Library Cards

HCPLibrary does not directly serve Vernon Township. When countywide library service began in 1999, the Vernon Township Public Library opted to remain independent rather than merge with our library. However, in the spirit of information freedom and open access to services, HCPLibrary and the Vernon Township Public Library offer reciprocal borrowing. Those residing in Vernon Township can get free access to all of HCPLibrary's materials and services by first obtaining a card at the Vernon Township Public Library, and then signing up for a card at HCPLibrary. Simply bring your Vernon Township Public Library card and proof of address (such as a Driver's License) into any of our locations and we'll gladly sign you up for a Hancock County Public Library card.

Businesses & Institutions located within Hancock County may receive an institutional card. Provide a letter, physical or electronic, from the business with up to 6 employees that can use the card. Cards are kept at the information desk.

The Public Library Access Card (PLAC) is the name for the statewide library card, enacted by (Indiana Code 4-23-7.1-5.1). The PLAC program allows an individual to borrow materials directly from any public library in Indiana.

1. The PLAC may be purchased from any public library in Indiana at an annual rate established by the state legislature. It may be used to borrow materials directly from any public library in the state. Patrons are responsible for returning borrowed materials to the lending library. Patrons will follow the rules and regulations for the lending library when borrowing materials.
2. Persons applying for PLAC borrowing privileges at Hancock County Public Library will need to fill out a registration form and present a valid PLAC from their home library or their home library card. A Hancock County Public Library card and a PLAC, if necessary, will be issued.
3. New PLAC cards will be mailed to verify address. All rules and regulations applying to resident card holders will apply to PLAC borrowers.
4. Cards are not transferable.
5. Questions? See additional information about the Public Library Access Card (PLAC) on IN.gov

These cards are issued to those who are not served by any library in their district. These cards are good for one year from the purchase date.

If you are a student attending a Hancock County school, you may apply for a Non-Resident Student card for free.

Individual Cards: 12 months - $88.00

Temporary residents of the Hancock County Public Library district are eligible to have a library card with a maximum six-month expiration date by completing an application form and providing the following:

1. Written proof of temporary Hancock County residency (e.g. lease, receipt, letter from permanent residence owner), along with a permanent forwarding address.
2. Valid driver's license or photo ID.
3. A limit of 10 (ten) items may be checked out at any time. All circulation policies apply to temporary resident cards.

Anyone who is a teacher or a substitute teacher at a Hancock County public or private school (K-12) or who is a Hancock County home school teacher will be issued a special teacher card upon request for school and professional use only. Appropriate identification is required (previous teacher privileges, school I.D. card, paycheck stub, state certification, letterhead, curriculum invoice). These cards are issued for the length of the school year including summer sessions with a renewal date beginning August 31. All library circulation policies apply to the teacher registered on the card.

Teachers may reserve videos for classroom use and may request extended loan periods for materials borrowed on the teacher card. The teacher registered on the card will be responsible for all library fines and materials borrowed on the card. Furthermore, if the teacher is a resident of Hancock County and has a personal card, both cards must remain in good standing at all times in order to retain library privileges.

The Hancock County Public Library has issued digital-access numbers to all students whose parents gave permission at school registration.

Need help finding your digital-access number? Watch a quick tutorial:

• Eastern Hancock
• Greenfield-Central
• Mt. Vernon
• Southern Hancock

Here are key things to know about digital-access numbers:

• These numbers only grant digital access. The number allows a student to use the library's online databases and digital catalogs
• Borrowing physical items requires a traditional, full-access library card. Students wanting a full access card may apply in person at one of our locations. They may use both their digital access number and their traditional, full access card. (Live outside of Hancock County? Apply for a non-resident student card).
• The digital-access numbers can be found in the student's online portal (such as Skyward or Powerschool) in a field created by your school's system administrator.
• The digital-access numbers are good for 13 years. So the numbers will stay with the students for their entire school career.

If you have questions or run into issues using the digital-access numbers, please contact us.

If you do not live in Hancock County, and attend a Hancock County school, you may apply for a Non-Resident Student card.

1. Students attending a Hancock County school or private kindergarten that do not reside within Hancock County are eligible for a student card with the Hancock County Public Library. Daycare and Preschool students are not eligible for this card. Student cards will expire August 31 each year and may be renewed annually.
2. A person younger than 13 years of age may apply for a student card. The parent/legal guardian must be present to sign the application, present valid identification, proof of residency and school enrollment verification. The juvenile applicant does not need to be present.
3. Optionally, a person 13 to 17 years of age may apply for a student card without a parent/legal guardian present. The juvenile applicant must complete an application, present valid identification and school enrollment verification. The juvenile’s parent/legal guardian will be notified by mail that their child has applied for a juvenile library card.
4. Any student enrolled in a Hancock County school (K-12) will have the option to receive digital-only access to library resources during the school registration process. Digital only access will be valid for 13 years.
5. Cards are not transferable.