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  • FREE to anyone who lives, works, owns property or attends school in Calcasieu Parish.
  • Full-service accounts (includes online-only accounts, but excludes temporary and mobile users [OverDrive/Libby] accounts) expire every five years. This helps us keep your information up to date. 
  • Library cards may be used at any branch and can be used to access various resources
  • All expired library accounts must be renewed at one of our locations.
    • Refer to the Renew Card section on this page for additional information.
  • Report a lost card immediately. 
    • If you do not report a lost card, all items check out on that card are the responsibility of that cardholder. It's $.50 to replace a card. 
  • We honor Library Southwest cards from Allen, Beauregard, Cameron, Jeff Davis, Rapides, and Vernon parishes.
  • Refer to the Circulation Policy for a detailed explanation of guidelines and limits regarding library card accounts, accounts for ages 17 and younger, check-out limits, as well as expectations for patrons prior to, during, and after borrowing items from the library.

APPLY FOR A LIBRARY CARD

Visit a library branch, or if 18 years or older, apply online

  • If you've had a physical card before, but are not sure where it is, contact your home branch to see if you are eligible for a replacement card.

FULL-SERVICE ACCOUNT 

  • Visit a library branch with proof of identification.
  • Receive a physical library card which can be used at all branches.
  • Check out and place holds on physical items.
  • Cards expire every 5 years.

ONLINE-ONLY ACCOUNT

  • Online accounts may access the online catalog, the mobile app, and various resources
  • Account expires every 5 years. 
  • No physical card; limited services.
    • Example: Requesting items that we don't own (aka Interlibrary loan) is unavailable.


My Account
    • View and manage account

    • BLOCKED ACCOUNT

      • You owe $25 or more.
      • Until fees are paid, you are unable to check out items and/or use various library services such as using a computer. 
      • Pay fees
    • What is a PIN?


      Forgot PIN?

      • Visit a branch, contact Live Chat, or reset a PIN via the online catalog.
        • A preferred email address must be on file at the library to DIY reset.
          • Reset PIN within an hour of receiving the confirmation email. Otherwise, you'll need to repeat the reset process.
      • Don't have an email address on file?
        • Contact a branch or use Live Chat.

      Can I change it? 

      • Yes, but you'll need your old PIN to do that.
      • Reset it via the online catalog > My Information > Change Logon.
    • Received Notices

      • When a hold is available for pickup.
      • Checked-out items will be overdue in 1 day.
      • When items are overdue as well as bill notices.

      The number on the caller ID will be 337-721-7116. If the message gets cut off at the beginning of the recording, don't' worry. It'll repeat the message.


      Set notification options within the catalog

      • Log in to My Account with your library card number and PIN.
      • View the My Information tab then scroll to the Contact Information and Preferences section.
      • Make edits underneath the Preferences section.
      • Click/tap the Submit Change Request button.
    • Received Notices

      • When a hold is available for pickup.
      • Checked-out items will be overdue in 1 day.
      • When items are overdue as well as bill notices.
      • 30 days prior - library card will expire.

      If an email address is on file at the library, it can be edited under My Information within the online catalog.


      Set notification options within the catalog

      • Log in to My Account with your library card number and PIN.
      • View the My Information tab then scroll to the Contact Information and Preferences section.
      • Make edits underneath the Preferences section.
      • Click/tap the Submit Change Request button.
    • Received Notices

      • When a hold is available for pickup.
      • Checked-out items will be overdue in 1 day. 
      • When items are overdue as well as bill notices.
      • 30 days prior - library card will expire.

      How to receive notices

      • Opt-in by contacting your local branch or DIY via My Information within the online catalog.
        • Log in to My Account with your library card number and PIN.
        • View the My Information tab then scroll to the Contact Information and Preferences section.
        • Make edits underneath the Preferences section.
        • Click/tap the Submit Change Request button.
Library Card Info
      • By signing the library card application, you agree to assume responsibility for your child's choice of materials and to pay all charges for damaged, lost, or late materials that are checked out on the library card.
      • Pursuant to Act 436-SB 7, parent or guardian must select appropriate library card for child and/or young adult. See Circulation Policy for more details.
      • Online library resources accessed outside the library branch are not filtered for content. Please monitor your child's access appropriately.
      • Report it immediately to any branch.
      • If you do not report a lost card, all items check out on that card are the responsibility of that cardholder.
      • It's $.50 to replace a card.
    • Renew Your Account

      • All expired accounts must be renewed at one of our locations
        • Staff will need to verify all information in your account. 
        • Please bring proof of address and photo ID.

      Library cards (excluding exceptions below) expire every five years so that we may have the most current information on file. 

