Get a Library Card

Notice regarding expiration of all children’s library cards on July 17, 2023.

The Library issues library cards free of charge to residents or property owners in its primary service area:

• Cape Girardeau County
• Perry County
• Scott County

Residents of the following surrounding counties may also obtain a free library card.

• Bollinger County
• Madison County
• Mississippi County
• New Madrid County
• St. Francois County
• Ste. Genevieve County
• Stoddard County

To obtain a library card, come to your local Riverside branch and present a photo ID with your current address or documentation showing the physical address of your residence, such as a piece of mail. If you are a property owner but not a resident, please present proof of property ownership, such as your most recent property tax statement.

You may also complete the form below:

User Fees

Residents outside the above counties may receive services provided they apply in person, show proof of identity, and make a non-refundable payment. The cost is $24 per household for 12 months or $12 per household for 6 months.

Replacing a lost library card costs $5 (non-refundable). Your old card becomes invalid.

Child/Young Adult Cards

Children ages 5 to 17 can get their own library card if a parent or legal guardian has a valid Riverside library card and comes to the library and gives written permission.

Businesses and Daycares

Certified commercial daycares and residential care facilities may get one library card in the business name, with the business owner as responsible party. The Business owner may also provide names of current employees who may use the card. Owners are responsible for keeping the list of employees up-to-date.

Accessing My Account Online

You can access your library information through My Account on our website or through the Missouri Evergreen App. You will need your library card (use all the numbers on the back of card) and PIN. From My Account, you can search and place holds on materials, renew materials and track your reading through lists and by checking your history.

NOTE: If there are fines on your card, the automation system will not allow items to be renewed from home. Patron cards automatically expire each year. Contact or come into your branch library to have your card renewed.

PIN Numbers

A PIN (Personal Identification Number) is needed to access My Account online and for access to electronic resources on our website. PINs are created when you sign up for your library card and can be changed by the patron at any time online through My Account. If you have lost or don’t have a PIN, call or come into the library and ask the circulation desk staff to create one for you.