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Apply for a library card, manage your account, and discover how to check out materials

Available to anyone who lives, works, owns property, or attends school in Calcasieu Parish.

Full-service accounts (including online-only accounts, but excluding temporary and mobile user accounts like OverDrive/Libby) expire every five years to help us keep your information current. All expired accounts must be renewed in person at one of our branches. For additional information, refer to the Renew Card section on this page.

If your card is lost, report it immediately. If you do not report a lost card, all items checked out on that card remain the responsibility of the cardholder. There is a $0.50 replacement fee.

Library cards may be used at any branch. Cards may be used to access various resources. 

We honor Library Southwest cards from Allen, Beauregard, Cameron, Jeff Davis, Rapides, and Vernon parishes.

For a detailed explanation of guidelines and limits regarding library card accounts, including accounts for patrons ages 17 and younger, checkout limits, and expectations for borrowing items, please refer to the Circulation Policy.

APPLY FOR A LIBRARY CARD

Visit a branch for a full-service account, or if 18 years or older, you may apply online for an online-only account. If you previously had a physical card but can't locate it, visit or contact a branch to check if you're eligible for a replacement.

FULL-SERVICE ACCOUNT 

  • Visit a branch with proof of identification.
  • Receive a physical library card which can be used at all branches.
  • Check out and place holds on physical items.
  • Cards expire every five (5) years.

ONLINE-ONLY ACCOUNT

  • Online accounts may access the online catalog, the mobile app, and various resources
  • Account expires every five (5) years
  • No physical card; limited services.
    • For example, the Interlibrary Loan service allows you to request items that CPPL does not have in its collection.


My Account
    • View and manage account

    • BLOCKED ACCOUNT

      • You owe $25 or more.
      • Until fees are paid, you will not be able to check out items or access various library services, including computer use.
      • Pay fees
    • What is a PIN?


      Forgot PIN?

      • You can visit a branch, use Live Chat, or reset your PIN through the online catalog.
      • To reset your PIN yourself, a preferred email address must be on file with the library.
        Reset your PIN within an hour of receiving the confirmation email; after that, you'll need to repeat the process. 
      • if you don't have an email address on file, contact a branch or use Live Chat for assistance.

      Can I change it? 

      • Yes, you can reset your PIN, but you'll need your old PIN to do so. Simply go to the online catalog, navigate to My Information, and select Change Logon.
    • When do I receive notices?

      • When a hold is available for pickup.
      • Checked-out items will be overdue in 1 day.
      • When items are overdue as well as bill notices.

      The number on the caller ID will be 337-721-7116. If the message gets cut off at the beginning of the recording, it will repeat.


      Set notification options within the catalog

      Log in to My Account using your library card number and PIN. Then, go to the My Information tab and scroll down to the Contact Information and Preferences section. Make your edits in the Preferences section and click the Submit Change Request button.

    • When do I receive notices?

      • When a hold is available for pickup.
      • Checked-out items will be overdue in 1 day.
      • When items are overdue as well as bill notices.
      • Thirty days before your library card expires.

      If your email address is on file at the library, it can be edited under My Information within the online catalog.


      Set notification options within the catalog

      Log in to My Account using your library card number and PIN. Then, go to the My Information tab and scroll down to the Contact Information and Preferences section. Make your edits in the Preferences section and click the Submit Change Request button.

    • When do I receive notices?

      • When a hold is available for pickup.
      • Checked-out items will be overdue in 1 day. 
      • When items are overdue as well as bill notices.
      • Thirty days before your library card expires.

      How to receive notices

      Opt-in by contacting your local branch or DIY via My Information.

      DIY My Information

      • Log in to My Account using your library card number and PIN. Then, go to the My Information tab and scroll down to the Contact Information and Preferences section. Make your edits in the Preferences section and click the Submit Change Request button. 
Library Card Info
    • In accordance with Act 436-SB 7, a parent or guardian must choose the appropriate library card for their child or young adult. For more details, please refer to the Circulation Policy.

