Library Cards

*Library Catalog/System Upgrade: If you experience problems when searching the catalog or using your Library card to sign in to your account, check out items, place holds, or access our digital services, please continue trying. You may also call or email the Library for further assistance.

About York County Library Cards

York County Library cards are free to all York County residents, property owners, workers, and students of higher education. Fees apply to non-residents. Cards are valid at all York County Library locations and SCLENDS libraries to borrow materials, place holds, and access online resources.

We also offer eCards for access to all of our digital services only; eCards can be converted to physical cards to enable full borrowing privileges by visiting your local library. *Please note that eCards are currently unavailable until further notice as we transition to our new Library Catalog System.

Library cards expire every two years and must be renewed. To renew your library card online, fill out our online form, and a library staff member will review the information and process the renewal. You may also call or visit your local YCL location to renew your card.

Getting a Library Card

To get a Library card, new applicants and eCard holders can visit their local YCL location or the Bookmobile. Please bring a valid, current proof of identity and residency. Common forms of acceptable proof are listed below; for a complete list, check our Library Card Policy. You must also agree to all library card and circulation policies.

To apply for an eCard, fill out our online application.* A valid email address is required. Applications will be processed within 24 hours of receipt, Monday through Friday. You will receive an e-mail with your library card number and password/PIN to sign into your account.

Library cards for youth ages 17 and under require a completed paper application, signed by a parent or legal guardian.

Acceptable forms of ID:

Driver's license
South Carolina Department of Transportation ID
Employer or military picture ID
School picture ID
Consular ID
Passport

Acceptable proof of residency:

Picture ID with current address
Bank/check statement with current address
Tax notice with current address
Recent utility bill with current address
York County voter registration card
Recent rent receipt with current address

Types of Library Cards

Bookmobile & Outreach

* Maximum Renewals are subject to availability based on holds.

** Excludes interlibrary loan materials, rentals, and bestsellers

*** $25 annual loan fee

Borrowing Periods

1-Week Checkout: DVDs (Limit 10)

2-Week Checkout: Hotspots, New Items, Video Games (Limit 2)

3-Week Checkout: All Other Items

Managing Your Online Account

Your online account is automatically created when you receive a Library card and can be used to view items checked out, renew eligible items, place items on hold, and see if any holds are ready for pickup. To access your account, use the My Account link from our website or Online Catalog.

Please note, a library card number and password are required. The default card number/username is your entire library card number (no spaces), and the default password or PIN is the code you were provided, such as the last 4 digits of your phone number. You can change your password in your Account Preferences or by contacting your local library.

Renewals and Returns

Eligible items will be automatically renewed in your account on their due date. Patrons with email notifications will receive an email once this process has completed listing the renewed items and new due dates. Please note that some items, such as interlibrary loan materials and hotspots, are not eligible for auto-renewal, and digital items (Libby, hoopla, Kanopy, etc.) are also excluded. Items may also be renewed in person or online, unless on hold for another patron.

Return materials inside any York County Library location or an available outdoor book return. To avoid charges for damages, do not place audiovisual or Interlibrary Loan materials in an outside book return.

Placing Holds

Placing a hold on an item allows patrons to reserve currently unavailable materials by adding their names to a waiting list. Materials that are newer than six months old cannot be placed on hold from other SC Lends libraries. Holds can be placed at the library, by phone, or online by simply selecting "Place Hold" by the desired item. The library will then notify the patron when that item is available to pick up.

Fines and Fees

The Library does not charge overdue fines on materials that are late, with the exception of special collection items (Interlibrary Loans, Mobile Hotspots, etc.). Patrons will be notified when materials are overdue. Lost or damaged materials are also subject to fees, dependent on the type or amount of damage.

For more about charges for overdue, lost, or damaged items, see the Fines and Fees Policy.