Library Cards and Materials

Obtaining a Library Card

Polk County residents can obtain a library card by showing proof of residency when applying. The library requires a photo I.D. along with proof of address, which can include anything mailed to your current address, voter registration card, tax receipt, etc.

  • Parent signatures are required to obtain library cards and computer use for youth under the age of 18.
  • Individuals who live outside of Polk County but pay property taxes in Polk County may obtain a card free.
  • Non-Residents may obtain a library card by paying an annual fee of $50.00.

Card Holder Responsibilities

  • Cardholders are responsible for all materials checked out on their cards.
  • A parent or legal guardian is responsible for all items checked out to minor children.
  • Patrons MUST present a library card to check out materials or access computers.
  • Understand that the library is not responsible for damage to patron devices when operating audiovisual materials.

Circulation Check Out Periods

You may have a total of 25 items checked out per card.

MaterialCheckout Time LimitRenewalsCheckout limit per card
High Demand Fiction, DVDs, and Read Alongs7 Days27
Children's tablets and Circulating Laptops7 Days21
HotSpots, and Steam Kits21 Days21
All Other Materials21 Days225
Inhouse Laptops2 hrs01

Educator Cards

We love our Polk County Educators and are happy to offer specific services just for you! With school deliveries and extended checkout limits, our Educator Cards can provide you with tools and resources you wouldn’t receive with a normal library card.

  • Check out up to 50 items and reserve up to 25 items
  • 30-day checkout with 2 renewals
  • Library employees will deliver and pick up materials at Polk County Schools every Tuesday and Thursday
  • Check out all items, except genealogical and High Demand items, games, and puzzles

If you have questions about our Educator Cards, school tours or how the library can assist your classroom and school, please contact us!

Outreach Coordinator
1690 W Broadway St., Bolivar, MO 65613
417-326-4531 ext. 2005
outreach@polkcolibrary.org

Library Policies

PCL Patron Policy Manual February 2024

Collection Development Policy 2023

Request for Reconsideration of Materials