All About the Library Card
Library cards are FREE to anyone who lives, works, owns property, or attends school in Calcasieu Parish. Use your card at any library branch. Your card is valid for 1 year. Report your lost library card immediately to any Library branch. There is a $.50 fee to replace a lost card.
- 18 years +: Visit the Library to complete a registration card. Present proof of a Photo I.D. and address.
- Proof of address can be a driver's license, checkbook, or received mail.
- Proof of address can be a driver's license, checkbook, or received mail.
- Under 18: The registration card must be completed by the applicant, and signed by their parent or legal guardian with proof of a Photo I.D. and proof of address.
We honor Library Southwest cards from the following parishes: Allen, Beauregard, Cameron, Jeff Davis, and Vernon. LSW cards are issued at your home parish. For more information on the Libraries Southwest Borrowing Service, click HERE.
How to Check Out an Item
- Present your library card with items at the circulation desk/front desk or use the self check machines located at the Central and Sulphur Regional branches.
- Library items checkout for two weeks.
- Borrowing privileges will be suspended until long overdue items are returned or paid for.
How many items may I check out?
Library card limits:
Book (50) |
Text Center:
CD-Rom (10) |
Magazine (20) |
Items with holds
State Laws on confidentiality prohibit the library from allowing anyone but yourself from picking up items that you have on hold, unless the library has your permission, on record in the computer system, for others to pick up your items. Please check with a staff member for assistance. The Library has an automated system that will contact the patron about available holds. If we have an email address on file, an email will be sent notifiying the patron about the available hold.
Renewing Items
Library items can be renewed twice, if no one has placed a hold on the items.
- Visit/call any library branch; please have the items and your library card handy.
- Download the Mobile App to access your account.
- Call the 24/7 self-service number at (337) 437-4153 or 1-800-240-0212.
- Access the online library catalog; wiew MY ACCOUNT then Renew My Materials.
With an email address on file, we can notify you 3 days prior to the item(s) being overdue.
Returning Items
Return items to any Calcasieu Parish Library branch, no matter where the items were originally checked out.
Drop the items at the Circulation Desk/front desk. If after hours, use one of our drop boxes.
What are the benefits for giving the library your email address?
- Receive alerts when your hold is available for pickup.
- Receive alerts that checked out items will be overdue in 3 days.
- A link to the online library catalog is provided for easy access to renew those items.
- Receive alerts when items are overdue as well as bill notices.
Visit your local library branch and we will add your email address.
Fees for overdue material: 25 cents per item per day.
- There is a 1-day grace period when returned on the grace day. If material is returned after the grace period, charges will apply to all days that the item is late. The grace period is no longer applicable.
Lost material: Please pay for replacing that item. You do not have to pay any fines that have accumulated on the item.
- Did you find that item? If you've already paid for it, bring the item to the library with your receipt, within 6 months. The Calcasieu Parish Police Jury will mail the refund.
Lost Library card? Report it immediately to any library branch.
- If the card is not reported lost, and someone else checks out items on the card, you will still be responsible for the items checked out.
- The charge for a replacement card is $.50.
What is a Pin# and why do I need it? A pin number is a 4 digit number giving access to your library account via the online library catalog, our mobile app or through the 800 number (1-800-240-0212). Use this number to access WiFi in the library or use the library's public computers.
What if I forget it? Contact your local library branch for assistance.
Can I change it online? Through the online library catalog.
- You do need your old pin# in order to change to a new one.
- Contact local library
- Download our Mobile App
- Online library catalog
- Use Library Elf (manage multiple library card accounts)
- Self service number: (337) 437-4153 or 1-800-240-0212