Get a Library Card

Library Cards FAQ

• How do I get a library card?

  To apply for a library card visit one of our branches to verify your identity and other information. 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.

• What library card options are available?

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

  Regular	Basic
  Needs Proof of Address 50/50 Checkouts/Holds Limits Interlibrary Loans 21 Day Checkout Period 2 Renewals Access Online Resources Access Libby/Overdrive Access Library of Things	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 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 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

• Can I get a TRL card if I am a non-resident?

  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.

  In 2024, 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).

• What is the MyTRL program?

   

  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.

   

• Is my student's school part of the MyTRL Program?

  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