Get a Library Card

How to Apply for a Library Card

Newton Public Library cards are available to residents of Newton, rural Jasper County residents, and Iowa residents who are eligible through the Iowa State Library Open Access Program.

Library cards are issued immediately if you have current photo identification and verifying proof of current Iowa residential address at the time of application. A post office box may not be used as proof of residency. Mail may be used as proof of address if it has been postmarked within 30 days of the current date.

Residents who do not have proof of a permanent address at time of card application may obtain a temporary library card with a current photo identification. The temporary library card will be issued for 6 months and allow readers to bring in proof of permanent address when they are able. The card will be renewed every 6 months as long as photo identification is valid or until there is proof of residency. Once the verifying proof of residency is provided, temporary cards are updated to regular status. Users may check out up to two items at a time on a temporary card.

Acceptable forms of photo identification include the following:

• Current state, international or foreign driver's license with photograph
• Passport
• Foreign Visa
• Military identification
• Alien Registration Card issued by the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Services
• Local school identification card for current year (with photograph)
• Employee identification card with photograph
• Out of state Identification card
• Indian tribal affiliation card
• Non-driver's license with photograph

Accompanied by any of the following to verify current Iowa residency:

• Current acceptable photo identification (see above)
• Current motor vehicle registration
• Imprinted checks
• Voter registration card
• Mail addressed to you with current postmark*
• Bank statement*
• Lease agreement*
• Utility, telephone or water bill*

*must be dated within the last 30 days.

The library card holder is responsible for all items borrowed on your card. Lost or stolen cards should be reported immediately to the library at (641) 792.4108. Please notify library staff of any name, address, or phone number changes.  A $1.00 replacement fee will be charged for lost or stolen cards.

Youth Library Cards

Library card applications for children age 13 and younger must be co-signed by a parent or legal guardian. The signing parent or guardian will be responsible for any materials lost or damaged by the child. Adult signers will be required to provide acceptable identification as described above.

Teacher Library Cards

Teacher cards are available to all teachers in the Newton Community Schools, Newton christian School, DMACC Newton Campus, and West Academy. Materials checked out on a teacher card must be used in the classroom. Overdue fines are not assessed for materials checked out on teacher cards, but fees for lost or damaged items will still apply.