Library Card

> Library Card Eligibility  > Apply for a temporary eCard
> Apply for a NEW Library Card > Renew an EXISTING Library Card
> Checkout & Return Guidelines > Late Charges
> Lost/Stolen Library Card > Renew Materials
> Interlibrary Loan > Library Patron Confidentiality Act

Library Card Eligibility

Jefferson County Residents: All Jefferson County residents qualify for a FREE library card. Patrons over the age of 18 must provide either a driver’s license with current address or a government issued photo ID. Proof of residency must also be provided. Accepted proof of residency documents include a piece of mail, billing statement, lease agreement or mortgage document bearing your name and current address.

Children under the age of 18 must have a parent or legal guardian sign a responsibility statement. Parents must provide proof of residency as described above. Children under the age of 18 can only register for a library card at the library, not online. The parent/guardian and the child must be present when registering for a library card.

Non-Jefferson County Residents: Residents of counties outside Jefferson County may purchase a library card for an annual fee of $50. These cards are issued in the applicant’s name, but may be used by that person’s entire family.

Apply for a temporary eCard

Fill in the form below to create a temporary JCLC eCard. JCLC eCards are virtual library cards that allow you limited access to online resources for one month. Once you have registered successfully, you will receive a temporary card number. You may login immediately to begin enjoying the following services:

  • Explore Databases to magazines, journal articles from online resources.
  • Enjoy downloads to Audiobooks, eBooks, magazines and more!
  • Place Hold Requests using our online catalog. (When you pickup your items, you will need to upgrade your eCard into a library card.)

STEP 1: Submit patron information.

Following form submission:

  • You will receive an email verifying your account with a temporary online card number. Please check your spam folder if you do not see this email in your inbox. Temporary cards are valid for 30 days and may only be used to access online resources from the Library in the Forest home page.

Want to turn your ecard into a library card? Complete step 2 below under “Apply for a new library card.”

Apply for a NEW Library Card

Complete both steps in order to received a library. By completing step 1, you will receive a temporary eCard that you can use before receiving your library card.

Step 1: Submit patron information to create a eCard.

Step 2: Submit identification and proof of residency

Complete the following form, and upload the following required documents and click “submit.” (You may upload multiple documents at the same time. Simply drag and drop the files to the upload space below.)

Patrons over 18
– Photograph/scan of a government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license, military ID, or passport.
– If your photo ID does not contain your current address, include a photograph/scan of a piece of mail, billing statement, lease agreement or mortgage document bearing your name and current address.

Patrons under 18
– Minors, patrons under the age 18, can be issued a library card but can only register for a library card at the library, not online.
– The parent/guardian and the child must be present when registering for a library card.
– The parent/guaidian’s government-issued photo ID will be used when issuing a library card to a patron under 18.

Name(Required)
Drop files here or
Max. file size: 20 MB.

    Following form submission:

    • You will receive an email verifying your account with a temporary online card number. Please check your spam folder if you do not see this email in your inbox. Temporary cards are valid for 30 days and may only be used to access online resources from the Library in the Forest home page.
    • In 1-2 business days, a librarian will activate your full-use account and provide information on how to obtain your physical library card. A full-use library card is valid for two (2) years. Only a full-use library card may be used to reserve physical or digital materials online through the JCLC online database.

    Click here to reserve materials online through the JCLC online database. Your full-use library card can also be used for:

    By registering for a library card, you agree to comply with library terms and conditions including the
    following:

    • Your library card is good at any public library in Jefferson County, Alabama.
    • Your library card is for your own personal use. You are responsible for all materials borrowed on the card. Treat your library card as you would a credit card. Report a lost or stolen card immediately to prevent unauthorized use.
    • The library charges fines for materials kept past the due date, and reserves the right to refuse service until overdue materials are returned or account balances are paid.
    • Please report changes of name, address, phone number and/or email address as soon as possible.
    • You are responsible for all materials borrowed on the library card. If applicant is under 18, parent or guardian is the responsible party. As a courtesy, the library will try to notify you of overdue materials but you are still responsible for any fines.
    • Report lost or stolen cards immediately to prevent unauthorized use. Please report changes of name, address, telephone number, and email address as soon as possible.
    • Fines may be charged for overdue, lost or damaged materials, and may vary based on item type and owning location.
    • Cards that are expired or have more than $5 in fines may limit access to library resources.
    • Your library card is good at any public library in Jefferson County, Alabama.

