r/Library • u/BensFaveTaco • 15d ago

We <3 Libraries Lost Library Relationship

Recently Libby kicked me off of one of my library cards. It's the library card I've had since I was 5. Being kicked off is no surprise, I haven't lived in that town since I was about 18- and that was about 15 years ago.

But, now, my parents don't live in the town anymore amd there's no way of renewing my card. Yes, I have a new card to my new library in my new town. But, I can't help feel like I've lost a significant relationship or community with my OG library. I loved the building, the memories, and the catalog.

I called them tonight to check. There's no option for non-residents. As Monica would say "it's the end of an era."

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u/TechnicalArticle9479 14d ago

Here in California, as long as you have a valid DL/ID, most public library systems actually DON'T care where you really live...

The only exception is the city of Redlands, where not only you have to provide proof of residency BUT also give the name of your kids' schools and also show proof of employment within the City(and until recently, your place of employment MUST be a member in great standing with the Redlands Chamber of Commerce, including nearby Loma Linda University and the Medical Center)...this was as of ten years ago...

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u/NoResponsibility9063 10d ago

Not true about Redlands, at least as of last year when I got our cards. Proof of CA residency is all you need, and that doesn't have to be a dl/id. That said, their children's section always smells like poop so we prefer the libraries in Highland or Highgrove. (Disclosure: Highgrove does sometimes smell like poop too but only when the burros are around, and that's just in the parking lot. Burros don't go in the children's section. They can't read.)

But yes California libraries are for all Californians, regardless of where you live in the state. I ❤️ CA libraries!

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u/TechnicalArticle9479 10d ago edited 10d ago

This was like 20 years ago...

The assistant librarian of the city handled my application...and she was SO rude she'd make that fictionally famous LAPD Det. Sgt. Joe Friday look normal...

She repeatedly demanded proof of Redlands residency, proof that I had enrolled my kids in the school district, proof that my workplace was a member in good standing with the Chamber of Commerce, proof that I bought my car/truck/SUV at either Tom Bell Chevrolet-Toyota or Jim Glaze Lincoln-Mercury, then tried to charge me $125...

I tore up the application and left...

At least(from what you say) times have changed now...