      Online library resources accessed outside the library branch are not filtered for content, so it’s important to monitor your child's access accordingly.

      By signing the library card application, you agree to take responsibility for your child's selection of materials and to cover any charges for damaged, lost, or overdue items checked out on the library card.

    • Report it immediately to any branch. If you do not report a lost card, all items checked out on that card are the responsibility of that cardholder. It's fifty cents ($.50) to replace a card.

    • Renew Your Account

      All expired accounts must be renewed at one of our branches. Staff will need to verify all information in your account. Please bring proof of address and photo ID.


      Library cards (excluding exceptions below) expire every five (5) years so that we may have the most current information on file. 

      Exceptions:

      • Temporary accounts are valid for three (3) months.
      • Mobile users (OverDrive/Libby only) are valid for one (1) year; no renewals.
      • See the Instant Digital Card section on this page.
      • Libraries Southwest cardholders must contact their home parish library for details.

      Outstanding Balances

      • Outstanding balances must be settled before accounts can be renewed or items checked out.

      • All associated accounts must also be free of fines. You may pay outstanding fines at one of our branches or by using our online payment service

      • Blocked and barred users must visit a local branch to resolve their accounts.

    • Blocked card

      • Users have lost items on account or accrued fines of $25 or more.


      Barred card

      • Please contact Library Administration at 337-721-7147 for more details.
      • Blocked or Barred users must visit a local branch to clear up their account prior to renewing an expired library card.
      • Outstanding fine balances may be paid using the online payment service.
    • You may be eligible for a Libraries Southwest library card. For more information, view this information or contact one of our branches for assistance.

    • Instant Digital Card - OverDrive/Libby only

      Sign up using a mobile phone number.

      Accounts are valid for a maximum of one (1) year. Once a mobile number has been registered, it cannot be renewed.

      To obtain a physical card, visit a local branch or use a different phone number to sign up.

All about Items
      • Many items may be renewed up to two (2) times if no one else is waiting for them.

      • Renewals are automatically processed two (2) days before the due date, unless there’s a waiting list. Each item has a maximum of two (2) renewals.

      • Refer to this chart for exceptions and additional information. 

      • eContent renewal policies vary by vendor. 


      ADDITIONAL RENEWAL OPTIONS:

      • Visit or contact a branch, or use Live Chat for assistance. Please have the items (e.g., books) and your library card ready.
      • You can also access your account through the online catalog under "My Account - Checkouts" or by using our mobile app.
      • If you have an email address on file, we will notify you three (3) days before any items become overdue.
    • A one-day (1-day) grace period is available for American Girl BeForever Dolls and sensory backpacks. All other items are not eligible for this grace period.

    • Items can be returned to any branch, regardless of where they were originally checked out. Please drop items in the designated return areas or drop boxes. If returning after hours, use one of our drop boxes.

      • Exceptions: Laptops, iPads, hotspots, cake pans, American Girl BeForever Dolls, and sensory backpacks cannot be returned in drop boxes.
    • A courtesy email is sent two (2) days before an item is due. If the item is not returned by the due date, an overdue notice will be sent the following day. A second overdue notice is issued when the item is one (1) week overdue.

      When items are fifteen (15) days overdue, a bill for the replacement cost is sent to the cardholder. Borrowing privileges will be blocked for cardholders with items fifteen (15) days overdue until the items are returned.

      Cardholders will be billed a replacement cost of materials based on the price of the item at time of purchase.

    • State laws on confidentiality prevent the library from allowing anyone other than the cardholder to pick up items on hold unless you grant permission for someone else to do so. This permission must be recorded in our system. For assistance, please check with a staff member.

      We have an automated system that will notify you when your items are ready for pickup. You can opt-in for text (SMS) notifications, which include alerts for holds, bills, and overdue materials. Sign up via the online catalog under My Account > My Information.

      Holds are typically kept for five (5) days. If you need an extension, please contact the pickup branch for assistance. 

