How to Get A Library Card
"A library card is the start of a lifelong adventure." Lillian Jackson Braun
We couldn't agree more and nothing would make us happier than helping you embark on that adventure! We have a number of options for anyone who would like to borrow from the thousands of books, magazines, newspapers, DVDs, CDs, and kits we have available here at NMPL. (Of course, simply enjoying things at the library is an option even without a card, but it is so much fun to take things home!)
We have a number of free library card options but even the non-resident card option is a steal at $110 a year! For the equivalent of 8 pictures books OR 7 newly released DVDs OR 6 best selling hardcovers OR 4 seasons of your favorite TV show OR 3 newspaper subscription you have access to thousands of titles in a variety of genres every day.
"Having fun isn't hard when you've got a library card." Marc Brown
So stop in today and let us get you set up with your very own card!
- Do you live within the North Manchester town limits?
If you live or own property within the town limits of North Manchester, you are eligible for a library card at no additional cost.
The library is supported financially by property taxes from our library district, which is the city limits of North Manchester. Individuals who live OR own property within the city limits of North Manchester pay for library service through their taxes each year.
You must come to the library in person to register for a card. To provide proof of address, please bring with you one of the following items:
- a recent piece of mail that shows your current home address
- a recent utility bill with your current home address
- a current driver's license with your current home address
- Do you live outside of the North Manchester town limits?
If you live outside of the town limits, but wish to borrow materials from the library, you may do so after paying the subscription fee for library service. The fee is recommended by the state library and reviewed annually by the library board.
Current Fees for Non-resident Cards (beginning April 1st, 2025):
One Year Library Card — $110.00
Six Month Library Card - $55.00
Three Month Library Card - $27.50If you live outside of the town limits, but own property in North Manchester, you are eligible to receive a free card.
You must come to the library in person to register for a card. To provide proof of address, please bring with you one of the following items:
- a recent piece of mail that shows your current home address
- a recent utility bill with your current home address
- a current driver's license with your current home address
- Do you live in rural Chester Township?
Because Chester Township levies a property tax to its residents for library services, households living in rural Chester Township may pick up an application from the library, then apply to the Chester Township Trustee for a free library card.
Chester Township Trustee
11942 N 300 E
North Manchester, IN 46962
Phone: (260) 982-2287If you are not sure if you live in rural Chester Township, you should call the Trustee so that your address can be verified.
After we receive the application and fee from the Trustee, your library card will be issued or renewed.
If you are renewing an expired card, you may pick up an application at the library, fill it out, and mail it to the Trustee.
- Can you get a PLAC Card?
The Public Library Access Card (PLAC) is Indiana’s statewide public library borrowing card. PLAC may be purchased at any Indiana library, and it allows individuals to borrow directly from any public library outside their home library district.
Individuals with a valid resident or non-resident library cards in good standing from their home library are eligible for a PLAC.
The statewide fee is set annually by state law and announced by the Indiana State Library. The current PLAC Card fee is $70. A PLAC expires one year from the date of purchase.
More information about PLAC is available on the Indiana State Library’s website.
To sign up for a PLAC Card, you will need:
- a library card (don't have one? You can get one at NMPL!)
- Proof of address, such as a utility bill, a drivers license, or a piece of mail that shows your current home address
- Can you become a reciprocal patron through our local borrowing covenant?
If you are a resident or non-resident patron of the Roann Public Library, South Whitley Community Public Library, North Webster Public Library, or the Wabash Public Library and are in good standing, you may obtain a Reciprocal Card, which will allow you to borrow from NMPL at no cost.
You must come to the library in person to register for a card. Please bring with you the following items:
- a current driver's license with your current home address
- your Roann Public Library, South Whitley Community Public Library, North Webster Public Library, or Wabash Public Library card
NMPL will need to contact Roann Public Library, South Whitley Community Public Library, North Webster Public Library, or Wabash Public Library to verify you are a patron in good standing, then you may receive your NMPL library card.
- Can you become a reciprocal patron through our statewide borrowing covenant?
NMPL is a State Reciprocal Borrowing Library, which gives any patron with a current resident library card the ability to borrow from any other State Reciprocal Borrowing Library for free! View a list of the State Reciprocal Borrowing Libraries.
You must come to the library in person to register for a reciprocal card. Please bring with you the following items:
- a current driver's license with your current home address
- your home public library card
NMPL will need to contact your home library to verify you are a resident patron in good standing, then you may receive your NMPL library card.
- Are you a student at Manchester Community Schools?
If you are a student enrolled in the Manchester Community School system, and you do not live within the town limits, you are eligible for a library card at no cost.
Please remember:
- The student card is for YOUR library materials only – it is not a family card.
- Items must be checked out by or be for the student
- Video materials are not eligible for checkout on the student card.
- There is a 10 item limit on MCS Student Cards
When you register for the card, please bring proof of enrollment, such as:
- an enrollment receipt,
- current report card,
- or student ID.
A parent or guardian signature is required for all student cards.
- Are you a student at Manchester University?
If you attend Manchester University, you are eligible for a library card at no cost. To sign up for a library card, please fill out this online form or come into the library.
To fill out the form online, you will need:
- A Gmail account
- A photo of your student ID as proof of registration at the University.
To register for a card in person, you will need:
- Your student ID as proof of registration at the University.
Upon completion of the form, your NMPL library card will be mailed to your MU Box address.
- Do you live in Pleasant Township?
You will need to apply for a Non-Resident library card. Please see the "Do you live outside the of the North Manchester town limits?" section.