Get a Bozeman Public Library Card

Library cards are free for Bozeman and Gallatin County residents; applications are available at any of the Library's information desks. Please bring a photo ID and proof of address.

One form of Photo ID

Examples:
• Driver’s License
• State ID Card
• Passport
• Military or Student ID

Proof of Gallatin County Residency

Examples:
• Photo ID with name and current Gallatin County address.
• Mail posted to your current Gallatin County address or P.O. box.
• Utility bill, voter or vehicle registration, hunting or fishing license, lease agreement, rental receipt, or property tax statement.
• Other - please check with staff.

Residents outside Gallatin County may acquire a library card, also, but there is a $10.00 annual fee (some exceptions apply). Photo ID and proof of address must still be provided. 

Children's Library Cards

Children under age 12 must have their library card application signed by a parent or legal guardian. There is no minimum age to have a library card.

Out of County Cards

The Library is supported by Bozeman and Gallatin County taxes, therefore proof of Gallatin County residency is required to get a free library card. Residents living outside Gallatin County may purchase a card for a $10.00 annual fee.

Lost Library Cards

If your library card is lost or stolen, call (406)582-2427. We will suspend your account until you are able to come to the Library for a new card.

Manage Account on a Desktop

You can manage your library account through the Library catalog. Once logged in, you can place holds, renew items, and check due dates. To sign in, enter all 14 digits of your library barcode number (no spaces). Your PIN/password is created when you register for a library card. If you don’t remember your PIN, please contact the Library at (406)582-2408.

Manage Account on a Mobile Device

The Library’s mobile app, powered by the Montana Shared Catalog, makes it easy to access your library anytime, anywhere. Save your library card barcode in the app so your phone becomes your library card. Download the app by searching “Montana Shared Catalog” or follow these links: Android  iOS 

Email Notifications

Make sure the Library has your current email address on file so you can receive notifications about holds, due dates, and overdue items.

Text Notifications

Stay up to date on your library account from your mobile phone with text notifications. While the Library does not charge for this service, standard messaging rates from your mobile provider may apply. With SMS notifications, you can receive alerts when holds are ready for pickup, items are due soon, or materials are overdue- and you can even renew items by text.

Sign up for SMS text notifications:

1. Visit the Library’s catalog.
2. Click My Account and log in with your library card number and PIN/password.
3. Go to the Personal Information tab and select SMS (Text) Notifications.
4. Click Add SMS Notification.
5. Enter a label (e.g., “Cell”), your 10-digit phone number, and choose the types of notices you want to receive via text.
6. Click Save to activate your text notifications.

Checkout History

You can choose to keep a record of your checkout history in your library account.

To enable this feature:

1. Log in to your account through the Library catalog.
2. Go to Personal Information and click Preferences.
3. Check both boxes for “Record my checkout history” and “Show my checkout history”, then click Update.

Once enabled, your checkout history can be viewed online under Checkouts then Checkout History.

Please note: your checkout history will start from the day you activate these settings. It is not stored permanently but will be retained for at least two years.

Loan Period

• 14 days: New Books, "Most Wanted" Books, DVDs, Music CDs, Magazines, Children's Holiday Books
• 14 days: Downloadable eBooks and Audiobooks
• 28 days: Books, Books on CD, Playaways

There is no limit to the number of items you can check out, with a few exceptions: “Most Wanted” books (maximum 2 at a time) and downloadable eBooks and audiobooks (maximum 5 at a time). To check out items, you must have a valid Bozeman Public Library or Gallatin County library card.

Automatic Renewals

The Library now offers automatic renewal for eligible items. Items will be automatically renewed if they:

• Do not have holds,
• Have not already been renewed twice, and
• Are not “Most Wanted” items.

Items that are eligible will automatically renew twice. When an item is automatically renewed, you will receive an email with the new due date. This automatic renewal applies to all items borrowed from any Gallatin County library, as long as they meet the eligibility criteria.

Library items can be returned through the material drops located inside and outside of the west side entrance. Refer to the screen for return instructions, especially the correct orientation for inserting items.

  

Holds can be placed through your library account online or through the Montana Shared Catalog app. Patrons are allowed 10 holds at a time. When your hold is available for pick up, you will be notified via email (or phone if no email is provided). If the items are in and on the shelf, please allow the Library at least 24 hours to fill your request. Items will be kept on the hold shelf for 8 days.

Bozeman Public Library is a fine free library as of January 2020.

Please note that we do charge for replacement copies after items are overdue for 30 days. Interlibrary Loan items are not fine free.

What happens if I don’t return library materials?

Items that are eligible will automatically renew twice. If you keep an item 30 days past its due date, we will temporarily suspend your library account; you won’t be able to check out more items or use some of our digital media services until your late materials are returned. If an item is not returned more than 30 days after the due date, we will charge you the replacement cost. We do not accept replacements in lieu of payment. Once your materials are returned in good condition the replacement costs are removed from your account.