      With a valid email address on file, we will also notify you when your hold is available. While there is no limit on the number of holds you can place, there is a limit on the number of items you can check out. You may suspend your hold by asking staff or using the mobile app.


      eBooks or audiobooks - OverDrive

      You can have a maximum of ten (10) holds per library card. This total includes any items you’ve recommended, items currently on hold, and holds that are available but not yet checked out.

    • We are Fine Free!    

      • Exceptions: Devices, device peripherals, and other in-demand, high-cost items such as hotspots, laptops, American Girl BeForever Dolls, outdoor games, and backpacks are not fine-free. See the chart below.

      Payment Options:

      Visit a branch or use our online payment service



      Exceptions:

      Item Daily Fine Max Fine
      American Girl BeForever Dolls .25 $5
      Take-home laptops/iPads $10 $70
      Hotspots $5 $35
      In-library Laptops (Central/Iowa) $5 per hour $45
      Sensory Backpacks .25 $5
      varies/backpack (replace if lost or damaged)
      Laptop or Charger (Kiosk) $5 hourly $45


      Laptops, hotspots, iPads, Backpacks, and American Girl BeForever Dolls

      • No grace period applies.

      • A twenty-five dollar ($25) charge will be incurred for returning items in the book drop. Additional fees may apply for items that require repair or are damaged.


HOW TO CHECK OUT MATERIAL

  • Bring your library card and the item to a staff member.

  • You can also use the self-check machines at the Central Library; just have your library card and PIN ready.

  • Alternatively, utilize the built-in card feature within the mobile app.

CHECKOUT LIMITS AND CHECKOUT TIMES

  • Refer to the chart below for checkout limits for adults, teens, children. 
  • Please note that eContent (eBooks, etc.) has different limits for checkout, download/streaming, and holds. See the chart for specifics.

  • Libraries Southwest, temporary, and internet users may have different limits, so check with staff for more information.


ADULTS: Checkout Limits, Time, and Renewal Limits

Material Checkout 
Limit
Checkout
Time
Renewal Limit Notes
Binge Box

3

1 week 2 Limited to a maximum of 6 holds at a time.
Blu-Ray

20

1 week 20
Book
(includes VOX book)

50

2 weeks 2
Book and CD

10

2 weeks 2
Book on CD 20 2 weeks 2
Cake Pan 3 2 weeks 2
CD 20
(music)
2 weeks 2
DVD 20 2 weeks 2
Doll (American Girl BeForever) 1 2 weeks 0
Game 3 2 weeks 2
Hotspot **
(T-Mobile Test Drive)
1 1 week 0

Valid ID or driver's license required; must reside in Calcasieu Parish with matching address in library database. Checkout requires signing the CPPL Guidelines and Agreement Waiver

iPad 1 1 week 0

Valid ID or driver's license required; must reside in Calcasieu Parish with matching address in library database.
LSW Calcasieu Adult and Homebound Adult may check out items.

ILL material 50 2 weeks 2

Limited to a combo of holds and items checked out; lost/damaged items incur a $50 fee.

Kit 10 2 weeks 2
Laptop or Charger Kiosk 1 2 hours 0

Must have valid card in hand.
LSW Calcasieu Adult and Homebound Adult may checkout item.

Laptop 1 1 week 0

Valid ID or driver's license required; must reside in Calcasieu Parish with matching address in library database.
LSW Calcasieu Adult and Homebound Adult may check out items.

Launchpad 3 2 weeks 2
Magazine 20 2 weeks 2
Paperback 50 2 weeks 2
Playaway 10 2 weeks 2
Puzzle 1 1 week 0
Sensory Backpack 1 2 weeks 2
Talking Book 50 2 weeks 2
View 3 2 weeks 2



TEENS: Checkout Limits, Time, and Renewal Limits

Material Checkout
Limit
Checkout
Time
Renewal Limit Notes
Binge Box

3

1 week 2 limited to 6 holds at once
Blu-Ray

20

1 week 20
Book
(includes VOX book)

50

2 weeks 2
Book and CD

10

2 weeks 2
Book on CD 20 2 weeks 2
Cake Pan 3 2 weeks 2
CD 20
(music)
2 weeks 2
DVD 20 2 weeks 2
Doll (American Girl BeForever) 1 2 weeks 0
Game 3 2 weeks 2
Hotspot **
(T-Mobile Test Drive)
0
iPad 0
ILL material 50 2 weeks 2

Limited to a combo of holds and items checked out; lost/damaged items incur a $50 fee.

