Patron Account Information

General Policies

Proper identification must be presented to register [1999.05]. (See Acceptable Forms of ID

A library card is required in order to check out materials [1999.05, 2010.09]. Library card barcodes may also be scanned from handheld devices [2014.05].

Applicants for a card must complete and sign an application form, available at any PINES participating library’s circulation desk. Alternatively, applicants may fill out an online application form prior to visiting the library to present their identification and complete their application [2014.05].

Patron account information is confidential and cannot be used for purposes other than PINES transactions. (See Confidentiality)

Residency

Library cards are free to all residents of Georgia. Persons who attend school, own property or are employed full-time in Georgia are eligible for a free PINES card. Patrons of both PINES and non-participating Georgia public libraries may receive a PINES card. Users from non-participating Georgia libraries shall have the same privileges as PINES users. Most PINES cards are valid for 2 years [1999.05].

Property owners who do not reside in Georgia are required to show proof of Georgia property ownership, such as a tax bill or deed. Non-Georgia residents who are employed in Georgia or attending school in Georgia are required to show proof of that employment or enrollment.

Out-of-state cards are available to persons living outside Georgia who do not meet the above criteria for a $25 annual fee, payable at the time the card is issued. A temporary card is available for a $12.50 fee and is valid for 6 months.

Responsibility

Signing a PINES card application denotes acceptance of responsibility for all fines and fees for lost or damaged materials.

There is no minimum age for a child to receive a PINES card. A parent or legal guardian may register a child [1999.05]. Parent or legal guardian must show proper ID to register a child. A parent or legal guardian must sign the application for all children under 18. Signing a child’s PINES card application denotes acceptance of responsibility for all fines, lost or damaged materials.

Acceptable Forms of ID

An applicant for a new card is required to provide proper ID, which includes current, local address. Acceptable ID for receiving a PINES card (3 choices):

Photo ID showing current local address, OR

Photo ID and one item from approved list (see below) showing current, local address (if photo ID does not have correct address), OR

TWO (2) items from approved list showing current, local address.

Acceptable ID includes:

Valid driver’s license

Valid voter registration card

Valid matricula consular [2004.08]

Checks with pre-printed addresses

A utility bill (e.g., gas, electric, cable, internet, water/sewer, waste management)

Tax receipt or other piece of mail that shows the user’s name and present address.

Original documents are required with the exception of utility bills: because many people now pay their utility bills online and no longer receive them on paper, patrons may present their online bill or statement on their mobile device or printed from their utility’s web site [2015.12].

The registering library is responsible for ensuring that a correct address is obtained [2005.08].

Social Security Numbers are not used in PINES [2006.11].