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Across the country, libraries celebrate National Library Card Sign-up Month in September. In addition to encouraging people to get a Library card, the DC Public Library is asking existing customers to check their card's expiration date.
Over the next nine months, nearly 10,000 DC Public Library customers will need to visit any DC Public Library location to renew their library cards. Although many services offered by the Library don't require a card, renewing ensures continued access to books, meeting rooms and digital tools. Library cards expire every three years to enable the Library to verify that cardholders' are eligible to use the Library and to update contact information
While the Library sends an email when a card is about to expire, customers may discover their card has expired at a less-than-ideal time, such as attempting to download an eBook or trying to research for a homework assignment when the Library's physical locations are closed. So far this year, more than 11,000 customers have renewed their cards. Customers can check the card's expiration date by visiting any DC Public Library location or logging into their account online.
Anyone residing, working, paying property taxes, or attending school in the District of Columbia can get a card. Library cards are also available for residents of Montgomery County, Prince George's County, Virginia County, Fairfax County, Frederick County, Loudoun County, Arlington County, Prince William County, Falls Church County, and Alexandria County.
To renew a card, customers are asked to present current identification showing an address in the Library's service area. For those with an ID not from the Library's service area, accompanying documents such as a rent receipt, utility bill, bank statement, apartment lease, or a letter from a shelter are accepted. College students or those with an ID not from the Library's service area can verify eligibility using documents with a photo ID, such as a rent receipt, utility bill, bank statement, apartment lease, or a letter from a shelter.