Question 1

Who is eligible to receive a library card?

Accepted Answer

• 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.

Question 2

How do I get a library?

Accepted Answer

• 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.

Question 3

Can I get a library card if I do not live in Allen Parish?

Accepted Answer

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).

Question 4

Why do I need a library card?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

What is a Library Southwest Card & Why do I need it?

Accepted Answer

• 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.

Question 6

What happens if my card is lost or stolen?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

How long is my library card valid?

Accepted Answer

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

Find a Location

How Do I?

Support Us

Policies

Employment

How DO I?