Library Card Options and Instructions

Applying for a Library Card

Anyone who resides or owns property in the City of Puyallup is eligible for the Puyallup resident library card at no charge. We also have reciprocal arrangements with many area libraries. There is a list of our partner libraries at the bottom of this page. For a Puyallup Public Library card, you can either apply online or visit the library. Please bring government-issued picture identification and identification that verifies your current address.

For a light-hearted look at the paths to getting a library card, join Joyce as she demonstrates how easy it is!

Using the Online Application Form

If you are unable to physically visit the library, you can still apply for a limited-use card online. Please visit the Library Card Application Page then click the box that says "I don't have a library card". On the next page, you will enter your information and submit your request. 

Once you have created your account, please call 253.841.5454 or e-mail us and request that your card be activated for e-resources. Library staff will then issue you a new card number that will work with our databases. If you are having a problem creating your online account or believe you may have an old account still in our system, please call or e-mail us. 
 
 To fully activate your card, bring a government-issued picture ID to a service desk at the library and your card will be validated for 4 years.  If you received a limited use card during COVID, you could pick up your card and activate it at the circulation desk on the first floor.

Card Types and Benefits

For more information about the different types of cards, please see the Library Borrower Policy (PDF).

 Your library card allows access to our reference databases and downloadable content including eBooks, audiobooks, and music. If you are outside the library, you will need to enter your library card's barcode number and your Personal Identification Number (PIN).

Reciprocal Agreements with Neighboring Libraries

If you are not a resident of the City of Puyallup but would still like to get a Puyallup Public Library card, you may be eligible to receive a library card without paying a non-resident fee. If you are ineligible to receive a Puyallup Library card as a resident, our non-resident fee is currently $50 per year for an individual adult or $75 per year for a family.

Reciprocal agreements between library jurisdictions allow residents of one district to use a library in another district without paying a non-resident fee. Library users may apply for and have library cards in the other library systems. Library users are expected to follow the regulations of the district or city whose services they are using.

The Puyallup Public Library has established reciprocal borrowing agreements with the following library systems:

View a Map of the Areas (PDF) covered with the Puyallup Library reciprocal agreements.

Present a photo ID with your current residential address at any participating library. You will be presented with a separate library card for each library system. Seattle Public Library requires Puyallup residents to show a Puyallup Library card as part of the application process. Puyallup reciprocal library cards are good for two years and may be renewed as needed.

By obtaining a library card to another library, patrons can use the vast resources of other library systems, including access to downloadable books, electronic resources, and an increase to many databases not owned by the Puyallup Library.

Online Account Access

Do you need to access your Library account information? Once you connect to the catalog, just click on the "My Account" heading and use your barcode number and pin to log in. You can browse our collection and create a reading list, access your account information, place items on hold, or renew materials you currently have checked out.

User ID = the barcode numbers located on the back of your library card

PIN = usually the last four digits of your phone number unless you specified a different number when you received your library card.

Loan Periods

1-Week Loans

Museum passes and Check-Out Washington Backpacks (no renewal). If late, there is a $5 late fee per day.

3-Week Loans

All books and materials (two renewals)

Renewal

Most items may be renewed if no one has placed that item on hold. You may renew online (see My Account), by phone, via the library app, or in person.

Returns

Library materials may be returned 24 hours per day via the book drops.