• How can I get a Hennepin County Library card?
  
• How can I register my card at Hennepin County Library?
  
• Can I register a card from out of state?
  
• Can I apply for a card at suburban Hennepin County Library if I live in the city of Minneapolis?
  
• What is MELSA?
  
• What if I live outside of the metro area?
  
• I've lost my library card. What should I do?
• What are the numbers on my card used for?
• Can I use an organization card to access electronic database information remotely?
• Where can I return library materials?

How can I get a Hennepin County Library card?
If you are a resident of suburban Hennepin County or an employee of Hennepin County, you are eligible for a suburban Hennepin County Library (HCL) card. You may apply for a card online (and your card will be mailed) or bring current identification into any suburban Hennepin County Library to get your card. If you are a resident of another area of the Twin Cities or state, you may use a card issued by your home library system to borrow materials from suburban HCL. That card must first be registered at suburban HCL for you to be able to use suburban HCL services.

How can I register my card at Hennepin County Library?
If you have a card issued by your home library system you may register it at suburban Hennepin by coming in to any of our suburban locations with the card and some current identification or submitting an online application that includes the barcode number from the card. If you submit the online application and include an e-mail address, you will be notified when the registration is complete (it can take up to two weeks). Whether you register in person or via email, you will need to verify your address with identification the next time you borrow Library materials.

Can I register a card from out of state?
No.

Can I apply for a card at suburban Hennepin County Library if I live in the city of Minneapolis?
Yes. If you live in Minneapolis you can get a card for the suburban HCL system by visiting a suburban location with current identification.

What is MELSA?
MELSA (Metropolitan Library Service Agency) is one of twelve regional library systems in Minnesota. The eight library systems in the seven county metro area are members of MELSA: Anoka County Library, Carver County Library, Dakota County Library, Hennepin County Library, Ramsey County Library, Scott County Library, Washington County Library, and St. Paul Public Library.

What if I live outside of the metro area?
If you live outside of the seven county metro area, you may still use the services of suburban Hennepin County Library. You must have a valid library card issued by a member of your home Minnesota regional library system. To register your card at suburban HCL you need to bring it into the library with you or submit an online application that includes the barcode number from the card. Whether you register in person or online you'll need to verify your address with identification the first time you checkout materials.

I've lost my library card. What should I do?
You should immediately report your card as lost to any and all library systems at which it was registered (including both Minneapolis and suburban Hennepin County Library). You can then get a new card by going to your home library system or, if your home system is a member of MELSA, you may apply at any MELSA member library (the card is then mailed to you with the exception of Minneapolis. If you live in Minneapolis you must visit your local Minneapolis Hennepin County Library). Most systems require current, picture identification and charge around $1.00 for a replacement card.

What are the numbers on my card used for?
There are two numbers on your card. One is the barcode number. It is printed on your card right underneath the barcode. This is the number you should use when you login to the online catalog, access an electronic database via our website and renew books. The other number is your hold pickup number. It is handwritten on your card. This number is used to locate requested materials on the hold shelves at the suburban libraries.

Can I use an organization card to access electronic database information remotely?
No. Organization cards do not have remote access to databases.

Where can I return library materials?
Materials borrowed from suburban HCL may be returned to any public library in the state. However, each library system is separate so keep in mind that items are not checked in and removed from your account until they travel back to their home system. This can take up to two weeks. The library at which the material was returned attaches the actual return date. This date is used as the check in date when the materials arrive back at suburban HCL. This ensures late fees (if any) will be calculated correctly and that you are not charged for travel time. This rule holds true throughout MELSA however, between regional library systems, it is the home system's option to charge for travel time or not. Suburban HCL never charges for travel time.