Kit 10 2 weeks 2
Laptop or Charger Kiosk 0
Laptop 0
Launchpad 3 2 weeks 2
Magazine 20 2 weeks 2
Paperback 50 2 weeks 2
Playaway 10 2 weeks 2
Puzzle 1 1 week 0
Sensory Backpack 1 2 weeks 2
Talking Book 50 2 weeks 2
View 3 2 weeks 2


CHILD/JUVENILE COLLECTION ONLY: Checkout Limits, Time, and Renewal Limits

Material Child
Limit
Juvenile Only
Time
Checkout
Limit
Renewal Limit
Binge Box

1

1 1 week 2
(limited to 1 hold)
Blu-Ray 5* 5* 1 week 2
Book
(includes VOX book)
25 25 2 weeks 2
Book and CD 10 10 2 weeks 2
Book on CD 10 10 2 weeks 2
Cake Pan 3 3 2 weeks 2
CD 10 10 2 weeks 2
DVD 5* 5* 1 week 2
Doll (American Girl BeForever) 1 1 2 weeks 0
Game 3 0 2 weeks 2
Hotspot **
(T-Mobile Test Drive)
0 0
iPad 0 0
ILL material 10 0 2 weeks

2

Limited to a combo of holds and items checked out; lost/damaged items incur a $50 fee.

Kit 10 10 2 weeks 2
Laptop or Charger Kiosk 0
Laptop 0
Launchpad 3 3 2 weeks 2
Magazine 20 20 2 weeks 2
Paperback 25 25 2 weeks 2
Playaway 10 10 2 weeks 2
Puzzle 1 1 1 week 0
Sensory Backpack 1 1 2 weeks 2
Talking Book 25 25 2 weeks 2
View 3 3 2 weeks 2

Child and Juvenile Only cardholders may check out a combination of 5 Blu-Ray and DVD materials; not 5 of each type. 

 

eContent Checkouts and Renewals

Digital limits vary by product and publisher and are subject to change at any time.

Freading
Content: eBooks
Checkout Limit: 2 per week; unused checkouts roll over; limits reset beginning of month. 
Loan Period: 2 weeks
Renewals:renew for another 2 week period
Additional Requirements: valid library card
freegalmusic+
Content: download or stream music
Checkout Limit: Downloads (5 weekly); Streaming (3 hours daily)
Loan Period: available downloads reset every Mon. (12 AM CST); streaming times resets daily (12 AM CST); keep downloads
Renewals: none
Additional Requirements: valid library card
hoopla
Content: eBooks, audiobooks, movies, TV shows, music, and comics
Checkout Limit: 30 titles per month
Loan Period: eBooks, music, audiobooks & comics (21 days); movies & tv shows (48 or 72 hrs); BingePasses (7 days)
Renewals: No renewals; borrow the title again once expired.
Additional Requirements: valid library card and valid email address
Kanopy
Content: Critically acclaimed movies, inspiring documentaries, award-winning foreign films, etc.
Checkout Limit: Users receive 40 tickets per month; each movie has a specific ticket value; no checkout limits for Kids’ Corner.
Renewals: Renew option appears 3 days prior to due date if no holds on title.
Additional Requirements: valid library card, PIN, and email address
OverDrive/Libby App
Content: audiobooks, eBooks, and magazines
Checkout Limit: 10 at one
Loan Period: Audiobooks/eBooks (7 or 14 days); Magazines (14 days; excluded from checkout limits)
Renewals:Renew option appears 3 days prior to due date if no holds on title.
Additional Requirements: library card or mobile number