5Ws+1H: What It's About: Library cards open access to various resources
Oct. 10—While prices for most everyday objects have risen due to inflation, places, like libraries, are still offering free resources, no matter what a person's income is.
"[A library card] is important because they provide that access not only to items but the access to meet with other people, access to education resources they may not normally have, and have access to without paying an exorbitant amount of money," Tahlequah Public Library Branch Manager Jeremy Jones said. "It just gives access to everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status."
To obtain a library card, a person has to show proof of address before filling out a short application. Jones said instead of going straight to the library help desk, a patron can go to the Eastern Oklahoma Library System's website and get a temporary 30-day card. This will allow for holders to get e-resources, until they are able to go into the library with their addresses.
"It opens a doorway everywhere online and in person," Jones said.
A proof of address can be anything mailed that has the person's name and address attached, a utility bill, or even an up-to-date driver's license.
Jones said to get the card for free, patrons have to live within the EOLS's six county area, with a non-resident card costing $30 a year.
"Basically, most of our money comes from ad valorem tax, and so that is kind of the average property tax a person pays — around $30," Jones said. "So you're paying what we would have gotten from your property tax if you would have lived here."
If someone moves from one city to the next and starts to go to a different library, Jones said, there is no need to cancel the card, especially if the new building is in the same EOLS system.
"The card works in all 15 branches the same, and if they move to Tahlequah, they would just need to come in or call and update their address, and we'll just change their home library," Jones said.
After receiving a library card, Jones said, people can access a plethora of free resources. Books, movies, TV shows, and audiobooks are the more traditional items people can use. Libraries, such as Tahlequah Public Library, also provide a nontraditional collection that includes board games, workout equipment, a karaoke machine, craft items, a record player, and more.
"A lot of people call it a 'try before you buy' collection," Jones said. "It's used for that purpose, as well. People say 'I'm thinking about getting this device. I want to try it out for a little bit and see if it is something I can use.' Then they come and use it for three weeks, and decide if they want to purchase one for themselves."
For those who do not or cannot get a library card, Jones said they can access TPL's Makers Space. This area of the library offers the public a chance to use a sewing machine, serger, 3-D printer, and more. A library can also be booked to help a patron with technology or Makers Space needs and concerns.
Besides physical objects, Jones said a library card offers e-resources, e-books, audiobooks, and movies though the EOLS, Libby, and Hoopla apps.
Access to genealogy, job, and homework resources, as well as online universal classes taught by college professors are also available when a library card is created.
"There is not much that you really can't access if you have a library card," Jones said.
