Porter County F.A.Q Page
We Are Here To Help

The staff at the Porter County Public Library System is here to help you discover new books, movies, and ways to connect with your community. If you’re looking for more information, check out our FAQs and let us know if you have any additional questions!

Getting Your Library Card

What can I do with a library card?

Patrons can check out a wide variety of materials with their library cards, not just books! Patrons also have access to resources like:

  • Music CDs
  • Videos
  • Audiobooks
  • Computers with Internet
  • eBooks and eMagazines you can check out from home
  • and more!

Please see the Welcome Brochure to find out more about our services.

Who can get a library card?

Anyone who lives in our library district can get a free library card. Our library district includes all townships in Porter County except for Westchester Township.

If you don’t live in our district, you may still be able to get a free library card:

  • If your home library is a partner with us. Most Indiana libraries are partners.
  • If you are a Teacher who teaches in our district.
  • If you are a student living here for school.
  • If you are a businesses in our district.
  • If you are are living temporarily at a shelter in our district.
  • If you only want to use our computers (not check out materials).

If you can’t get a free library card, you might be able to get a different kind of library card:

  • If you are living in our district temporarily, you can get a card if you make a $50.00 cash deposit. This deposit will be refunded if the card is in good standing when you turn it in.
  • If you already have a card at another Indiana library, you can purchase a state-wide Public Library Access Card (PLAC) for an annual fee. This is good at any Indiana library.
  • Anyone can purchase a card for an annual fee. This costs less than a PLAC, but can only be used at our libraries.

How old do I have to be to get a library card?

Anyone can get a library card, even babies. However, children in 5th grade and under must have a parent come with to register for a library card. If you finished 5th grade, but are under 18, you may register yourself, or have a parent come with and do it for you.

How do I get a library card?

To get a library card, bring a valid photo ID to the library.

You can use your card right away to check out items, use the computers, check out ebooks, and use our various databases.  

Parents, if you are registering your child, you may provide your own ID. We will also ask you to pay any outstanding fees on your own card before you register your child.

Using Your Library Card

What are your borrowing rules? (No. of items, checkout length, etc.)

Loan Rules

New DVDs, Regular DVDs, Wifi Hotspots, Board Games – 7 days

CDs – 14 days

Books, Audiobooks, Magazines, and everything else* – 21 days

*e-content, special collections, and inter-Library Loans (ILLs) have varying loan periods. Most items are subject to auto-renew at least once as long as no one has placed a hold on them/patron has nothing overdue.

Where can I check out and return materials?

You can choose any of our branch locations to pick up, check out, or return materials. When requesting materials through our catalog, please be sure you indicate at which branch you would like to pick them up at the time you place the hold. You may find the locations and hours of our branches at the bottom of our website.

I forgot my PIN, what do I do?

Your PIN is the last 4 digits of the phone number you registered with us.

Becoming a Library Patron

How do I become a library patron?

Becoming a patron at any of the PCPLS branches is incredibly easy! Simply visit your local branch and ask to become a card member. You can learn more about getting your card by visiting our Get A Card page!

Can I volunteer at the library?

The library loves volunteers. If you’re interested in being a volunteer, we invite you to learn more about the volunteer program and fill out an application, if you’re interested.

How can I help support the library?

The library thrives only because of the dedicated support of our community. If you want to learn more about supporting PCPLS, we invite you to explore the different opportunities available to support PCPLS.

Digital Services

What is the PCPLS mobile app?

The PCPLS mobile app lets you take the library with you no matter where you are. Through the app, you can access our catalog to search for your favorite books, movies, and other materials. Plus, you can use the mobile app to access our ebooks, emagazines, and other digital content.

Learn more about the PCPLS mobile app. 

How can I get the mobile app?

The PCPLS app can be used with multiple devices. Currently, it is compatible with Apple iOS, Android, Windows Phone, and Amazon Kindle devices. To get the app, visit the app store you use, search for PCPLS, and follow the download instructions.

What e reading resources does PCPLS offer?

PCPLS is proud to offer several online sources for great ebooks, emagazines, audiobooks, and other great content. You can learn more about these services and features by visiting our Digital Branch.

What other online resources does PCPLS provide?

PCPLS connects you to online databases for discovering new things, finding information, searching for jobs, and so much more. Our online resources and databases are full of great information and knowledge. Discover more by visiting our Databases page. 

Account Information

Forgot your PIN?

Your PIN number for your account is the last four digits of the phone number you registered with us.

Is your account locked?

Contact us here

Is your account expired?

Update it for another year by bringing a valid photo ID with your current address to the circulation desk.

Have A Question We Haven’t Answered Yet?

If you can’t find the information you are looking for, let our staff know and we will be glad to assist you however we can!