How to Join?
Joining the library is free and it’s open to people of all ages. You can join online or in your local branch.
1. Provide your details
The first step is to complete the online form by clicking on the button at the end of the page or by calling into your local library. You can register online if you are 16 years old or over.
You can join at any age, but those aged under 18 need permission from a parent/guardian to join the library and to act as guarantor for them. The parent/guardian will need a photo ID and proof of address and should also register for a library account. Parents/guardians are responsible for their children in the library, and for their children’s selections and use of library materials and services, including access to the Internet and online resources.
If you are under 18 years of age you’ll need to get your parent/guardian to ‘sign’ the form when you validate your application (see step 2) and you must include their name and contact details as guarantor Please note that we do have some terms & conditions, and we ask you to accept these when you submit your form. you must review the terms and conditions with your parent or guardian before agreeing to make sure that you and your parent/guardian understand your and their legal obligations.
If you join online, you’ll get a temporary library number and you can set up a library PIN. With those, you’ll be able to access the online services at https://www.librariesireland.ie/elibrary straightaway.
2. Validate your application in person.
Once you’ve submitted your form, you’ll be able to access some of our online resources, but to get full value from your card you need to validate your membership by visiting a library branch and presenting photographic identification (who you are) and proof of where you live.
Acceptable forms of photographic ID include a passport; driver’s license; student card; young person’s Garda age card ID; a staff ID card issued by an employer.
Acceptable forms of recent (within last six months) proof of current address include a recent bill for gas; electricity; telephone, or mobile phone; a bank statement.
If you are under 18 years of age, you’ll need to bring your parent/guardian to the library with you so that they can accept the terms and conditions and present proof of address and photo ID.
When a child or young person is eligible to change borrower category from a Child membership to a Young Adult (12-14), or a Young Adult (12-14) to a Young Adult (15-17) membership, parents/guardians must accept the terms and conditions of membership on their behalf.
If for any reason you cannot provide ID and/or proof of address, please contact your local library.
Children and young people under the age of eighteen years must get the permission of a parent or guardian to join the library. Parents/guardians are responsible for their children in the library, their children’s selections and use of library materials and services, including access to the Internet.
3. Enjoy all the things we have to offer.
Membership Conditions
Membership of the library is free and will allow you to use the library services as follows:
Adult Members: Adult members can access all library collections and services, and can use the internet*.
Young Adult (15-17): Members aged 15-17 can access all library collections, DVDs up to 15 rating, computer games up to an age 16 rating (depending on age), and can use the internet*.
Young Adult (12-14): Members aged 12 – 14 can access the children’s and young adult collections, DVDs and computer games up to a 12 rating, and can use children’s internet services.*
Children (under 12): Members aged under 12 can access the children’s library, DVDs up to a PG rating, and children’s internet services.*
*Internet access is via WiFi and public PCs, and is subject to the Terms and Conditions outlined in Offaly Libraries’ WiFi and Internet Policy.
You can renew your membership annually by presenting at the library desk or by accessing your online library account.
Your library card is individual to you and may not be used by anyone else. Please bring your card to the library every time you visit. You are asked to advise library staff, as soon as possible, of any changes in membership details or loss of library card. It is your responsibility to ensure that your PIN is not shared with anyone else, written on your library card or anywhere that would compromise the safety of your PIN.
Library members can access the Internet in the library, subject to the Internet Access Policy. You must at all times observe the Library’s Code of Conduct while using the library facilities and comply with the conditions of the Copyright and Related Rights Act 2000. Offaly Libraries operates within the statutory framework in relation to all services, including the protection and safeguarding of children. Library users must comply with all associated requirements.