Get a Library Card
Library cards are free to city of Seward, Nebraska residents and property owners.
Youth accounts:
Applicants ages 8-16 can sign up for their own card number, with a parent/guardian signature.
Children ages 8-16 who come to the library to check out items without a parent present will need to have their own library card. They cannot use another's account to check out items without that person present.
Seward County or neighboring county residents may purchase a library membership for $25 per year or $15 for six months. The card is valid from the date of payment.
Only one fee will need to be paid per household, but each person will have individual accounts that are linked to our system.
Applicants ages 8-16 can sign up for their own card number, with a parent/guardian signature.
Children ages 8-16 who come to the library to check out items without a parent present will need to have their own library card. They cannot use another's account to check out items without that person present.
A NebrasKard allows borrowers of participating Nebraska libraries to borrow materials from other participating libraries! If you already have a Seward Memorial Library card all you need to do is fill out a NebrasKard form and we will put a sticker on the back of your library card indicating that you are a participant in the NebrasKard program.
Those residing in the city limits of Seward may get a NebrasKard at no charge.
A $15 per year fee set by the Nebraska Library Commision applies to non-resident library cardholders.
Visiting NebrasKard holders must complete an application form at our library to check out our physical materials. This member type will only have access to their home library's digital materials.
NebrasKard patrons may check out up to 25 items on their account.
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Seward County residents that are or have a member of their immediate household that are 65 years of age or older qualify for a courtesy card.
Courtesy cards are free to those that qualify based on the criteria set forth by our policies set by the library board.
The library requires an in-person signature to complete your application form. At that time we will:
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Verify you with your photo ID
Verify your address by mailing your new card to the provided mailing address. Once received, you must bring your card into the library to complete your membership.
14 Day Materials: Fines are $1 per day.
Interlibrary Loan (ILL) materials: Fines are $1 per day.
Fines max out at differing rates depending on material type.
A fine or replacement fee of $5 or greater will lock out an account until the problem(s) is resolved. This may affect the whole household if fines and fees are shared among family members. If one account is restricted, all related accounts will be restricted, and any fines accrued will show on all accounts.
Check out up to 50 items, including books, DVDs, board games, and more! Enjoy our digital collection through the Libby app.
Most library materials are loaned out for a four-week period.
Board games, cake pans, outdoor games, and books with long waiting lists are loaned out for a two-week period.
Items may be renewed up to 2 additional times if no one else has placed a hold to reserve them.
The drive-up window, located in the north alley, may be used to pick up books that are on reserve for you. Reserves are held by last name or show your library card or photo id when picking items up at the drive-up window.
Libby: Check out 6 items at a time and place a hold on up to 3 items, per card.
A drive-up window and a book return are in the alley on the north side of the library.
If you are returning books, please drive past the drive-up window to the book drop. Place the books spine first into the drop to prevent damage.
For convenience, pay a fine at the window or renew your library account in minutes.
Do NOT return Library of Things or Board Games through the book drop.
A child 8-16 years old is able to check out items without a parent, using their own account that a parent or legal guardian has signed for. Any child younger than 8, who will be checking out items with an adult other than a parent (i.e.: babysitter or grandparent), MUST be included in the photo on the responsible parent’s account.
Family members living at the same address will have individual accounts that are linked on the circulation computer system. Only one fee will need to be paid for all linked non-resident accounts.
Yes. All individual accounts of family members living at the same address (adult/spouse/child/other legal ward) WILL be connected on the circulation computer system. If one account is restricted, all related accounts will be restricted and any fines accrued will show on all accounts.
If you are unable to physically come to the library to pick up a reserved item, only members of your immediate family (living at the same address) that are linked to your account on the library circulation system will be able to pick up those items. If you wish for someone else to pick up a reserved item, you must call the library each time to give permission for this to happen. You may not give permission for others to use your account for checking out, but only to pick up reserved items. Violation of this policy may result in suspension of your account.