Bartholomew County Public Library promotes responsible lifelong library use with minimal barriers to facilitate fair and equitable sharing of the community's collections. This includes access to students, educators and educational institutions.
Individuals applying for a BCPL card for educational purposes must present current photo identification. Acceptable forms of photo identification are: drivers’ license, state ID card, passport, military ID, school ID, or employment ID. These must not be expired and must include both name and photo.
Schools, daycares, residential care facilities, governmental agencies, and nonprofit (501c3) organizations physically located within Bartholomew County are eligible for an institutional card. An employee of the organization must complete the application and have the manager, director, or financial officer of t he organization sign the application stating that the institution agrees to the financial responsibility of the items charged to the account. The card must be renewed every 3 years.
Classroom and homeschool teachers at a preschool, K-12, or college campus physically located within Bartholomew County are eligible for a teacher card for the duration of their employment. This card has a longer checkout period and higher checkout limit, and is meant to be used in support of school curriculum. Card must be renewed every year.
Students attending public, parochial, or home school in Bartholomew County or students taking college classes at a campus in Bartholomew County are eligible for a library card for the duration of their registration at school. Card must be renewed every year. Parent or legal guardian signature is required for a full access card for children under the age of 13; otherwise, children who visit the library with a school or classroom and wish to check out will be issued a Youth Access card.
Anyone eligible for a resident or non-resident card under 18 may apply for a Youth Access card in lieu of a regular, full-access card. No parent or guardian signature will be required on the application, but notice will be sent to the youth’s address to the attention of the parent/guardian. A limit of 5 books/audiobooks in all formats will be imposed on the card. No DVDs, tablets, or other equipment may be checked out. The card will allow access to all online and digital resources. Card must be renewed every 3 years.
Anyone eligible for a resident or non-resident card may apply for a Digital Access Card in lieu of a regular, full-access card. No physical items may be checked out. The card will allow access to all online and digital resources. No address verification is necessary. Click here to sign up!
