Family Card FAQ

Beginning in 2020, we will further improve our service to patrons by transitioning all Family Cards to individual adult accounts.

Why is the Library converting Family Cards to traditional individual cards?

The Family Card was intended to make traditional borrowing of circulating materials easy for families. However, digital content (e-books, streaming media, web-based learning platforms, etc.) accounts for an increasing portion of our circulation to the public, and the platforms we use to provide this media are not designed to accommodate the Family Card.

The Family Card has been a convenient tool for me to manage my family's borrowing. How will I be able to continue doing so when Family Cards go away?

Many Family Cards are used by adults to monitor the borrowing activity of their minor children. With the movement to individual cards, you will have two options:

1. You, your spouse, or another legal guardian may manage the child's borrowing on the adult's card. However, in this scenario, only the adult listed on the card may access the card.
2. Alternatively, you may register your children for individual cards. A number of options are available for you to restrict the child's access to materials and internet computer access. As the signing parent, you may access and monitor the borrowing on your child's account at any time.

What are the advantages of registering school-aged children for library cards?

With 1-to-1 technology access in our local schools, your children will be using technology throughout their education. Having their own library card gives them easier access to digital content that is beneficial to their education and teaches them how to use these resources responsibly. A library card can also serve as a great tool for learning basic time-management and financial literacy skills with traditional borrowing.

Without a Family Card, how will my spouse or kids be able to pick-up my holds for me?

Someone may collect your holds on your behalf as long as:

1. They are in possession of your library card, and
2. Can verify your name and birthdate.

This individual may not select other items for borrowing on your account, nor may they inquire on the details of your account. Alternatively, you may choose to provide this individual with your library card and PIN, so they may collect your holds using our self-checkout machines. Please note that patrons allowing others to collect holds on their behalf do so at their own risk. If your card is lost or stolen, please contact us immediately so we may block the account.

How will this transition actually benefit me as a current Family Cardholder?

When you and your family members switch to individual cards, your access to our growing collection of digital services will expand. With free e-books, e-audiobooks, streaming video and music, and a host of web-based learning platforms spanning foreign languages and career readiness, an individual library card is your gateway to this growing area of library resources.

I don't use digital services. Will I still see any benefit?

Your family's access to traditional materials will expand, as well. With a Family Card, the 50 items that can be borrowed at a time must be split among all family members on the card. With individual cards, each family member with a card can borrow up to 50 items themselves.

How do I make the transition to individual cards?

Our staff are now ready to assist you in converting your Family Card into an individual account(s). Please visit us at the Library to update your account.

I would like to speak with someone. Who may I contact?

Daniel Slife, Director
330.335.1299
daniel.slife@wadsworthlibrary.com