Applying for a Library Card? Here's what you need to know.
Stowe Residents
Local individuals and institutions are welcome to register for a Stowe Free Library card, free of charge, if they meet the following criteria:
- Adults - Anyone over 16 years of age must be a resident of Stowe, through property ownership or rental, and must provide evidence of a valid physical address (not a Post Office Box number) and valid identification to register for a Stowe Free Library card. Owning property in Stowe as a primary, secondary, or vacation residence, owning a time share property, or appearing on the Town of Stowe’s Grand List are all examples of residency, and proof of said residency must be provided. Anyone renting property must show proof of residency, as well. Proof can consist of a piece of mail such as a utility bill or a rental agreement listing the individual and the street address. A valid driver’s license or other legitimate picture I.D. is required for identification. If the valid driver’s license or picture I.D. also lists one’s street address, it can be used for both proof of residency and identification.
- Children - A child must be of school age, kindergarten or above, to register for a library card. For registration, a parent or guardian with a valid library card must accompany any child under the age of 16 and sign the library’s registration form as the child’s guarantor.
- Institutions – An institutional library card is issued free-of-charge to any school, daycare center, church, or government institution located in Stowe. A request for an institutional card should be made via the Institutional Library Card Application form provided by the library. Please visit the library to apply for an Institution Card. The institutional stakeholder who will assume financial responsibility for the use of the card must sign the form and provide a legitimate photo I.D. at that time. The resulting library card is issued under the name of the institution and kept on file in the library. The institution must furnish a list of persons authorized to use its borrower card, and only those so designated who produce a suitable picture I.D. are permitted the use and privileges of that card. An institutional card may be used only for the purposes of the organization itself and not for the personal use of its students, employees, or members. The card will be issued for one year, and renewals are possible as long as the organization remains in business and in good standing with the library.
Non-Residents
Non-residents with a valid photo I.D. and proof of a valid physical address (instate or out of state) may acquire a library card. A non-resident cardholder has the same privileges as a resident cardholder, including access to the library’s Inter-Library Loan service.
Individuals who live outside of Stowe or who are visiting on a temporary basis, may register for a Stowe Free Library card for the nonrefundable cost of $20 per year per adult. Children under the age of 16, of school age, and accompanied by a parent or guardian with a valid Stowe Free Library card, may register for a free library card.
A non-resident may be exempt from the $20 fee if he/she is:
- A Stowe High School student, 16 and over, who lives in Lamoille County or Waterbury.
- An employee of the Town of Stowe.
- An employee of the Stowe public school system.
- A Stowe Free Library volunteer.
Library Card Application
Here's what happens after you submit an application
A librarian will begin processing your application and making your library card(s). Please allow up to 1 business day.
You may be contacted if more information is needed.
Please bring your photo ID and a proof of residency document (required for Resident cards only) with you to the library when you pick up your new card(s).
If you have any questions about your application, contact the circulation librarian at circulation@stowelibrary.org
