> Apply for a NEW Library Card
> Renew an EXISTING Library Card
> Library Card Eligibility
> Checkout & Return Guidelines
> Late Charges
> Lost/Stolen Library Card
> Renew Materials
> Interlibrary Loan
> Library Patron Confidentiality Act
> Apply for a NEW Library Card
STEP 1: Submit patron information.
**Be sure to complete STEP 1 and click “submit” before moving to STEP 2, otherwise your application can NOT be processed.**
STEP 2: Submit identification and proof of residency.
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.)
Required Documents – Adults:
– Photograph/scan of a government-issued photo ID
– 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.
Required Documents – Minors:
– Photograph/scan of a government-issued photo ID belonging to a parent/guardian; minors, age 15-17, may submit a photograph/scan of their government-issued photo ID being their current address.
– If parent/guardian photo ID does not contain their current address, include a photograph/scan of a piece of mail, billing statement, lease agreement or mortgage document bearing your name and current address.
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. Temp 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:
- Databases: Magazine, newspaper and journal articles from online databases.
- Downloads: Audiobooks, eBooks, movies and more!
- Material Holds: Click HERE for instructions to reserve materials and schedule Curbside Pickup.
– 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.
> 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.
> Library Card Eligibility
Jefferson County Residents: All Jefferson County residents qualify for a FREE library card. Patrons over the age of 15 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 15 must have a parent or legal guardian sign a responsibility statement. Parent must provide proof of residency as described above.
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.
> 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, layaways (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 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 by the patron him or herself, 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)