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Getting a Library Card and My Account Information

Available to anyone who lives, works, owns property, or attends school in Calcasieu Parish.

Full-service accounts (including online-only accounts, but excluding temporary and mobile user accounts like OverDrive/Libby) expire every five years to help us keep your information current. Library cards can be used at any branch and grant access to various resources.

Library cards may be used at any branch. Cards may be used to access various resources. 

All expired library accounts must be renewed at one of our locations. For additional information, refer to the Renew Card section on this page.

If your card is lost, report it immediately. If you do not report a lost card, all items checked out on that card remain the responsibility of the cardholder. There is a $0.50 fee to replace a card.

We honor Library Southwest cards from Allen, Beauregard, Cameron, Jeff Davis, Rapides, and Vernon parishes.

For a detailed explanation of guidelines and limits regarding library card accounts, including accounts for patrons ages 17 and younger, checkout limits, and expectations for borrowing items, please refer to the Circulation Policy.

APPLY FOR A LIBRARY CARD

Visit a branch for a full-service account, or if 18 years or older, you may apply online for an online-only account. NOTE: If you've had a physical card before, but cannot find it, visit or contact a branch to see if you are eligible for a replacement card.

FULL-SERVICE ACCOUNT 

  • Visit a branch with proof of identification.
  • Receive a physical library card which can be used at all branches.
  • Check out and place holds on physical items.
  • Cards expire every five (5) years.

ONLINE-ONLY ACCOUNT

  • Online accounts may access the online catalog, the mobile app, and various resources
  • Account expires every five (5) years. 
  • No physical card; limited services.
    • Example: Interlibrary Loan service - requesting items that CPPL doesn't have in their collection. 


My Account
    • View and manage account

    • BLOCKED ACCOUNT

      • You owe $25 or more.
      • Until fees are paid, you will not be able to check out items or access various library services, including computer use.
      • Pay fees
    • What is a PIN?


      Forgot PIN?

      • You can visit a branch, use Live Chat, or reset your PIN through the online catalog.
      • To reset your PIN yourself, a preferred email address must be on file with the library.
        Reset your PIN within an hour of receiving the confirmation email; after that, you'll need to repeat the process. 
      • if you don't have an email address on file, contact a branch or use Live Chat for assistance.

      Can I change it? 

      • Yes, you can reset your PIN, but you'll need your old PIN to do so. Simply go to the online catalog, navigate to My Information, and select Change Logon.
    • When do I receive notices?

      • When a hold is available for pickup.
      • Checked-out items will be overdue in 1 day.
      • When items are overdue as well as bill notices.

      The number on the caller ID will be 337-721-7116. If the message gets cut off at the beginning of the recording, it will repeat.


      Set notification options within the catalog

      Log in to My Account using your library card number and PIN. Then, go to the My Information tab and scroll down to the Contact Information and Preferences section. Make your edits in the Preferences section and click the Submit Change Request button.

    • When do I receive notices?

      • When a hold is available for pickup.
      • Checked-out items will be overdue in 1 day.
      • When items are overdue as well as bill notices.
      • Thirty days before your library card expires.

      If your email address is on file at the library, it can be edited under My Information within the online catalog.


      Set notification options within the catalog

      Log in to My Account using your library card number and PIN. Then, go to the My Information tab and scroll down to the Contact Information and Preferences section. Make your edits in the Preferences section and click the Submit Change Request button.

    • When do I receive notices?

      • When a hold is available for pickup.
      • Checked-out items will be overdue in 1 day. 
      • When items are overdue as well as bill notices.
      • Thirty days before your library card expires.

      How to receive notices

      Opt-in by contacting your local branch or DIY via My Information.

      DIY My Information

      • Log in to My Account using your library card number and PIN. Then, go to the My Information tab and scroll down to the Contact Information and Preferences section. Make your edits in the Preferences section and click the Submit Change Request button. 
Library Card Info
    • In accordance with Act 436-SB 7, a parent or guardian must choose the appropriate library card for their child or young adult. For more details, please refer to the Circulation Policy.

      Online library resources accessed outside the library branch are not filtered for content, so it’s important to monitor your child's access accordingly.

      By signing the library card application, you agree to take responsibility for your child's selection of materials and to cover any charges for damaged, lost, or overdue items checked out on the library card.

    • Report it immediately to any branch. If you do not report a lost card, all items checked out on that card are the responsibility of that cardholder. It's fifty cents ($.50) to replace a card.

    • Renew Your Account

      All expired accounts must be renewed at one of our branches. Staff will need to verify all information in your account. Please bring proof of address and photo ID.


      Library cards (excluding exceptions below) expire every five (5) years so that we may have the most current information on file. 

