of their student ID number and birth date. The exact formula will depend on the student's school. If you need help with your MyTRL account information contact us via email, chat or in-person at your local branch. 

    Please contact us with questions about the MyTRL program at mytrl@trl.org