    Renew an EXISTING Library Card

    Complete the form below to renew an expired or soon-to-expire library card. Cards must be renewed every two years to keep your information up to date. If you need assistance, contact circulation staff at 205.978.0155 extension 2, or contact.us@vestavialibrary.org. The parent or guardian for patrons under 18 will need to renew the minor’s library card in person at the library. 

    Name(Required)
    Address(Required)
    Drop files here or
    Max. file size: 20 MB.

      Complete the following form, and upload the following required documents and click “submit.” (You may upload multiple documents at the same time. Simply drag and drop the files to the upload space below.)

      Patrons over 18
      – Photograph/scan of a government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license, military ID, or passport.
      – If your photo ID does not contain your current address, include a photograph/scan of a piece of mail, billing statement, lease agreement or mortgage document bearing your name and current address.

      Patrons under 18
      – Minors, patrons under the age 18, can be issued a library card but can only register for a library card at the library, not online.
      – The parent/guardian and the child must be present when registering for a library card.

      Checkout & Return Guidelines

      Books, audiobooks, playaways (self-playing audiobooks), NOOKs and music CDs may be checked out for 3 weeks. DVDs, Blu-Rays, and HotSpots check out for 7 days. Patrons may check out a maximum of 150 items at any given time.

      Materials from other JCLC libraries can be requested by patrons for pick up at the Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest. These requests can be made online by visiting the JCLC database or by calling 205.978.0155.

      Books, audiobooks, CDs and DVDs may be checked out and returned to any public library branch in Jefferson County unless otherwise stated. If you are returning materials to the Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest, please take advantage of our quick access exterior return slots located near the main entrance.

      Late Charges

      Fines for overdue books, audiobooks, playaways (self-playing audiobooks), and music CDs are $0.25 per day. Fines for DVDs, Blu-rays and NOOKs are $1.00 per day. Hotspots are $5.00 per day.

      Notice will be provided via mail, phone or email for any overdue library materials. If the late charges are not paid when overdue materials are returned, those charges will be billed to your card for future payment. Late charges may be paid in-person at any Jefferson County library or online.

      Lost/Stolen Library Card

      Report lost or stolen cards to the library immediately, as you are responsible for all items checked out on your card. Call 205.978.0155 during normal library hours or email contact.us@vestavialibrary.org.

      Renew Materials

      Any item checked out at a JCLC location will be renewed automatically at the end of its lending period, with the following exceptions:

      • Another patron places a reserve on that item
      • The item has reached its maximum number of renewals (2 for most items)
      • Your account has accrued $5.01 or more in fines
      • If the item is not renewable
      • Your account activity has been blocked
      • The item is an eBook (digital item)

      You may also renew items in person, click HERE to renew online or renew by phone: call 205.226.3790 (anytime) or call 205.978.0155 during normal library hours. Be sure to have your library card available. All items may be renewed twice unless another patron has the item on hold.

      You will be notified by a courtesy email that your item has been automatically renewed. If you opted to not receive courtesy email notices, you will not be notified. You will be alerted with the standard notice, however, when the item is overdue.

      Interlibrary Loan

      Interlibrary loan (ILL) acquires books, photocopies of non-circulating materials (such as magazine articles), and government publications not already owned by the public libraries of Jefferson County.

      ILL request forms may be submitted in person at any public library in Jefferson County or online. To place an online request, visit WorldCat Discovery and search for the desired title. After locating the selection, click on the ILL icon and complete the online form. For additional information, visit www.jclc.org.

      Library Patron Confidentiality Act

      All library patron information is confidential. Employees must, therefore, treat all patron matters accordingly as stated by the Privacy Act (Code of Alabama 41-8-10). No patron information, including home address, phone number, and materials checked out, may be revealed to anyone, except to the patron, with proper identification. The content of patron records may not be disclosed to anyone except under subpoena. Employees will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal, for improperly revealing information of a confidential nature. (Code of Alabama 41-8-10)

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