How can I get a library card and how much does it cost?

Children and adult residents of Benton, Morrison, Sherburne, Stearns, Todd, and Wright counties are eligible to receive a GRRL library card FREE of charge. Applicants must apply for a library card in person at any GRRL library by completing an application form and providing identification to verify current name and address information. Minor children are not required to provide identification. If your library card is lost or stolen please report it to a library staff member immediately. Action will be taken so that no one else will be able to use the card . There is a $1.00 replacement fee for lost library cards. Your GRRL card can be used in virtually any Minnesota public library (see next question).

What is my User Id?

Your User Id is your patron barcode number which begins with the numbers 22020. It is located on your library card. Your User Id is needed to log into your account in the iPac online catalog.

What is my PIN number?

GRRL patrons are assigned a personal identification number (PIN) for accessing personal account information. The PIN is a four-digit number consisting of the month and date of your birthday. For example, if your birthday is Feb 7, then your PIN is 0207. Your PIN is needed to log into your account in the iPac online catalog.

If I live in any other part of Minnesota, may I use GRRL libraries?

Yes, GRRL residents can participate in the Reciprocal Borrowing Agreement at any Public Library in Minnesota that is part of a Regional Library System. You must show your GRRL library card at each library visit and materials must be returned to the loaning library system.

If I visit in any other part of Minnesota, may I use my GRRL library card?

Yes, GRRL residents can participate in the Reciprocal Borrowing Agreement at any Public Library in Minnesota that is part of a Regional Library System. You must show your GRRL library card at each library visit and materials must be returned to the loaning library system.

What will I find to check out when I visit the library?

Materials available at your library include:

  • Books: Nonfiction, Reference, Fiction, Young Adult, Children's, Large Print, Literacy Materials and Best Sellers
  • Magazines & Newspapers
  • Music: Compact Discs
  • Spoken Word: Cassettes, Compact Discs
  • Kits: Books/Tapes
  • Videos: Information and Entertainment.

How long may I keep materials?

Most GRRL items are loaned for a period of three weeks. Most videotapes and DVDs are loaned for one week. Two loan renewals are available on all items except for items which have been requested by another library patron and interlibrary loans.

Interlibrary loan items are loaned to the GRRL system by libraries outside the GRRL. These libraries may have loan period policies different than those of GRRL.  Each interlibrary loan item has its own specific due date.

Are there limits on the numbers of items I can check out?

The items checked out to an individual may not total more than 250 items. R-rated videos may be checked out only if you are older than 17. Please remember that you will be responsible for the timely return of all borrowed materials, and for the cost of all overdue or lost materials.

What if I need to renew the materials I have checked out?  

Please contact your local GRRL library to renew materials or click here to renew them online of items is available. Instruction to renewing library materials online.

Patrons who owe more than $6.00 or have materials 10 or more days overdue may not check out additional items, but may renew items already checked out.  Materials may be renewed twice, unless other patrons have placed holds on the items.

What are the fines for overdue materials?  

GRRL branches have late return and damaged fine policies on all materials. In the interest of quality service, we want to shorten the wait and ensure that materials are returned in good shape.

All Videos and DVDs (childrens and adult) - Fine: $1 a day, to a maximum of $6 per item.

Other Children's material - Fine: 10 cents a day per item. $6 maximun.

Magazines – Fine: 10 cents a day per item. $6 maximum

All other materials - Fine: 20 cents a day per item. $6 maximun.

Interlibrary loan - 20 cents a day.

Check out of additional material is not allowed if a patron has any item 10 calendar days  overdue, or if fines exceed $6.

Two-time renewal on most material is available, stop in or call.

Lost or damaged materials - Fees: Cost is assessed automatically and a  $6 processing fee is added.

Items that have not been returned after 45 days will be identified as "lost" and a bill may be sent to the person to whom the items were checked out. If the item is not returned and all fines are not paid within the following 14 days, the file may be turned over to a collection agency with a $10 service fee added to the patron account.

Serving Benton, Morrison, Sherburne, Stearns, Todd and Wright Counties
with public libraries in Albany, Annandale, Becker, Belgrade, Big Lake, Buffalo, Clearwater, Cokato, Cold Spring, Delano, Eagle Bend, Elk River, Foley, Grey Eagle, Howard Lake, Kimball, Little Falls, Long Prairie, Melrose, Monticello, Paynesville, Pierz, Richmond, Rockford, Royalton, Saint Cloud, Saint Michael, Sauk Centre, Staples, Swanville, Upsala and Waite Park.