      Exceptions:

      • Temporary accounts are valid for three (3) months.
      • Mobile users (OverDrive/Libby only) are valid for one (1) year; no renewals.
      • See the Instant Digital Card section on this page.
      • Libraries Southwest cardholders must contact their home parish library for details.

      Outstanding Balances

      • Outstanding balances must be settled before accounts can be renewed or items checked out.

      • All associated accounts must also be free of fines. You may pay outstanding fines at one of our branches or by using our online payment service

      • Blocked and barred users must visit a local branch to resolve their accounts.

    • Blocked card

      • Users have lost items on account or accrued fines of $25 or more.


      Barred card

      • Please contact Library Administration at 337-721-7147 for more details.
      • Blocked or Barred users must visit a local branch to clear up their account prior to renewing an expired library card.
      • Outstanding fine balances may be paid using the online payment service.
    • You may be eligible for a Libraries Southwest library card. For more information, view this information or contact one of our branches for assistance.

    • Instant Digital Card - OverDrive/Libby only

      Sign up using a mobile phone number.

      Accounts are valid for a maximum of one year. Once a mobile number has been registered, it cannot be renewed.

      To obtain a physical card, visit a local branch or use a different phone number to sign up.

All about Items
      • Items can be renewed up to two (2) times if no one else is waiting for them. Renewals are automatically processed two (2) days before the due date, unless there’s a waiting list. Each item has a maximum of two (2) renewals.

        • Exceptions include American Girl BeForever Dolls, take-home laptops/iPads, hotspots, and in-library laptops. 

        • eContent renewal policies vary by vendor. 


      ADDITIONAL RENEWAL OPTIONS:

      • Visit or contact a branch, or use Live Chat for assistance. Please have the items (e.g., books) and your library card ready.
      • You can also access your account through the online catalog under "My Account - Checkouts" or by using our mobile app.
      • If you have an email address on file, we will notify you three days before any items become overdue.
    • A one-day grace period is available for American Girl BeForever Dolls and sensory backpacks. All other items are not eligible for this grace period.

    • Items can be returned to any branch, regardless of where they were originally checked out. Please drop items in the designated return areas or drop boxes. If returning after hours, use one of our drop boxes.

      • Exceptions: Laptops, iPads, hotspots, cake pans, American Girl BeForever Dolls, and sensory backpacks cannot be returned in drop boxes.
    • A courtesy email is sent two (2) days before an item is due. If the item is not returned by the due date, an overdue notice will be sent the following day. A second overdue notice is issued when the item is one (1) week overdue.

      When items are fifteen (15) days overdue, a bill for the replacement cost is sent to the cardholder. Borrowing privileges will be blocked for cardholders with items fifteen (15) days overdue until the items are returned.

    • State laws on confidentiality prevent the library from allowing anyone other than the cardholder to pick up items on hold unless you grant permission for someone else to do so. This permission must be recorded in our system. For assistance, please check with a staff member.

      We have an automated system that will notify you when your items are ready for pickup. You can opt-in for text (SMS) notifications, which include alerts for holds, bills, and overdue materials. Sign up via the online catalog under My Account > My Information.

      Holds are typically kept for five (5) days. If you need an extension, please contact the pickup branch for assistance. 

      With a valid email address on file, we will also notify you when your hold is available. While there is no limit on the number of holds you can place, there is a limit on the number of items you can check out. You may suspend your hold by asking staff or using the mobile app.


      eBooks or audiobooks - OverDrive

      You can have a maximum of ten (10) holds per library card. This total includes any items you’ve recommended, items currently on hold, and holds that are available but not yet checked out.

    • We are Fine Free!    

      • Exceptions: Devices, device peripherals, and other in-demand, high-cost items such as hotspots, laptops, American Girl BeForever Dolls, outdoor games, and backpacks are not fine-free. See the chart below.


      Payment Options:

      Visit a branch or use our online payment service



      Exceptions:

      Item Daily Fine Max Fine
      American Girl BeForever Dolls .25 $5
      Take-home laptops/iPads $10 $70
      Hotspots $5 $35
      In-Library Laptops (Central/Iowa) $5 per hour $45
      Sensory Backpacks .25 varies/backpack (replace if lost or damaged)


      Laptops, hotspots, iPads, Backpacks, and American Girl BeForever Dolls

      • No grace period applies.

      • A twenty-five dollar ($25) charge will be incurred for returning items in the book drop. Additional fees may apply for items that require repair or are damaged.


How to check out material 

  • Bring your library card and the item to a staff member.

  • You can also use the self-check machines at the Central Library; just have your library card and PIN ready.

