Library Card

Join over 23,000 others and obtain your HCPL library card!  Anyone may use the Library collection while at any of our branches, but a library card is required for borrowing privileges of materials.

An adult may get a resident or non-resident card, and children 5 – 14 may get either card with permission from their parents or legal guardians. Children must have their applications signed by their parents or legal guardians before they will receive their cards. Library cards may be obtained at any of our branches.  After applying for a card in full, wallet card and key fob card will be immediately issued.

There are several options for those who would like to borrow materials:

Resident Card

While HCPL offers curbside service, Harrison County residents may apply for a library card online. Please be prepared to supply the information outlined below.

Apply for a resident library card

The Harrison County Public Library is free to all residents and property tax payers of Harrison County. Residents of Harrison County pay an annual library tax, which is included in their property tax. These taxes pay the majority of the expenses incurred by the Library, and they allow everyone in the district access to the Library, as it is funded with their tax dollars.  Residents of Harrison County must present some form of photo ID with current address, preferably a driver’s license. A photo ID must be provided. If the address is incorrect. If this is the case, a Social Security card and a piece of delivered mail (with a postmarked envelope), such as a bill with current address, can be accepted along with the photo ID. Otherwise, two pieces of delivered mail (with a postmarked envelope), such as bills with current address, can be accepted. Patrons must fill out a short application form; please be prepared to give the following information:

  • Name
  • Address
  • Phone Number
  • Township (this allows us to know where our patron-base is located, so that in the future we can provide better service to all areas of the county through branch libraries and bookmobile services)
  • Driver’s license number of photo ID number (a Social Security Number is an acceptable substitution)

Reciprocal Borrowing Card

Patrons who have a card at their home county’s Library may be eligible for this option. The Harrison County Public Library has reciprocal borrowing agreements with more than 150 libraries in Indiana. To find out if your Library is among them, ask a librarian at our front desk, or contact your home Library. If your home Library does have a reciprocal borrowing agreement with the Harrison County Public Library, please make certain that your home Library card is up-to-date. Bring your home Library card and at least one form of picture ID to the Harrison County Public Library and fill out a card application as described above. Reciprocal membership is valid for one year from issue of card. ** AS OF JANUARY 1ST, 2010, A RECIPROCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN NEW ALBANY-FLOYD COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY AND HARRISON COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY IS IN EFFECT, WHICH ALLOWS HCPL PATRONS AND NAFCPL PATRONS TO OBTAIN RECIPROCAL BORROWING CARDS. **

Public Library Access Card (PLAC)

The PLAC is recognized by all libraries in the state of Indiana . The charge for this card is currently $65.00, and you must have a current card at your home Library. This is an exceptionally good offer for any patron who wishes to use more than one Library. Harrison County residents must pay the $65.00 fee and fill out an additional application card. Residents of a county other than Harrison County must go to their county’s Library and apply for a resident card. They may then apply for a PLAC card at any Library. Once they have a PLAC card they may use it to check out materials from any Library in Indiana, including the Harrison County Public Library. PLAC cards expire after one year.

Non-Resident Paid Card

Patrons who live inside the state of Indiana and do not have a home Library with reciprocal borrowing privileges that would like to use the Harrison County Public Library may buy a one-year individual membership for $57.00. To apply, fill out an application card as described above and pay the membership fee. The $57.00 fee is mandated by state law, and is the minimum fee allowable for our Library by State Code.