      Exceptions:

      • Temporary accounts are valid for 3 months.
      • Mobile users (OverDrive/Libby only) are valid for one year; no renewals.
        • See Instant Digital Card section on this page.
      • Libraries Southwest cardholders must contact their home parish library for details.

      Outstanding Balances

      • Outstanding balances must be paid before accounts can be renewed or items can be checked out.
        • This includes both physical and electronic material.
      • All associated accounts must be clear of fines as well.
      • Outstanding fine balances may be paid using the online payment service.
      • Blocked and Barred users must visit a local branch to clear up the account. 
    • Blocked card

      • Users have lost items on account or accrued fines of $25 or more.


      Barred card

      • Please contact Library Administration at 337-721-7147 for more details.
      • Blocked or Barred users must visit a local branch to clear up their account prior to renewing an expired library card.
      • Outstanding fine balances may be paid using the online payment service.
      • You may be eligible for a Libraries Southwest library card. 
        • View this information and/or visit or contact a branch for details and assistance.
    • Instant Digital Card - OverDrive/Libby only

      • Sign up with a mobile phone number.
      • Accounts are only valid for a maximum of one year.
      • Once a mobile number has been used, it cannot be renewed.
      • Visit a local branch for a physical card or use a different phone number.
      • Sign up.
All about Items
      • Item(s) can be renewed twice if no one else is waiting for it.
      • Items are automatically renewed two days before their due date unless someone is waiting for it. 
      • Items have a maximum of two renewals.   
        • Exceptions:
          • Dolls, take-home laptops/iPads, and hotspots.
          • In-library laptops are not eligible for auto-renewals.
      • eContent renewals varies with each vendor.  

      ADDITIONAL RENEWAL OPTIONS:

      • Visit or contact a branch or use Live Chat.
        • Please have the items (books, etc.) along with your library card handy.
      • Access the online catalog to view My Account - Checkouts.
      • Use our mobile app to access your account.

      With an email address on file, we can notify you 3 days prior to the item (s) becoming overdue.

      • A grace period of one day is available for dolls and sensory backpacks. 
      • All other items are not eligible. 
      • Items may be returned to any branch regardless of where it was originally checked out.
      • Drop items in/at the designated return areas/drop boxes. 
        • If after hours, use one of our drop boxes.
      • Exception: Laptops, iPads, hotspots, cake pans, American Girl BeForever Dolls, and Sensory backpacks can't be returned in drop boxes.
      • A courtesy email is sent 2 days before an item is due back.
      • If the item is not returned by the due date, an overdue notice is sent the following day.
      • A second overdue notice is sent when the item is 1 week overdue.
      • When items are 15 days overdue, a bill for the cost of replacing the item (s) is sent to the cardholder.
      • Cardholders with items 15 days overdue will have their borrowing privileges blocked until the items are returned.
    • State Laws on confidentiality prohibit the library from allowing anyone but the cardholder from picking up items that you have on hold unless we have your permission for others to pick up your items. This permission must be noted in our computer system.

      • Check with a staff member for assistance.
      • We have an automated system that will contact you when your item (s) are ready for pickup.
      • Opt-in to text (aka SMS Messaging) option.
        • This option includes notifications for holds, bills, and overdue material.
        • Sign up via the online catalog > My Account > My Information.
      • We normally keep holds for 5 days.
        • For extensions, please contact the pickup location for assistance.
      • With a valid email address on file, we'll notify you regarding your available hold.
      • There are no limits on the number of holds but there is a limit to the number of items that you can check out
      • You may suspend your hold. Ask staff or DIY in the mobile app

      eBooks or audiobooks - OverDrive

      • Limit of 10 holds total per library card.
        • This includes any items that you have recommended, items you already have on hold, and holds that are available but haven't been checked out. 
    • As of December 2019, we are Fine Free. See exceptions below.   

      • Exceptions: Devices, device peripherals, and other in-demand, high-cost items such as hotspots, laptops, Dolls, and backpacks are not fine free. See the chart below.


      Payment Options:

      (4.26.23) You may receive a "Your connection is not private" message. NOTE: This is a secure service. Please proceed by choosing the Advanced option and then the Proceed to smartpay.calcasieu.lib.la.us (unsafe) option. We are working with the vendor to correct this issue.



      Exceptions:

      Item Daily Fine Max Fine
      Dolls .25 $5
      Take-home laptops/iPads $10 $70
      Hotspots $5 $35
      In-Library Laptops (Central/Iowa) $5 per hour $45
      Sensory Backpacks .25 varies/backpack (replace if lost or damaged)


      Laptops, hotspots, iPads, Backpacks, and Dolls

      • No grace period. 
      • $25 charge for returning items in the book drop.
      • Accrue additional fees for items that need repair or are damaged. 

