This policy outlines the requirements for obtaining a library card that allows users to borrow materials from both Anchorage Public Library (APL) and Alaska Library Consortium (ALC) member libraries. An APL Card also grants access to APL’s online resources, which are provided through special licenses or contracts.
- APL Card Types Available
Summary of Card Types available from Anchorage Public Library, all cards are free to use.
- Verified Card - 3 year expiration, full digital access, 50 total borrows
- Unverified Card - 1 year expiration, limited digital access, 3 total borrows
- Organization Card - 1 year expiration, full digital access, 50 total borrows
- Benefits
- Cardholders may borrow materials from any APL Library, including items transferred from Alaska Library Consortium.
- Cardholders have access to APL computers and, depending on card type issued, use of electronic resources.
- Responsibility
- Library cardholders are responsible for:
- Returning materials on time and in good condition.
- Paying any fees on lost or damaged materials.
- Alerting the Library if their Library Card is stolen or being used by an unauthorized person.
- Anchorage Public Library is responsible for maintaining library user's privacy, as outlined in the Confidentiality Policy.
- Library cardholders are responsible for:
Anchorage Public Library
MOA P&P 01-01
American Library Association Library Bill of Rights
Alaska Library Consortium Bylaws
Verified Card
- Meant for
- Residents of and/or owners of property within the municipal boundaries and
their dependents. - Youth under the age of 18, providing parent or legal guardians accept financial
responsibility for any fees on their child’s account. - Any employee of the Municipality of Anchorage regardless of residence as long
as they do not have a card from any of the Alaska Library Consortium partners. - Legally emancipated minors, so long as they show a copy of their Emancipation
Decree to staff at the time of card sign up. They will be provided an adult card.
- Residents of and/or owners of property within the municipal boundaries and
- Registration requirements - One Item from List A; or One Item from List B and One Item from List C below.
Unverified Card
- Meant for
- Adults and youth that cannot provide proof of address at the time of card sign
up. - Youth who sign up without a guardian present to assume responsibility of the
card. - All members of the University of Alaska system, if they do not have a card from
any of the Alaska Library Consortium partners.
- Adults and youth that cannot provide proof of address at the time of card sign
- Registration Requirements - One Item from either List B or List C below.
Organization Card
- Meant for
- Businesses, associations, institutions, or non-profit groups within the municipal
boundaries. - Applied for annually and approved by the Patron Services Coordinator or the
Patron Services Circulation Supervisor.
- Businesses, associations, institutions, or non-profit groups within the municipal
- Registration Requirement - Requests must be submitted on the organization’s
letterhead and it must include the following, acknowledgement that the organization is
responsible for any fees or fines and a list of persons allowed to use the card.
Identification and address requirements
- Patrons can show either physical or digital copies for most items on List C.
- All bills or statements in List C must be from within the last 30 days.
List A - Establishes Identity and Address
- Real ID Issued within 3-Months
- ASD Student Card, only for the child and the listed Guardian
List B - Establishes Identity
- Non-Real ID Driver's License
- State ID Card
- Out-of-state Driver's License
- Passport, or passport card, issued by the United States or other government
- Military ID
- Native American Tribal ID
- Photo ID (identification containing photo of applicant and their first and last name)
- Other government issued photo ID
List C - Establishes Address
- Mail attached to the address
- Utility bill attached to the address
- Current lease agreement or mortgage statement
- Banking statement
- Paycheck statement
- Property Tax Receipt
- Voter Registration Card
- The Patron Services Coordinator is the primary contact regarding this document and any necessary edits.
- The Patron Services Supervisor is responsible for the implementation of this document at the Loussac Library.
- All Branch Managers are responsible for the implementation of this document at all branch libraries.
- All library staff are responsible for understanding this document and carrying it out while working with patrons.
This policy will be reviewed every 3 years, or as necessary, by the Patron Services Coordinator.
List reviews and/or edits for the previous 10 years:
- 6/14/2024 - Library Leadership Team - Edited
- 9/21/2019 - Library Advisory Board - Reviewed
Approved by: MOA LEGAL REP Jessica Willoughby, 2/12/2025
Approved by: Acting Director, Elizabeth Nicolai, 2/13/2025
Endorsed by the Library Advisory Board, 2/19/2025