Library funding relies on real property taxes paid by those who live inside Mountain Home’s city limits. Residents and those owning property within the incorporated city limits qualify for free library cards. *If you own property inside the city limits but live elsewhere, please bring in a document showing title to your property.
An applicant for a Borrower’s Card must present a driver’s license, passport, or other official photo ID and provide proof of current residential address. A Post Office box will not be accepted as proof of residence.
Online Application:
To start the application process, use this link now! After completion, please visit any Library workstation to complete your application and receive your physical Library card.
Resident Card:
Borrower’s Cards are available without cost to Mountain Home residents or individuals paying ad valorem taxes on real property situated within the city limits.
Temporary Card:
If you are new to the Mountain Home Public Library, you may register for a temporary library card which will allow you to check out two books at any one time. This card is for those 18 years of age and older. An ID is required. A current mailing address is also required (PO boxes are not a valid mailing address). A valid ID and proof of address are required prior to the expiration of a temporary card. The temporary card is valid for 60 days and may not be renewed.
Non-Resident Card:
An individual who does not meet the requirements for a Resident Library Card may obtain a Non-resident Library Card upon the payment of the current cost of such card plus tax. As a convenience, cards (with associated expiration periods) may be purchased in 6 or 12 month increments plus tax.
Non-resident card costs will be no less than the amount of the per household residential support (operating income per capita), plus Idaho sales tax. The Non-resident card must be paid again upon renewal each year. Payment of Non-resident card by an individual allows all persons in that individual’s household to obtain a library borrower’s card.
Non-resident card costs will be automatically evaluated and updated in January of each year.
2023 Non-Resident Card Costs:
6 Months – $16.00 plus tax
12 Months – $32.00 plus tax
Corporate Card:
Business entities, nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies whose principal offices are located within the city limits may obtain a Corporate Card. Any officer of the business entity may apply for the card upon presenting photo identification and a business card, letter on company letterhead, or other documentation showing the applicant’s status as an individual authorized to apply for the card on behalf of the business entity. A Corporate Card may be issued only after staff has verified that the applicant has approval to apply for the card on behalf of the business entity. The business entity will be financially responsible for fines and fees incurred through use of the card.
Internet-Only Card:
Individuals who wish only to obtain Internet access at the Library may obtain an Internet-Only Card, without cost, regardless of the location of their residence. Such card may be issued only upon presentation of photo identification and will be valid for one year from date of issuance and subject to renewal annually upon presentation of photo identification. This card can only be used for Internet access within the Library.
Student Rate Library Card:
Student Rate Cards are available for each child in a family who resides outside the library’s legal service area. The term “student” applies to children and young adults enrolled in an educational program preschool through 12th grade. A charge of $3.00 plus tax per card must be paid at the time of application and individual cards expire one year from date of issue. Student Rate Library Cards will allow you to check out five books at any one time.
Senior Rate Library Card:
Those 65 and older residing outside of the Library’s legal service area, but within the boundaries of Elmore County, Idaho, will receive a Senior Rate Library Card at no charge. Senior Rate borrower accounts are issued individually and cannot be extended to or used by others.
Additional Information:
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A Parent/Guardian/Grandparent of minor children (17 and under) must be present before a borrower’s card can be issued, renewed, or replaced.
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Borrower account information may be updated at any time it is deemed necessary by staff.
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Library cards may not be loaned or used by anyone other than the account holder. Anyone found to have provided fraudulent borrower account information; loaned; transferred; or otherwise provided their library card account number to another person to check out materials or use the Public Use Computer Center may permanently lose library and computer privileges.
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Requests made to change information or provide access to borrower account content will require the owner or responsible party of the library card to be present.
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Borrowing agreements or service contracts with other libraries and consortia may qualify patrons for cooperative borrowing privileges.
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MHPL staff may accept fines on borrower accounts held at cooperative borrowing locations. Other assessed fees, or accounts in collection must be resolved at the originating library before a borrower’s account can be transferred to MHPL or used for circulation of MHPL materials, unless otherwise approved by the Library Director.
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Lost or stolen library cards must be reported immediately. Replacement cards will be issued at a cost of $1.00 plus tax per borrower account.