All About Library Cards

Sign up for a card here!

 

Patron Personal Cards

 

The Eastern Shore Public Library is pleased to offer access to library resources and services for free through our library cards. This card is available to residents of the Eastern Shore of Virginia (ESVA).

Access to Resources! Beyond Books!

Your new card includes access to many wonderful resources:

  • Explore our collection of audio and ebooks 
  • Gain access to the Libby app and various resources and databases
  • Log in to our online catalog to browse our collection, reserve books, and view your account information
  • Check out more than just books! A card allows you to check out many things such as our I Love Virginia Nature Backpacks

How Do I Get One?

Visit any Eastern Shore Public Library location and present our required forms of identification:

  • Valid driver’s license or DMV issued ID card with an ESVA address

OR

If you have recently moved here and/or do not live here full time, we will need 

  • A valid driver’s license or DMV issued ID card.

 and

  • A piece of mail with your name and an ESVA address on it. 

While we encourage patrons to come in to set up their library card, you CAN apply for a card online at espl.org and click on the ‘Apply for a Library Card’. Please read and follow the  directions so that we can get your card to you as soon as possible. 

What else do I need to know? 

Loan Periods: Most circulating items such as books and audiobooks are checked out for 28 days. However, newly released books and video recordings (DVDs) are checked out for 14 days. 

Renewals: Most items may be renewed twice. However, if an item is on hold for another patron, it cannot be renewed. 

Checkouts and Returns: Items may be borrowed from and returned to any ESPL location (Parksley, Nassawadox, Chincoteague, and Cape Charles). 

Fines: No overdue fines will be charged for items checked out on a personal card; however, the patron will be responsible for the cost of lost or damaged items.

Library Notices: Notices will be e-mailed to you when a requested item is ready for pickup, when a borrowed item is nearing its due date, and when an item is overdue. Circulation privileges may be suspended if an account balance reaches $20.00 or greater in lost or damaged item fees, or if checked out items are not returned on time.

Card expiration: Once registered, your card will be valid for three years from the date of issuance. To renew your card, present the same documentation required for your initial registration. 

Electronic resources: Your library card provides access to ESPL’s electronic resources, including downloadable books and audiobooks, online courses including language learning, and research databases for children.


Educator Cards (information and application)

The Eastern Shore Public Library is pleased to offer expanded access to library resources and services through our Educator Cards. This card is available to Educators employed at Eastern Shore of Virginia (ESVA) Pre K-12 schools as well as staff employed at licensed daycares, camps, and afterschool programs. The Educator Card offers more privileges than those available on personal cards.

More Resources! Fewer Fines!

Your new card includes a variety of unique privileges. Educator cardholders:

  •  Receive no late fines for books or audiobooks
  •  Check out books and audiobooks for a loan period of 56 days

How do I get one?

Complete an application for an Educator Card at any Eastern Shore Public Library location, and present our required forms of identification:

  • Valid driver’s license or DMV issued ID card; and
  • ESVA school/employee ID badge or pay stub from ESVA School or licensed daycare/camp/afterschool employment

What else do I need to know?

Loan Periods: 56 day loan on books and audiobooks; standard 14 day loan on New Books and DVDs.

Renewals: One renewal on books and audiobooks; two renewals on New Books and DVDs. Items on hold for another patron may not be renewed.

Checkouts and Returns: Items may be borrowed from and returned to any ESPL location (Parksley, Nassawadox, Chincoteague, and Cape Charles). Educator cards may not be used for personal use.

Fines: No overdue fines will be charged for items checked out on an Educator card; however, the educator will be responsible for the cost of lost or damaged items.

Library Notices: Notices will be e-mailed to you when a requested item is ready for pickup, when a borrowed item is nearing its due date, and when an item is overdue. Circulation privileges may be suspended if an account balance reaches $20.00 or greater in lost or damaged item fees, or if checked out items are not returned on time.

Card expiration: Once registered, your card will be valid for one year from the date of issuance. To renew your card, present the same documentation required for your initial registration.

Electronic resources: As with your personal card, Educator Cards provide access to ESPL’s electronic resources, including downloadable books and audiobooks, online courses including language learning, and research databases for children.


Student Virtual Card Use

For students who only need access to the library’s eResources, the Eastern Shore Public Library offers a simple solution in the form of a Student Virtual Use Library Card. Apply by completing the form below and the library will set up your account and provide you with your library card number by return email. (In the future, you can optionally visit one of the four libraries on the Eastern Shore of Virginia and complete an in-person registration to be able to check out physical books, sound recordings, and DVDs.)

Visit: https://espl.org/about-us/youth-services/student-virtual-use-library-card/

Direct Questions to Youth Services by emailing us at youthservices@espl.org or calling Eastern Shore Regional Library & Heritage Center at 757-787-3400.