MOSES LAKE — A library card is more than just a little plastic rectangle. 

“With a library card, you can do more than check out books,” NCW Libraries wrote in an announcement recognizing September as Library Card Sign-Up Month. “From free programs and job resources to homework help, streaming media, and cultural events, all 30 of NCW Libraries’ locations connect communities to information, inspiration, and each other.” 

A library card does allow its user to check out books, but today’s libraries have more than just books, said Aaron Loeffelbein, head librarian at the Ephrata Public Library. There’s also what’s called the Library of Things. 

“We’ve got blood pressure monitor kits. We have snowshoe kits,” Loeffelbein said. “(We have) museum passes to some of the local museums … like the Cashmere Museum, the Wenatchee Museum, Ohme Gardens – we have passes for all those.” 

The Library of Things also has a Discover Pass that patrons can check out for access to state parks and other public lands, Loeffelbein said.  

“We also have book club kits, where we have a curated collection of sets of books that come with 12 books in a bag and a tote bag with discussion questions,” Loeffelbein said. “Most branches have a small collection available to browse, but patrons can also look them up in our catalog and they can reserve them that way online.” 

The trove of online resources that cardholders can access is enormous. E-books and audiobooks are available through the library’s Libby portal, and Hoopla offers not only books but graphic novels and magazines. Hoopla has movies and TV shows as well, as does Kanopy. Both of those can be accessed through any device that supports streaming. 

“Kanopy’s strong suit is their educational content,” Loeffelbein said. “Documentaries and educational films, lots of PBS shows are available through that service.” 

For students, genealogy buffs or anyone who just wants to do some serious research, NCW Libraries’ online portal offers access to census records, newspaper archives, vehicle repair manuals, arts and crafts video courses and much more. The library system also subscribes to Mango, which offers courses in more than 70 languages. 

The library card holder isn’t limited to just NCW Libraries’ collection, either. NCW Libraries has reciprocal agreements with other library systems, including Seattle and Yakima, that allow a local cardholder access to those systems’ online resources. Also, Loeffelbein said, card-carrying patrons get $5 worth of free printing services at NCW branches every week. 

Getting a card is easy, Loeffelbein said.  

“Patrons just need to fill out an application at the library,” he said. “If they’re over 18, they’ll need to have proof of identity and proof of address if their address is not current on their ID. As long as they live within the service area, it’s free. For those who live outside of our service area, we offer a card that costs $120 a year, or $10 per month.” 

Children can get their own card,s too, Loeffelbein added, whether or not their parents have one. 

The NCW Libraries service area covers Grant County, but Adams County residents are eligible for the paid card. NCW Libraries has also added a limited-use card for people experiencing homelessness or who are just staying temporarily in the area, Loeffelbein said. The card gives the same access to computers and printing services as a regular card, and also allows the user to check out two items at a time. 

“We want people to have access,” Loeffelbein said. “That's our goal. Our mission statement is to connect the people of North Central Washington with the resources that we have that help them to grow individually and as a community. The crux of our existence is to get and maintain that access for people.” 

For more information about getting a library card or to see what NCW Libraries offers for cardholders, visit ncwlibraries.org.  

    A young patron picks out books to check out at the Soap Lake Public Library. Children are eligible for their own library cards at NCW Libraries, even if Mom and Dad don’t have one.
  

    Library patrons use the computers at the Moses Lake Public Library. A library card grants the holder access to a vast array of online resources including historical research materials, language courses and technical manuals.