How do I get a library card?

You can apply for a library card at any public library in the Viking Library System (VLS). VLS is a federated regional public library system serving the six west central Minnesota counties of Douglas, Grant, Otter Tail, Pope, Stevens and Traverse.

Cards are issued to residents and property owners. You’ll be asked to present a driver’s license or other photo ID with a current address or a picture ID and a piece of recently posted mail with your current address. If you are under the age of 14, the registration form must be signed by a parent or guardian who has valid identification. Cards are issued to children at 5 years of age. The child must be present when being issued a card.

Your library card may be used at any public library in Minnesota. (You will need to register your VLS card the first time you use it in each different library system in Minnesota.)

Residents outside the VLS service area may register their cards from their home library systems (Minnesota only). You’ll be asked to present a driver’s license or other photo ID with a current address or a picture ID and a piece of recently posted mail with your current address.

Non-Minnesota residents may obtain a temporary VLS card at a fee of $25.00. A photo ID needs to be presented. Registrations for non-Minnesota residents are good for 1 year.

The library card is available for use the day it is issued. First time borrowers can check out 3 items. When those items are successfully returned, the standard borrowing will apply.

If your library card is lost, let the library know. A replacement card must be purchased for $3.00.

Library Card Holder Agreement

When you sign up for your library card, you will sign a statement agreeing to the following:

• I accept responsibility for all items checked out on my card.
• The information provided is accurate and I accept the responsibility to keep my address, phone, and email information current so that I will receive library notices in a timely manner.
• If my card is missing or stolen, I will report it immediately to minimize library materials being checked out on my stolen card.
• If I wait more than 10 days after receiving notification of lost items checked out while my card was lost or stolen, I am responsible for the replacement costs of those items.
• I accept responsibility for all items checked out on my card by persons that I have loaned my card to.