CONSTRUCTION NOTICE: The Howland Library is closed for expansion and renovation until Spring 2027.
NOTICE: All W-TCPL locations & services will be closed on October 12 for Columbus Day.
Using the Library
Your Library Card
A library card can connect you with a world of information and entertainment!
Anyone who lives, works, attends school, or owns property in Ohio is eligible to sign up for a free Warren-Trumbull County Public Library card.
There is a small fee for out-of-state residents to apply for a Warren-Trumbull County Public Library card.
If you would like to borrow eBooks, eAudiobooks, and other digital content through the library, you may sign up for a free eCard.
If you already have a full-service library card, you do not need an eCard. The barcode on the back of your library card gives access to digital resources. If you only wish to use the library’s online resources, the eCard is the right choice for you.
The eCard gives access to digital resources only. Physical library materials cannot be checked out on an eCard. Customers cannot use public Internet computers with an eCard.
A free eCard is available to individuals age 13 and older who are Ohio residents.
There is no “library card” that is sent to eCard customers. Customers will receive a library card number to use when accessing digital and online library resources. This number will also be emailed if you shared your email address.
After you register for an eCard, you will receive a confirmation letter in the mail, including information about upgrading your eCard to a full service borrower’s card. If your address is unable to be verified, your account will be deleted. Every two years, library cards stop working and require verification of borrower information before being renewed.
Once you have an eCard, adults age 18 and older have the option to convert it to a full-access library card (borrowing physical library materials and using public computers) by visiting any W-TCPL location. If you are under 18, contact your nearest library location for assistance. If you feel that a full-service library card would be valuable to you, you can upgrade your e-Card at any W-TCPL location.
The above information is subject to change and is not all-inclusive. Please call your nearest library location with any questions or concerns.
Juvenile Library Card
There is no age requirement to obtain a Warren-Trumbull County Public Library card.
A parent or guardian must be present to co-sign the application of a child under age 18. Only parents or legal guardians (with appropriate paperwork) can sign up a minor child for a full-service library card. The parent or guardian is considered the only legal representative of the child in the state of Ohio, thus, no other individual can agree to be financially responsible for a minor child’s library account. The library must have legal recourse to be able to recover the value of materials borrowed and not returned. In addition, there are privacy issues mandated by the state of Ohio that the library must follow that protect the rights of juveniles and their legal representative.
The parent/legal guardian/custodian of a minor customer is responsible for all materials checked out on the minor’s card.
Classroom teachers or administrators in a public school, private school, afterschool, preschool, or daycare setting, or a guardian homeschooling their dependent children may apply for an educator card for borrowing materials for classroom use.
Procedures
To receive an educator card, the applicant must provide one form of photo identification showing current name and current home address accompanied by proof of educator status. Items accepted for proof include, but are not limited to:-
State-issued educator certification.
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Teacher ID card.
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Verification letter from a school administrator on official letterhead, signed by an administrator.
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Recent pay stub.
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Letter from school district approving your intent to homeschool
Terms of Use
Items checked out on Educator Cards are for educational use, not personal use. Educator cards are linked to a personal use library card if one exists, but a personal use card is not required.
Items check out for 42 days (6 weeks). Fees for up to five items, per calendar year, may be waived. This includes items that are damaged, lost, or claims returned.
Educator cards have a borrowing limit of 100 items.
The following items are allowable for check-out and for placing holds:
o Audiobooks
o AV Kits
o Big Books
o Books
o Civil Rights Suitcase
o Educational Movies
o Entertainment Movies
o Music CDs
o Magazines
o Realia
o Wonderbooks-
The Take 2 Card is an option for children and teens younger than 17 to have some library privileges without a parental or guardian signature.
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The Take2 card can be used to borrow up to 2 items at a time—books, magazines, comic books, and audiobooks (no DVDs, CDs, or new adult books).
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The Take2 card allows the use of library computers and any of the library’s electronic resources.
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No overdue fines will be charged on the Take2 card, but there will be a charge for items not returned or damaged.
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The Take2 cardholder must be present to use the card in the library.
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Signing Up for Your Library Card In Person
Providing Identification
To obtain a library card in person, stop by any Warren-Trumbull County Public Library location. Applicants registering for a library card must provide one form of identification with current name and address. If you registered online, you will be asked for ID when you come in to pick up your library card.
Acceptable forms of photo ID include:
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State-issued ID card
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State-issued drivers’ license
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Military ID
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Work ID
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Student ID
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Passport
Using Your Library Card
Borrowing Policies
The Warren-Trumbull County Public Library is fine-free; no charges will be applied for items that are returned late to the library.
A library customer is responsible for all materials checked out on their library card, and if such materials are returned damaged or lost, the customer is responsible for paying replacement fees.
If a library card is lost or stolen, report this IMMEDIATELY to the library so that you will not be held responsible for unauthorized use of the card.
Creating and Using Your Library Card PIN
Warren-Trumbull County Public Library cardholder accounts have an added layer of security with the implementation of Personal Identification Numbers (PINs).
The Library Account Log-In screen will prompt the cardholder to create an individual 4-digit numeric PIN to access their online account. This PIN along with the cardholder’s name and library barcode number will then be entered each time the cardholder would like to access their library account to place an item on hold or check their record.
The PIN may also be used to access other digital library resources that may require it through the library website or app.
If you do not know or cannot remember your PIN number after you create it, or you would like help creating your PIN, please contact any Warren-Trumbull County Public Library location during business hours for assistance.