Jackson County
Public Library

A free library card can be obtained by anyone who resides or owns property in Jackson County. This card, which is good for three years, may be used at the Seymour, Crothersville, or Medora libraries or on the Bookmobile.

Jackson County residents age 18 or over must show one piece of photo identification bearing both name and current address or at least two pieces of identification, one with a photo and one with a current address.

OR an item with your...

Picture:

Work ID
Student ID (from high school or college)
Credit Card with your picture on it

AND

• Address (all items must be current):
• A lease agreement
• Tax receipt in your name
• Automobile Insurance ID card
• A bill from a creditor or utility company
• A check with imprinted name and address

For customers who do not reside in Jackson County there are a few different options available if they want to get a new library card account.

Reciprocal Borrower Card

If you have a library card from your county (or city's) public library there is a likelihood that that library participates in the Reciprocal Borrower Program where your library card from there allows you to have a library card from here. You must be in good standing with your home library and present your library card from that library before full privilege is granted, but other than that you are allowed a 1-year card free of charge. Most of our reciprocal borrowers are from Jennings County, Scottsburg, Salem, Madison, and Bedford, for example.

Public Library Access Card (PLAC)

To get a PLAC you must pay a $28 fee and we issue a state authorized card which will allow you to use any library in the state as long as you are from a district/township which is supported by a library. At the Jackson County Public Library most of our PLAC users are from Bartholomew County as they do not participate in the Reciprocal Borrower Program.

Library Fee Card

If you live in a county or district/township which does not support a public library then you must pay a $60 fee to receive a library card good for one year. This fee takes the place of the property tax you do not pay to support a library. Washington County residents who are not served by the Salem Public Library are most likely to fall into this category.

Once you have found your category and possibly paid any associated fees you only need to present a valid picture ID and something with your current address (this can be the same thing) and fill out a card application to receive a library card good for 1 year.

Jackson County residents under age 18 can obtain a card with a parent or guardian signature on the library card registration. The parent or guardian accompanying the child must show one photo identification bearing both name and current address or at least two pieces of identification, one with a photo and one with a current address. Since the guardian or parent who signs the registration is responsible for any overdue, lost, or damaged materials, parents whose personal or other children’s’ accounts are blocked may not obtain a library card for their child. The library may also block all children’s accounts of blocked parents or guardians. Emancipated minors must show emancipation documentation. Married minors must show a marriage license.

For customers who do not reside in Jackson County, but have close associations with it there are a few different options available if they want to get a new library card account.

Local Employee

You will need to bring in a letter from your employer on their letterhead stating that you are currently employed there. Most employers in town which regularly employ out-of-town or out-of-state workers have a form letter that they will be able to print out for you.

Local Student

Some students who go to Jackson County schools might live just across the county line in either Bartholomew, Lawrence, Jennings, Scott, or Washington County. Since we believe that access to library facilities outside of school is vital to the performance of students we allow students who are currently enrolled and attending classes at any of the schools in Jackson County to get a library card. What is needed is a letter from your school stating that you are currently enrolled and a parent or guardian to help fill out the library card application and sign the borrower agreement (only if student is under 18).

When you come in with your letter you (or your parent/guardian) will need to present a valid picture ID and something with your current address (this can be the same thing) and fill out a card application to receive a library card good for 1 year.