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Get a Library Card
Scott County Library offers multiple card types to meet a variety of needs. Not sure which one is right for you? Review our card categories below, or contact your library for a recommendation.
About our cards
- Some card types, such as Educator and Business cards, can only be used to access online resources. You cannot borrow physical items with an Online Access Only card. Make sure you're applying for the card type that works best for your situation.
- As of March 1, 2022, all card types are fine-free.
- All cards with balances of $25 or more are blocked from borrowing physical items until the balance is resolved. If your account is blocked, you may continue to use eBooks, meeting rooms, and other library resources.
Register for a Standard Card
- Online: Use our Online Library Card Registration Form. Staff will process your information and email you your library barcode number and PIN when it's ready. We'll then mail you your physical card to the address you provide.
- Are you under the age of 16? You may apply for a card on your own, but you will receive a Youth Welcome card, not a regular full-access card.
- In Person: Bring a picture ID with your current address to register for a card at your library. If your current address isn't on the ID, bring in something official with your address on it, like a piece of mail or a bill.
Replacement Cards
Lost your card? We can replace your card for free a few times each year. Call or visit your library to get a replacement. If you're an eLibrary user, let us know -- we might be able to transfer Libby activity from your old card to your new card.
Safe at Home Program
Scott County Library participates in the Safe at Home address confidentiality program. If you apply for a card and have an official Safe at Home Program card, we will use the program address as your home address.
Welcome Cards
We offer Welcome Cards for adults who aren't permanent residents. Welcome Cards can be used to check out up to two items at a time and access online resources. You can obtain a Welcome Card if you are:
- Temporarily living in Scott County for seasonal employment
- Staying with a relative or friend long term
- A resident that may not have ID with your name and address on it, or experiencing homelessness
Standard Cards (Parent Must Be Present to Register)
Parents who register their children at the library have the choice of making their child's card a standard card with all privileges, or a Youth Welcome card.
Youth Welcome Cards
A child's first library card is exciting milestone of independence. If your child wants their own card but needs practice independently managing their items, a Youth Welcome card is ideal. Youth cards look like regular library cards, but operate as "starter cards" to help kids to practice using the library before graduating up to a regular card with higher borrowing limits.
- Youth cards limit kids to only two physical item checkouts at a time.
- Like all SCL cards, Youth cards are fine-free and will prevent kids from checking out additional items if their account balance is $25 or more.
- Library staff can upgrade a Youth card at any time to full-access library card to allow your child check out more than 2 items at a time. Parent and guardians must call or visit their library with the card number and PIN to make the change on the child's behalf.
- Youth cards can still access all digital resources and all eLibrary items.
Are you under the age of 16? You may apply for a card on your own, but you will receive a Youth Welcome card, not a regular full-access card.
School Cards
If your child attends one of these districts, they may have a Virtual Student Library Card account, which follows the same rules as Youth Welcome cards but without the conversion option. Visit our School Partnerships page for details.
- Burnsville-Eagan-Savage 191 (Grades 6-12)
- Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools 719 (Grades 6-12)
- Shakopee Public Schools 720 (Grades K-12)
Business Online Access Cards
Any business owner, manager, or employee of a business in Scott County can request a card that can be used to access our online resources. If you already have a library card and are concerned about duplication, no worries! We understand how helpful it is to have one card for work and one for personal use.
Apply for a Business Card
Fill out the Business Online Access Card Application (PDF) and bringing it to any Scott County Library. You may also email it to your branch.
Educator Online Access Cards
Educators (teachers, media specialists, homeschool instructors, daycare providers, etc.) working in Scott County may register for an Educator Online Access Card. This card is designed for classroom use only, which means you can keep your personal library activity private while demonstrating library resources to students.
- Educator cards can only be used to access online resources, including databases and eLibrary items. You won't be able reserve or check out physical library materials.
- Visit our Teacher Resources to learn how else we support educators.
- To apply, fill out our Educator Card Form. A staff member will email you a card number and PIN number, and then mail the card to the address you provide (you may provide the school's).
What about my students?
To obtain student accounts for classroom use, please speak with your school administration about partnering with us. We'll work with school leadership to inform parents and ensure your students' personal data is transferred securely.
If you work in these districts, your students have Virtual Student Library Card accounts. Visit our School Partnerships page for details.
- Burnsville-Eagan-Savage 191 (Grades 6-12)
- Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools 719 (Grades 6-12)
- Shakopee Public Schools 720 (Grades K-12)
LeSueur County (New Prague Residents only)
If you live in the LeSueur County part of New Prague and are taxed for Scott County Library services, you can get a regular Scott County Library card through our Online Registration Form.
Other Minnesota Residents
If you are a Minnesotan living outside Scott County, you may conveniently register your home library card with us through our Online Registration Form. You will gain access to our physical collection, our eLibrary collection*, and some online resources.
*If your card is from one of the eight Twin Cities Metro-area library systems, you already have access to the MELSA Twin Cities Metro eLibrary.