Sarasota County resident library cards expire every two years to help keep accounts current (Reciprocal Borrowers' cards are annual and Non-Resident cards vary).
To renew your library card, please visit one of our library branches or call (941) 861-1110 during regular library business hours with your library card number to speak with library staff. You can view branch locations and hours by clicking here. If you can't get to a library and have a computer or device with a webcam, you can also set up a Video Chat appointment. Here's a link to the appointment request form with more information.
By visiting your library in person, meeting with you over a Video Chat or renewing your card over the phone, we can verify your account details (such as your address, phone number, email) in a way that helps protect your privacy. If we were to verify your information online via chat, text, or email, due to the Florida Sunshine Law your information would become part of public record.
If you moved since you last renewed or obtained your library card, and you own your property, we are able to look up your Property Tax Records online to verify your residency. If you rent/lease, please plan to come to the library in person or use the Video Chat option to show us proof of residency (see the list of required documents that are accepted here).
Renewals of library cards are environmentally friendly, too! You can keep the same library card number and use the same card, once it's renewed.
Non-resident and reciprocal borrowers' library cards are also renewable when their respective terms have expired. If you are out of state and need to show proof of identity/residency, you can opt for a Video Chat appointment. We'll meet up online using webcams. Here's a link to the appointment request form.
If you filled out our library card application form online and have been using a digital card, you will still need to come in to the library in person or use our Video Chat option to confirm your identity and Sarasota County address. Digital library cards expire 30 days after creation. Digital library cards cannot be renewed, but we can change your digital card into a regular library card. Your library card number will change, but you will still be able to access all of our digital resources, including ebooks, and we can get any ebooks or eaudiobooks you currently have on hold or checked out with your digital library card moved over to your new regular library card. Once you have a regular Sarasota County library card, your card will not expire for two years and the standard renewal policies detailed above will apply.
Please call us at 941-861-1110 if you have any questions. We're glad to help and want to welcome you to our library community!