  • Alternatively, utilize the built-in card feature within the mobile app.

Checkout Limits

  • Refer to the chart below for checkout limits for adults, kids, and teens.

  • Please note that eContent (eBooks, etc.) has different limits for checkout, download/streaming, and holds. See the chart for specifics.

  • Libraries Southwest, temporary, and internet users may have different limits, so check with staff for more information.

Checkout Limits

Material Checkout
Time
ADULTS
TEENS
CHILD
JUVENILE COLLECTION ONLY
Audiobook 2 weeks

10
Book & CD

20
Book on CD

10
Book & CD

20
Book on CD

10
Book & CD

10
Book on CD

10
Book & CD

10
Book on CD

Binge Box 1 week 3 3 1 1
Book (includes VOX book) 2 weeks 50 50 25 25
Cake Pan 2 weeks 3 3 3 3
CD  2 weeks 20
music
20
music
10
music
10
music
Doll (American Girl BeForever) 2 weeks 1 1 1 1
DVD
Blu-Ray
1 week 20 20 5 (combo of DVD/
Blu-ray)
5 (combo of DVD/
Blu-ray)
Game 2 weeks 3 3 3 3
Hotspot **
(T-Mobile Test Drive)
1 week 1 0 0 0
Hotspot **
(Lucky Day
T-Mobile T9 Franklin)
1 week 1 0 0 0

**Checkout requires signing the CPPL Guidelines and Agreement Waiver

Checkout Limits

Material Checkout
Time
ADULTS
TEENS
CHILD JUVENILE COLLECTION ONLY
Interlibrary Loan Details 50
(combo
of checkouts
&
holds)
50
(combo
of checkouts
&
holds)

10
(combo
of checkouts
&
holds)

10
(combo
of checkouts
& holds)

iPad
(take home)
1 week 1 0 0 0
Laptop
(in-library - Central)
4 hours 1 0 0 0
Litter Pickup Tools 1 week up to 11 grabbers
up to 16 vests
1 grabber
1 vest
0 0
Jigsaw Puzzle 1 week 1 1 1 1
Laptop
(take home)
1 week 1 0 0 0
Launchpad 2 weeks 3 3 3 3
Magazine 2 weeks 20 20 20 20
Outdoor Games 1 week 1 0 0 0
Paperback 2 weeks 50 50 25 25
Playaway 2 weeks 10 (audio)
3 (video)
10 (audio)
3 (video)
10 (audio)
3 (video)
10 (audio)
3 (video)
Sensory Backpack 2 weeks 1 0 0 0
Geaux Explore Backpack 2 weeks 1 0 0 0


 ECONTENT CHECKOUT LIMITS
These include OverDrive and Libby, by OverDrive, hoopla, Kanopy, FreegalMusic+, and Freading. Digital limits vary by product and publisher and are subject to change at any time.

Resource Content Checkout Limit Loan Period Renewals Addt'l Requirements
OverDrive eBooks, audiobooks, magazines, comics & graphic books, and streaming videos 10 at once

eBooks/audiobooks
(7 or 14 days)

Magazines - 14 days (excluded from above limits)

Renew option appears 3 days prior to due date if no holds on title. library card or mobile number
Libby, by OverDrive  eBooks, audiobooks, magazines, comics & graphic books, and streaming videos 10 at once

eBooks/audiobooks
(7 or 14 days)

Magazines - 14 days (excluded from above limits)

Renew option appears 3 days prior to due date if no holds on title. library card or mobile number
Kanopy Critically acclaimed movies, inspiring documentaries, award-winning foreign films, etc. Movies have a ticket value. Users receive 40 tickets per month. Each movie has a specific ticket value.
No checkout limits for Kids’ Corner.
Each movie has a specific viewing period.  not needed valid library card, PIN, and email address
hoopla eBooks, audiobooks, movies, TV shows, music, and comics Check out up to 30 titles per month.
BingePass - 7 days of unlimited access w/ just one hoopla borrow.
Bonus Borrows - no borrow limits during last week of the month
eBooks, music, audiobooks, and comics
(21 days)
movies and tv shows 
(48 or 72 hours)
BingePasses
(7 days)
no renewals; borrow the title again once expired. valid library card and valid email address
Freading eBooks 2 checkouts per week; unused checkouts roll over to following week; limits start over at beginning of each month.  2 weeks renew for another 2 week period valid library card
FreegalMusic+ download or stream music

Downloads - 5 weekly

Streaming - 3 hours daily

downloads reset every Monday at 12:00 AM CST; streaming resets daily at 12:00 AM CST
Downloaded content is for patron to keep.
not needed vailid library card