Library cards are free to residents and employees of the City of Balch Springs, TX (COBS) and, in reciprocation, to residents of the City of Mesquite, TX. Non-residents can purchase a family card for 20.00 annually, according to COBS Master Fee Schedule. Parents and guardians can obtain a library card for their children ages 4-17. The child must be present at the time the card is being created. MISD Shares cards are accepted at the Library for the current school year.
A library card gives the account holder checkout privileges at the Library and access to electronic resources. The account is valid for three years. By obtaining a card, the library patron agrees to accept responsibility for use of the account and to follow all library policies.
Cards are obtained by presenting a valid governmental photo identification with proof of address for legal adults (18 years old or older). Under age 18, a person must be connected to an adult sponsor (parent or guardian). The adult sponsor must be a registered borrower.
The library card has an 8 digit number on the back. When the account is issued, the password assigned will be the same 8 digits. The password can be changed by the patron in the Patron Information area after signing in to the Library's online catalog. The Library card number with password combination is used to provide access to electronic resources, which the Library makes available to its patrons.
A lost library card should be reported immediately. There is a 1.00 fee to replace a lost card, which is listed in the Master Fee Schedule. Patrons must present their library cards at time of renewal or pay the replacement fee.
The Library honors the State of Texas TexShare card from any reciprocating library in the State. For more information on the TexShare program, see the information found on the Texas State Library and Archive Commission website at www.tsl.state.tx.us/texshare.