Policy Title: Registration - Eligible Borrowers

1. Definition

The St. Johns County Public Library System (SJCPLS) issues library cards to eligible residents, non-residents, and organizations to provide access to books, digital resources, and library services at all SJCPLS locations. This policy outlines the criteria for obtaining and maintaining a library card within St. Johns County.

2. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to establish eligibility requirements for obtaining a library card, outline the categories of borrower cards offered by SJCPLS, define the rights, privileges, and limitations of each borrower category, and ensure the consistent, transparent, and equitable application of borrowing rules.

3. Scope

This policy applies to all individuals and institutions seeking to register for a library card through SJCPLS. It governs the issuance, renewal, and use of borrower cards across all library branches and services, whether physical or digital.

4. Resident Cards

Any resident of St. Johns County or person who pays property tax on real property in St. Johns County may register for a free library card at any SJCPLS branch by presenting a government-issued photo I.D. and proof of current St. Johns County address, such as a utility bill, most recent property tax statement, or a record from the Property Appraiser’s database. Library cards may expire due to inactivity, outstanding fees, or the need for address verification, and must be renewed every 36 months.

5. Free Non-Resident Cards

Individuals eligible for a free non-resident library card include:
1. Those who reside in a Florida county with a reciprocal borrowing agreement with St. Johns County,
2. Those who live outside of St. Johns County but own a business in the county,
3. Temporary residents attending an eligible educational institution within St. Johns County (including the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind, Flagler College, St. Johns River State College, First Coast Technical College, University of St. Augustine, or a school/daycare served by SJCPLS),
4. Active-duty military personnel residing in a Florida county. Proof of eligibility is required for registration. Free non-resident library cards are valid for up to 24 months, may be renewed with continued proof of eligibility, and provide access to limited library services, excluding Interlibrary Loan, purchase requests, Library of Things, and eContent.

6. County Employee Cards

County employee cards may be issued to any employee of the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners or its affiliates, including the St. Johns County School Board and Constitutional Offices, regardless of whether the employee resides within or outside the county. County employee cards are valid for 24 months.

7. Paid Non-Resident Cards

Individuals who reside outside the state of Florida or are residents of a Florida county without a reciprocal borrowing agreement with St. Johns County are eligible for a paid non-resident library card.

A non-resident may obtain a 1-month, 3-month, or 1-year library card by paying a fee determined by the County. Paid non-resident cards provide access to most library services, including Interlibrary Loan, Library of Things, and eContent.

8. Institutional Cards

An institution is defined as an organization formally established for a specific purpose or activity within St. Johns County. Institutional library cards are issued infrequently and only at the discretion of library staff. These cards are valid for 60 months.

9. Restricted User Cards

Individuals eligible for a restricted user library card include residents of St. Johns County who are in transition and unable to provide proof of a current county address. A government-issued photo I.D. is required for registration.

Restricted user cards are free, expire after twelve months, and carry the following limitations:
1. Only two items may be checked out at a time,
2. Only two items may be placed on hold,
3. No Interlibrary Loan requests are allowed,
4. No Library of Things checkouts,
5. No access to eContent.

Approved by LAB: 11/14/18
Approved by BCC: 12/18/18
Revision Approved by LAB: 09/10/25
Revision Approved by BCC: 10/07/25