Allen Parish Library Full Access Cards are free to anyone who is a resident of Allen Parish. Electronic Use Only Cards are available for patrons 13 & up who only wish to use the computer reservation system or other online databases. We also offer temporary Allen Parish Library Electronic Access Only Cards for patrons who reside outside of the parish. Libraries Southwest Cards are available to residents of Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Jefferson Davis, & Vernon Parish.

Visit: -Go to any of our three Allen Parish Library branches (Oberlin, Kinder, or Oakdale) or download the application online. Requirements: -Present a Photo ID. - Provide proof of residence in Allen Parish. - Sign and date the application agreeing to be responsible for borrowed materials. For Patrons under 18: -Must be registered by a parent or guardian. -If not accompanied by a parent/guardian, take the application home along with a consent form and return it signed with a copy of the parent/guardian’s ID. Electronic Access Only Card: -Requires a Photo ID. Louisiana Southwest Card: -Needs a Photo ID and proof of address. Usage: -The same library card is valid at all three Allen Parish Library branches.

Patrons who reside out of Allen Parish can only obtain an Electronic Assess Only Card that allows them to assess the computer reservation system or other online databases(Photo ID is required).

The library card allows borrowing privileges, in-house computer/internet use, and remote reference database access. Once a card is issued, the patron must present the card to borrow materials and to use the computers.

An LSW card allows you to check out items from the following parishes: Jeff Davis, Calcasieu, Cameron, Beauregard, Vernon, Allen, and Rapides. Residents of any of these parishes may apply for an LSW card at their home parish library. This card does NOT give you access to other parish library’s digital materials, just the physical items, and each parish library may have different checkout rules that apply.

Cardholders are responsible for notifying the library if their card is lost or stolen. Cards reported lost or stolen are deactivated immediately. Cardholders are responsible for any materials checked out on the card until it is reported lost or stolen. A police report may be required before the cardholder’s record will be cleared. Lost or stolen cards are not reactivated. Lost or stolen cards presented for use are destroyed. A new library card must be issued. The cost for a lost card is 50 cents. There is no cost for a stolen card. All checkouts or loans attached to the lost or stolen card will be transferred to the new card.

Patrons are required to renew their Allen Parish Library Card every year.

All items can be borrowed for a period of two (2)weeks.

Books-25 Audiobooks-25 Games-3 DVDs-3

Library material may be renewed a maximum of two times. Materials for which there are pending holds or reserves, however, may not be renewed. If the item you renew is overdue a fine will be posted to your account. You may renew material online by accessing your Patron Account through Allen Parish Libraries Online Catalog. Renewals may also be done over the phone or in person at any Allen Parish Library Branches.

Library materials checked out from any Allen Parish Library may be returned to any of its 3 branches. Items may be returned in person or through a book drop outside of or connected to the facility.

An Interlibrary Loan(ILL) involves the borrowing and lending of materials between libraries. Allen Parish borrows materials not found in the local collection on behalf of our patrons.

Allen Parish Library will accept and process Interlibrary Loan(ILL) requests only for people 18 years of age or older with a regular Allen Parish Library Card in good standing.

The time it takes to receive an Interlibrary Loan(ILL) varies and could be up to a week or two to receive materials.

Interlibrary loan items are eligible for a two (2) weeks loan period.

Yes, an Interlibrary Loan(ILL) can be renewed.

Cardholders are limited to five(5) active ILL requests at any given time.

Books DVDs Magazines

Yes, all three of our branches have public computers with full internet access for you to use. Users must be familiar with the Electronic Resource Policy.

A patron does not need a Full Access Library Card but they are required to get an Electronic Access Only Card which allows them to access the computer reservation system.

Yes, because of the limited number of stations, computers are assigned 90 minutes but if needed sessions can be extended.

Single black & white print/copy- .50cents per copy Double-sided color print/copy- $1.00 per copy Single color print/copy- .50cents per copy Double-sided color print/copy- $1.00 per copy Legal Documents Single black & white print/copy- .50cents per copy Legal Documents Double-sided black & white print/copy- &1.00 per copy Legal Documents Single color print/copy- $1.00 per copy Legal Documents Double-sided color print/copy- $2.00 per copy

Yes, faxes can be made and received at any Allen Parish Branch location. Although, if you are receiving a fax at any library branch you must be present at the time.

Local Faxes- $1.00 per page Long Distance Faxes- $3.00 for 1st page/ $1.00 for each additional page 800-FREE THERE IS A .25CENTS CHARGE FOR THE CONFIRMATION PAGE!

Yes, we have meeting rooms at each one of our branches. Use of the meeting rooms is for the community and non-profit groups and organizations for meetings that are educational, cultural, or civic in nature. Meeting room reservations are considered on a first-come basis no more than two (2) months ahead of time. Anyone using the meeting room must comply with Meeting Room Policy and Procedures.

There is no fee for the use of the meeting rooms. The person applying must have a current Allen Parish Libraries card in good standing.