Why do I need a library card?

• To borrow books, DVDs, CDs and other library materials

• To search online databases from your home, office or school

• To manage your library account online from home or office

• To request items and delivery to the Minuteman Library of your choice

How to Apply for a Library Card

Applying for a library card is fast and easy to do

Who May Apply

Anyone who is resident of Massachusetts or works or owns property in the state and can provide proper identification and proof of present home address may apply for and receive a library card.  Any child who has reached the age of 5 may obtain a card with proof of address and signature of a parent or guardian.  The Wellesley Free Library card may be used in any of the Minuteman Library Network Member Libraries.  Card holders are responsible for all materials borrowed on their card.  A lost or stolen card should be reported promptly. 

Option 1.  You may fill out the library card application form online, print it and bring it to the Main Library or either of the branches.  Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.  Be sure to bring an acceptable form of identification with you (see below).

Option 2.  Or you may pick up a form at the Main Library.

What are Acceptable Forms of Identification?  Rev. 12/2011

A current, valid Massachusetts Driver's License or Massachusetts State Identification Card with current address.

OR one ducment from Section 1 AND one document from Section 2 below

SECTION 1 -- Proof of identification -- current or expired (must include anme and photo)

• Passport
• Alien Resident Card
• Government issued cards, such as Military ID
• State issued photo ID including welfare, Medicaid or FID card
• University or school ID

SECTION 2--Proof of current local address* (must include applicant's name)

• Utility bill or tax bill (dated within the last 60 days)
• Imprinted bank check or deposit slip
• Official school schedule with applicant's name and address typed on it.
• Official letter verifying residency and mailing address dated with last 30 days from a social service providers, temporary employer that provides housing, or a short-term residence.
• Postcard mailed to applicant from the library.

*a Post Office Box or business address is not sufficient -- a current residential address is required.

Children
If applicant is under 13 years old, parent or guardian must provide proof of identification and address.

Teens
If applicant is between the ages of 13 and 17 and cannot meet the ID and address requirements, parent or guardian must provide proof of identification and address.

Out-of-state residents who meet the following requirements, may be issued a library card with sufficient identification:

• Work in Massachusetts
• Attend school in Massachusetts
• Own property in Massachusetts
• Are temporarily living in Massachusetts for more than 2 months.
• Out of state residents must provide identification showing their home/permanent address. 
• Property owners must provide verification such as tax bill, utility bill, etc. for their Massachusetts property. 
• Students must verify their status with school identification and provide their school address. 
• Out of state residents working in Massachusetts must provide their work address. 
• Patrons who are temporary residents (such as college students or au pairs) should be registered with permanent address in the secondard address field.

• Click on MY Account.  Enter your barcode number and your PIN

• Click on the link "Modify personal Information".

• Fill in your e-mail address

• Click submit and close the window

• Click the LOGOUT button

Below are examples of frequently asked questions about how the privacy and confidentiality law may affect your library visit.

Q.  I am returning these library material for my family member/friend.  Can you tell me what is left on the card?

A. No, without a library card we cannot disclose any information about the account.

Q.  I do not have my family member/friend's card but she has items out that need to be renewed.  Can you renew them for me?

A.  Yes, providing you have the items in hand.  We will renew them without accessing the patron information.

Q.  Can I pick up my family member/friend's reserve?

A.  Only if you have his/her card or reserve notice in hand.  Without the notice or the card, our staff is unable to give you the reserve.  It does not matter if you know what the item is (i.e. its title, the author or subject.)

Q.  My children's borrowing is my responsibility.  Please let me have access to their accounts.

A.  No.  Once a child has been issued his or her own card, the account information is confidential regardless of age or relationship.