Library Cards
“When I got my library card, that’s when my life began.” – Rita Mae Brown
Your Library Card opens the door to knowledge and entertainment: from museum and state park passes, to online learning and genealogy, to streaming media and more, your card makes so much possible. And yes, there are books!
The Southeast Steuben County Library is one of 48 libraries in the Southern Tier Library System.
Library patrons can check out materials from any of the member libraries with a card from any one of those libraries. That means if we don’t have what you are looking for, it can probably be found within our system. You can place a hold on an item from another library, and pick it up here.
For our circulation policies visit our Policy page.
Getting your library card
Adult Card
Getting a Southeast Steuben County Library card is free for everyone who lives in the Southern Tier Library System (STLS) service area, which includes all or parts of Steuben; Allegany; Yates; Schulyer; and Chemung Counties.
Simply bring in a picture ID with your current address on it (or an ID and other proof of address, such as a utility bill with your current address), and fill out our registration form.
Patrons may use their Southeast Steuben County library card at any of the 48 other libraries in the Southern Tier Library System.
Registered students at SUNY Corning Community College can get a library card by providing a current student ID and proof of address.
Child Card
Children must be able at least to print both their first and last names in order to receive a library card. A parent or guardian must show appropriate identification and cosign the application form of anyone under the age of fourteen, thereby accepting responsibility for all materials and any fees associated with use of the card.
Out-of-District Card
Someone who neither lives nor works in the STLS service area can still get a card by bringing a picture ID and proof of address, and by paying an annual fee of $32.00; the card is valid for one year.
Digital Only Card
Patrons without a library card may visit STARCat to register for digital access to Libby (for ebooks, audiobooks and digital versions of print magazines).
You may apply for the digital only card here.
Some digital resources like Hoopla, LinkedIn Learning, HeritageQuest Online, and Mango Languages require a physical card from the Southeast Steuben County Library (see Adult card above).
What can I do with my library card?
STARCat
STARCat is an online catalog where patrons can look up items and place holds from any of the 48 members Libraries in the Southern Tier Library System (STLS). You can do this on your home computer, smart phone, or at dedicated STARCat stations at the Library.
LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning is a creativity, technology, and business learning resource. With thousands of hours of video in hundreds of different subjects by expert instructors, you can learn almost anything, all at your own pace, any time you want, on the device of your choice. You must have a card from this Library, and your card password, to access LinkedIn Learning. Don’t remember your password? We can help!
HeritageQuest
This is a resource-rich genealogical research tool. It includes scanned Census data 1790- 1940, Freedman’s Bank data, U.S. Serial Set and more. Funded with a generous grant from The Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes.
You will need a library card from this library to use this resource. When the HeritageQuest landing page asks you to “please enter the barcode or ID assigned to you by your institution” it means the 13 digit number on the back of your card.
Libby
Libby is a free app that lets you enjoy ebooks, digital audiobooks, and magazines from the Library. You can stream titles and download them for offline use to read anytime, anywhere. All you need to get started is a library card and password. Don’t remember your password? We can help!
Mango Languages
Mango Languages an online language-learning resource that helps people learn over 70 languages (including Klingon!). It’s available as a website and mobile app for desktop, tablet, and mobile. Mango’s adaptive learning process evolves to your progress and unique learning behaviors, preparing you to start the conversation with confidence. You’ll just need your Library card.
Weiss Financial Ratings
Weiss Financial Ratings provides ratings of stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, as well as insurance brokers & plans, credit unions, and banks. There’s even a rating of Medicare and Medicaid plans. It also offers financial literacy information to help you understand and control of your finances.
New York State Parks Pass
A New York State Empire Pass allows entry of one vehicle, regardless of the number of occupants, when the card is presented at most New York State parks, DEC forest preserve areas, boat launch sites, arboretums, and park preserves. The Library has two park passes with a checkout period of seven days.
Hoopla
Hoopla is a free service offered by the Library that allows you to borrow eBooks, audiobooks, comics, movies, and TV on a web browser, phone, tablet or TV. You must have a card from this Library to access Hoopla, and can check out up to ten items a month. And there is never a waiting period!
Kanopy
Everyone from film scholars to casual viewers will discover remarkable and enriching films on Kanopy. Log in with your library card number and password to enjoy our diverse catalog, with new titles added every month.
Museum Passes: The Rockwell Museum & Corning Museum of Glass
The Rockwell Museum, a Smithsonian Affiliate, provides a diverse collection and robust exhibition calendar of American art. The Library has four adult passes, each of which admits one adult; children under 18 are free.
The Corning Museum of Glass, the world’s premier collection of glass, also offers a range of glassmaking demos and opportunities. The Library has six adult passes, each of which admits one adult; children under 18 are free.
Here’s more good news
The Southeast Steuben County Library no longer charges fines for overdue materials. Patrons are still supposed to return materials on their due date, and are responsible for replacement costs for damaged or lost items.
Need something our library system hasn’t got? After checking on STARCat that the item really isn’t in STLS system, you can request an item through an interlibrary loan.
Would you like the library to buy a book or DVD for its collection? To request an acquisition, click here. You can also come into the library and fill out an acquisition request form for the item/s you would like to see the library purchase.
We consider all patron records to be confidential.