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.

• Can I apply for a library card online?

  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. 

  • Timberland Regional Library Card Application - English, opens a new window
  • Solicitud de tarjeta de Timberland Regional Library - Español, opens a new window

  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.

• 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, opens a new window	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.