HOW TO GET A LIBRARY CARD

"A library card is the start of a lifelong adventure." Lillian Jackson Braun

We couldn't agree more and nothing would make us happier than helping you embark on that adventure!  We have a number of options for anyone who would like to borrow from the thousands of books, magazines, newspapers, DVDs, CDs, and kits we have available here at NMPL.  (Of course, simply enjoying things at the library is an option even without a card, but it is so much fun to take things home!)  

We have a number of free library card options but even the non-resident card option is a steal at $84 a year!  For the equivalent of 6 pictures books OR 5 newly released DVDs OR 4 best selling hardcovers OR 2 seasons of your favorite TV show OR 1 newspaper subscription you have access to thousands of titles in a variety of genres every day.

"Having fun isn't hard when you've got a library card." Marc Brown

So stop in today and let us get you set up with your very own card!

DO YOU LIVE WITHIN IN THE NORTH MANCHESTER TOWN LIMITS?

If you live or own property within the town limits of North Manchester, you are eligible for a library card at no additional cost.

The library is supported financially by property taxes from our library district, which is the city limits of North Manchester. Individuals who live OR own property within the city limits of North Manchester pay for library service through their taxes each year.
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You must come to the library in person to register for a card. To provide proof of address, please bring with you one of the following items:
  • a recent piece of mail that shows your current home address
  • a recent utility bill with your  current home address
  • a current driver's license with your current home address

​DO YOU LIVE OUTSIDE OF THE NORTH MANCHESTER TOWN LIMITS?

If you live outside of the town limits, but wish to borrow materials from the library, you may do so after paying the subscription fee for library service. The fee is set by state law and reviewed annually by the library board.

Current Fees for Non-resident Cards: 
One Year Library Card — $84.00
Six Month Library Card - $42.00
Three Month Library Card - $21.00

If you live outside of the town limits, but own property in North Manchester, you are eligible to receive a free card.

You must come to the library in person to register for a card. To provide proof of address, please bring with you one of the following items:
  • a recent piece of mail that shows your current home address
  • a recent utility bill with your  current home address
  • a current driver's license with your current home address

DO YOU LIVE IN RURAL CHESTER TOWNSHIP

Because Chester Township levies a property tax to its residents for library service, persons living in rural Chester Township may apply to the Trustee, Flo Dahlstrom, for a free library card.

Flo Dahlstrom
Chester Township Trustee
1409 N Market St.
North Manchester, IN 46962
260.982.2287

Office Hours:
Tuesday & Thursday from 3pm to 6pm
By appointment only

If this is the first time you have applied for a card through the Trustee OR if you are not sure if you live in rural Chester Township, you should call to make an appointment to visit Ms. Dahlstrom so that she can verify your address.
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If you are renewing an expired card, you may pick up an application at the library, fill it out, and mail it to Ms. Dahlstrom. After we receive the application and fee from Ms. Dahlstrom, your library card will be issued or renewed.

PLAC CARDS

The Public Library Access Card (PLAC) is Indiana’s statewide public library borrowing card. PLAC may be purchased at any Indiana library, and it allows individuals to borrow directly from any public library outside their home library district.

Individuals with a valid resident library card in good standing from their home library are eligible for a PLAC. They must be residents or real property taxpayers of their home library’s taxing district.

The statewide fee is set annually by state law and announced by the Indiana State Library. The current PLAC Card fee is $65. A PLAC expires one year from the date of purchase.

More information about PLAC is available on the Indiana State Library’s website.

To sign up for a PLAC Card, you will need:
  • a library card (don't have one? You can get one at NMPL!)
  • Proof of address, such as a utility bill, a drivers license, or a piece of mail that shows your current home address.​

ARE YOU A STUDENT AT MANCHESTER COMMUNITY SCHOOLS?

ARE YOU A STUDENT AT MANCHESTER UNIVERSITY?
If you are a student enrolled in the Manchester Community School system, and you do not live within the town limits, you are eligible for a library card at no cost.

Please remember:
  • The student card is for YOUR library materials only – it is not a family card.
  • Items must be checked out by or be for the student 
  • Video materials are not eligible for checkout on the student card.
  • There is a 10 item limit on MCS Student Cards

When you register for the card, please bring proof of enrollment, such as:
  • an enrollment receipt,
  • current report card,
  • or student ID.
If you attend Manchester University, you are eligible for a library card at no cost. You must come to the library in person to register for a card. 

You will need:
  • Your student ID as proof of registration at the University.
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