Benefits of Getting a Library Card & Access To Free Perks

When it comes to free resources in your community, the library card, in my opinion, is the most undervalued resource. There are so many benefits of getting a library card including access to programs and perks just by having one.

How to Sign up For a Library Card

To begin, it is probably important to share how you can sign up for a library card. If you live here, but do not have residency, you are still able to sign up for a card.

There are two ways to sign up for a library card. Simply fill out the form either online or in-person.

1. Online (you will be prompted to pick up your library card in person)
   • Henderson Libraries (access to digital items only until physical card picked up)
   • Las Vegas-Clark County Library District (access to digital items only until physical card picked up)
   • Washoe County Library System
2. In-Person at Any Library (access to all items)
   • Henderson Libraries
   • Las Vegas-Clark County Library District
   • Washoe County Library System

For either option, you will need to present a current, valid government-issued photo ID and verification of current address when you pick up your card.

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Types of Library Cards

There are a few types of library cards out there. For the majority of our readers, you will just utilize the Standard Card. Library cards are always FREE! While they do expire, they are easy to renew as long as you do not have outstanding fees or overdue items.

Standard Card

Issued to Nevada residents, students attending school in Nevada, and non-residents working or owning real property in Nevada.

Cards expire three years from issue.

Non-County Resident

Issued to those living outside the County and not working or owning real property in County.

Cards expire three years from issue.

Agency or Education Card

Any agency that serves Clark County residents can apply for a FREE Agency library card. This includes senior centers, retirement homes, preschools and daycare centers, K-12 schools, colleges and universities, and other community service agencies.

If you are part of an Agency that is interested, please visit your local library for more information and to start the application process.

Issued to educators employed at Washoe County Pre-K-12 schools as well as educators at charter schools, daycares, camps, after school programs, homeschooling parents in Washoe County, and Washoe County Library System employees. Cards expire three years from issue.

Conditional Library Card

Issued in lieu of a standard Library Card pending acceptable documentation.

Conditional cards carry a limit of two items at a time and expire three months from issue.

Benefits of Getting a Library Card

There are several perks of having your own library card. And if you have children, even better!

Free Story Time

Now while you don’t necessarily need a library card to enjoy story time, it’s always great to have one so you can use their computers or check out items while you’re there.

Here are free story time offerings near you:

• Free Story Time in Las Vegas, Henderson, & Boulder City
• Free Story Time in Reno, Sparks, and Beyond

Fee Free for Everyone (Washoe County)

Probably one of the best perks, because Lord knows you can never find those children’s books on their due date!

• Children, who must be signed up for their own Standard Card, do not get penalized with late fees! No fines will accrue on books, magazines, and audiobooks checked out to a minor library cardholder. There is a fee of 10 cents per day per item for all other materials, including DVDs, Blu-Rays, and music CDs.
• Educators do not get penalized with late fees. No fines will accrue on books, magazines, and audiobooks. There is a fee of 25 cents per day per item for all other materials, including DVDs, Blu-Rays, and music CDs.

Free Museum & Park Passes

Here’s a list of places where you can request your free museum passes from your library. You will need to enter your library card number prior to getting access to the museums. Please note that your library account must be in good standing.

Henderson Libraries

Reserve free admission passes to the following spots:

• Nevada State Parks Pass (27 Parks!)
  • Admission for up to EIGHT people in ONE vehicle

Las Vegas-Clark County Libraries

Reserve free admission passes to the following spots:

• DISCOVERY Children’s Museum Family Adventure Pass
  • Admission for up to FOUR people
• Nevada State Parks Pass (27 Parks!)
  • Admission for up to EIGHT people in ONE vehicle
• Springs Preserve
  • Admission for up to SIX people

Washoe County Library System

Reserve free admission passes to the following spots:

• Nevada Museum of Art
• The Discovery (Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum)
• Fleischmann Planetarium
• National Automobile Museum (The Harrah Collection)

Northern California attractions include the DeYoung Museum, the Legion of Honor Museum, the Bay Area Discovery Museum, and the Crocker Art Museum.

Free Access to Digital Resources, Apps & Tools

Check out the full list of digital resources and programs you’ll have access to once you sign up for a library card:

• Henderson Libraries
• Las Vegas-Clark County Library District
• Washoe County Library System

Libby

One of my all-time favorite apps. You get FREE access to books – including audiobooks! I’ve read (and listened) to some of the latest books using Libby. I love that I basically have a free subscription to audiobooks instead of paying for services similar to Audible.

You do have to check out the books and there is sometimes a waitlist, but you can check out or put on hold several books at a time.

Tumblebooks (Northern Nevada) or Kanopy Kids (Southern Nevada)

Tumblebooks is like Libby, but for kids! Check out audiobooks, picture books and even chapter books for early readers.

Lynda

I remember when I was in college and was thrilled to have FREE access to Lynda as a student. Then, I graduated and it was free no more. I just found out recently that by having a library card, I get to use Lynda for free!

If you haven’t used Lynda before, it is an online learning platform that helps anyone learn business, software, technology, and creative skills to achieve personal and professional goals.

It’s basically YouTube, but more educational with certified professionals. You can use your library card for complimentary access to the web version, however, the app is not library card compatible at this time.

Mango (Northern Nevada) or DuoLingo (Southern Nevada)

Learn a new language with Mango or Duolingo! I’ve used a few different language apps, but I really love how Mango and Duolingo are set up!

EBSCO (Northern Nevada), Washington Street Journal, New York Times 

One of the BEST tools to access magazine articles and scientific research. This is a great resource not only for students but for any adult looking to expand their knowledge.

Do you have a library card?

Honestly, a library card is well worth it, especially because it is free! If you haven’t considered getting one, I hope that by reading thus far, we’ve changed your mind.

There are so many benefits to having a library card, so there really isn’t any reason why you shouldn’t have a card. Plus, hello free books for everyone in the family to borrow and enjoy!

What are your favorite benefits of getting a library card?