Library Cards

PPLD allows parents to choose which materials are appropriate for their children by providing the options for all-access cards, teen cards, and child cards. Each type of card comes with different access settings for in-Library internet use and borrowing permissions for physical and online resources based on the card selected by the parent. 

If a parent or guardian selects a child or teen library card for their child(ren), the parent or guardian is choosing to give their child(ren) age-appropriate access to Library materials and services.

A child library card allows children from birth through the age of 12 to check out materials that are classified as “J” for our juvenile collection.  When a child turns 13, a child library card will automatically update to a teen library card.

A teen library card allows children ages 13 – 17 to access materials in the children and teen sections.  When a teen turns 18, a teen library card will automatically become a full-access library card.

Yes. Parents have the option of choosing between an age-appropriate card or a full-access card. They cannot choose a lower age level card.

Children of any age can sign up for a library card without their parents present — for instance, if children come in with a babysitter or a family friend. At this time, they will be given an all-access card. PPLD staff will mail an introduction letter and the library card to the parent providing information about different levels of access for children. Parents must come into the Library to change their children’s access levels.

Any library card issued to a minor 17 years old or younger, prior to August 1, 2026, is a full-access library card. Any parent or guardian who wishes to change their minor child(ren)'s library card to a child or teen library card, can bring the minor child and their library card into any Library location and request the child’s card to be changed to the age-appropriate level library card. Both parent/guardian and child must be present to make library card access changes. This change cannot be made over the phone or via email.

PPLD only collects the information needed to create and manage the Library account. All personal information is handled according to PPLD privacy policies and applicable laws.

Children or teens can check out age-appropriate materials, including books, DVDs, video games, and materials from age-specific levels. They can also access databases for schoolwork. Other online resources available include access to TumbleBooks, World Almanac for Kids, and HelpNow. 

Child library card holders can access juvenile titles in Libby and OverDrive, while teen library card holders can access juvenile and teen titles. While they will be able to see adult titles, they will not be able to check out, or place holds on those titles. 

No. Checkouts from the adult section are not available to child and teen library card holders. This includes many classics identified as adult materials but may be required to read in high school, as well as non-fiction materials such as biographies. Child and teen library card holders will not be able to use Kanopy or Hoopla to check out electronic materials on those platforms.

Child cards are limited to computers in the children and tween areas, while teen cards are limited to computers in the teen areas. Computers in adult areas are not accessible with a child or teen library card. 

Are there any exceptions?

The computers in the makerspaces, which are open to children ages 9 and older, are not restricted and provide full access to the internet. These computers are available for use with child and teen library cards.

Child and teen library card holders have access to:

• Research databases
• Homework help
• Language learning
• Test preparation
• Creative tools
• Libby/OverDrive
• Digital newspaper and magazine archives
   

Parents or caregivers are responsible for their children’s behavior and safety. Children ages 8 and under must be directly supervised at all times by a parent, guardian, or caregiver while inside the Library. Children ages 9 through 12 must have a parent, guardian, or caregiver in the library.

Yes. PPLD library cards can be used across the Library District.

Yes! Library staff can help children, teens, and families find books and resources based on age, reading level, interests, and family preferences.

Yes. Child and teen card holders can place holds on materials in PPLD's Catalog using their library cards for items in the juvenile and/or teen collections. They will not be able to place holds on materials in the adult collection. Child card holders cannot place holds on items in the teen collection. 

Parents and guardians are encouraged to talk with their children about Library materials and family expectations. Library staff can help families find materials that better match their preferences.

PPLD has a formal reconsideration process, which can be found here. (Reconsideration of Library Resources and Use of Library Facilities Policy | Pikes Peak Library District)

The cardholder receives late notices sent to the email on the account. 

Each Library account can be setup to provide reading history in the “opt-in to reading history” section.  Anyone who has access to an account can view the history if the account has selected reading history in the Edit Account Information page.

The parents will need to share the account information with each other.

Parents and guardians are responsible for late or lost items.

The limit is the same as a full-access card, 100 items per library card.

Staff will tell the patron with a child/teen library card they do not have permission to check that item out, and the child/teen will need to discuss changes to their card’s permission with their parent.