How to check out material 

  • Bring your library card and item to staff. 
  • Use self-check machines at the Central Library. You'll need your library card and PIN. 
  • Use the built-in card within the mobile app

Checkout Limits

  • Refer to the chart below for limits for adults, kids, and teens.
  • eContent (eBooks, etc.) have different checkout, download/streaming, and hold limits. Refer to this chart for details.  
  • Libraries Southwest, temporary, and internet users may have different limits. Check with staff for details.

Checkout Limits

Material Checkout
Time
ADULTS
TEENS
CHILD
JUVENILE COLLECTION ONLY
Audiobook 2 weeks

10
Book & CD

20
Book on CD

10
Book & CD

20
Book on CD

10
Book & CD

10
Book on CD

10
Book & CD

10
Book on CD

Binge Box 1 week 3 3 1 1
Book (includes VOX book) 2 weeks 50 50 25 25
Cake Pan 2 weeks 3 3 3 3
CD  2 weeks 20
music
20
music
10
music
10
music
American Girl Doll 2 weeks 1 1 1 1
DVD
Blu-Ray
1 week 20 20 5 (combo of DVD/
Blu-ray)
5 (combo of DVD/
Blu-ray)
Game 2 weeks 3 3 3 3
Hotspot **
(T-Mobile Test Drive)
1 week 1 0 0 0
Hotspot **
(Lucky Day
T-Mobile T9 Franklin)
1 week 1 0 0 0

**Checkout requires signing the CPPL Guidelines and Agreement Waiver

Checkout Limits

Material Checkout
Time
ADULTS
TEENS
CHILD JUVENILE COLLECTION ONLY
Interlibrary Loan Details 50
(combo
of checkouts
&
holds)
50
(combo
of checkouts
&
holds)

10
(combo
of checkouts
&
holds)

10
(combo
of checkouts
& holds)

iPad
(take home)
1 week 1 0 0 0
Laptop
(in-library - Central)
4 hours 1 0 0 0
Jigsaw Puzzle 1 week 1 1 1 1
Laptop
(take home)
1 week 1 0 0 0
Launchpad 2 weeks 3 3 3 3
Magazine 2 weeks 20 20 20 20
Paperback 2 weeks 50 50 25 25
Playaway 2 weeks 10 (audio)
3 (video)
10 (audio)
3 (video)
10 (audio)
3 (video)
10 (audio)
3 (video)
Sensory Backpack 2 weeks 1 1 1 1


 ECONTENT CHECKOUT LIMITS
These include OverDrive and Libby, by OverDrive, hoopla, Kanopy, FreegalMusic+, and Freading. Digital limits vary by product and publisher and are subject to change at any time.

Resource Content Checkout Limit Loan Period Renewals Addt'l Requirements
OverDrive eBooks, audiobooks, magazines, comics & graphic books, and streaming videos 10 at once

eBooks/audiobooks
(7 or 14 days)

Magazines - 14 days (excluded from above limits)

Renew option appears 3 days prior to due date if no holds on title. library card or mobile number
Libby, by OverDrive  eBooks, audiobooks, magazines, comics & graphic books, and streaming videos 10 at once

eBooks/audiobooks
(7 or 14 days)

Magazines - 14 days (excluded from above limits)

Renew option appears 3 days prior to due date if no holds on title. library card or mobile number
Kanopy Critically acclaimed movies, inspiring documentaries, award-winning foreign films, etc. Movies have a ticket value. Users receive 40 tickets per month. Each movie has a specific ticket value.
No checkout limits for Kids’ Corner.
Each movie has a specific viewing period.  not needed valid library card, PIN, and email address
hoopla eBooks, audiobooks, movies, TV shows, music, and comics Check out up to 30 titles per month.
BingePass - 7 days of unlimited access w/ just one hoopla borrow.
Bonus Borrows - no borrow limits during last week of the month
eBooks, music, audiobooks, and comics
(21 days)
movies and tv shows 
(48 or 72 hours)
BingePasses
(7 days)
no renewals; borrow the title again once expired. valid library card and valid email address
Freading eBooks 2 checkouts per week; unused checkouts roll over to following week; limits start over at beginning of each month.  2 weeks renew for another 2 week period valid library card
FreegalMusic+ download or stream music

Downloads - 5 weekly

Streaming - 3 hours daily

downloads reset every Monday at 12:00 AM CST; streaming resets daily at 12:00 AM CST
Downloaded content is for patron to keep.
not needed vailid library card