WPL Library Cards are free to everyone, even if you are just passing through!

Did you know that you don’t have to live in Washington to get a library card at the Washington Free Public Library? You don’t even have to reside in Washington County! That being said, not all library cards are the same, though a large portion of their differences aren’t something that patrons will notice. The different types of cards (there are technically 12 in our system) are mostly a representation of where the patron lives so that information can be reported to the State Library of Iowa. And on the flip side, even if we are your local library, you can get a library card at other libraries in Iowa.

A little background before we dive in too deep: Iowa Code 8A.222 requires cities and counties to provide financial support for public libraries. As long as your city or county contributes, you have access to library materials statewide! Here at the Washington Free Public Library, we serve as the “local library” to residents of the city of Washington, as well as the cities of Ainsworth and Brighton, and all rural Washington County residents. The Wellman Public Library serves the city of Wellman, and the Kalona Public Library serves Kalona, and Riverside contracts with them. West Chester contracts with the Wilson Public Library in Keota. Crawfordsville contracts with the Winfield Public Library. (This can change if the city decides to contract with a different library but is accurate for fiscal year 2025-2026). Even if we aren’t your “local library” you can still get an Open Access library card here at WFPL. This card gives you limited borrowing privileges, mostly to the physical books, audiobooks, CDs and DVDs in our collection, so you do still need a card from your own local library to access the digital content available via Libby.

So, what does your library card get you if we’re your local library? Unlimited BOOKS! Physical and digital both. And audiobooks, CDs and DVDs, hot spots, crafting items (we have small looms that your kids can check out to make potholders and other projects (my kids LOVED this!) A library card also gets you access to our amazing MakeIT space! We also have databases for you to use including Mango Languages, Mometrix e-Library, and a video streaming service called Kanopy.

You don’t have to have a card to utilize our computers, internet, printing, or meeting spaces. Nor do you need one to explore our art collection, check out the ReBook room, or visit the Grayson Archives, so come take a look!

Here are some interesting statistics on current active cards:

Washington residents with library cards: 2296

Ainsworth/Brighton residents with WFPL card: 199

Rural Washington County WFPL cards: 867

Open Access cards: 724 For more detailed information on the different types of library cards at WFPL, you can go here.

As always, getting a library card at WFPL is free with a current ID. Stop in and take advantage of this free service that will enrich your life!