Get A Library Card

Library Card Issuance
Adults need to have two forms of identification, one of which has your local, current address printed on it (e.g. checkbook or utility bill). Children under the age of 18 must have permission from a parent or guardian to check out books and to use our internet computers. A parent or guardian must be present to show identity and sign for children under the age of 18 applying for a library card. Parents or guardians can indicate on the library card application form that they give their children permission to use the Internet.

Bristol Public Library cards are available free to residents of  the following areas:

Tenneseee

  • Bristol, TN
  • Carter County
  • Cocke County
  • Greene County
  • Hamblen County
  • Hancock County
  • Hawkins County
  • Johnson County
  • Sullivan County
  • Unicoi County
  • Washington County

Virginia

  • Bristol, VA
  • Washington County
  • Scott County

Individuals who work in the cities of Bristol, TN or Bristol, VA but do not live within the areas shown above are also eligible to receive a library card upon proof of employment.

College students providing proof of enrollment in institutions of higher education within the service area are also eligible for full library card privileges at no charge.

Lending Policies

Loan period: books, music CD, audio books
14 days

Loan period: DVD/Blu-ray
7 days

Total number of items checked out at one time (Adult)
20

Total number of items checked out at one time (Juvenile)
15

Total number of DVD/Blu-ray checked out at one time
4

Holds – Reserving Materials
If you can’t find an item we own, or the item is currently checked out, you may put it on reserve and we will call you when it becomes available for pickup. Reserves may be placed in person, over the phone, or online via your library account.
Failure to pickup reserves prohibits others from enjoying library materials. Repeated failure to pickup reserved items will result in a fine of $1.00.

Returning Materials
Items checked out from the Bristol Public Library or the Avoca Branch Library may be returned to either location. For your convenience, book drops are located at each location.
All items are automaticallye renewed twice unless the item is on reserve/hold for another patron.

Fines & Fees

Lost or Unreturned Item
Replacement Price + Fines/Fee

Library Card Replacement
$1.00

Non-Pickup of Holds/Reserves
$1.00

Headphones
$2.00

Copy/Print – Black and White
$0.25/page

Copy/Print – Color
$0.50/page

Microfilm Prints – Black and White
$0.25/page

Fax Service – Receive
$1.00/page

Fax Service – Send (Library cover sheet required)
$1.25/page

Fax Service –International (Send or Receive)
$1.50/page

You are responsible for notifying the library of address or telephone number changes, or if your card is lost or stolen.