Library membership is available to Valley Cottage residents. To register for a library card please bring a photo ID and 2 proofs of residency (utility bill, phone bill, etc.) to the library. Upon registration for a new library card, two items may be checked out. The Library card will be mailed to your residence. Patrons are responsible for all materials checked out on their library cards.

A parent/guardian may apply for a card for their child. Their signature is required on all children's applications (15 yrs. and under). The same identification is required as above. The child must be present when applying for this card. Parents/Guardians are responsible for all fines incurred on children's cards.

Please read our Library Card Policy below for further information on obtaining a library card.

There is a $3.00 fee to replace a lost or stolen card.

Library cards are issued to residents of Valley Cottage as a mechanism to offer library materials and services to fulfill its mission. Library membership is available to all Valley Cottage residents. Proof of residency is required to receive a library card. All cardholders accept responsibility for all use made of their library card and agree to immediately report its loss or a change of address.

The Library issues a full service library card to residents who show photo ID and two (2) proofs of residency within Valley Cottage. (See regulations for residents between the ages of 16 to 17). This card qualifies the user for direct access; that is, the ability to borrow materials from Valley Cottage Library and any other library within the Ramapo Catskill Library System.

Individuals who apply for a full service library card through our website (currently not available) will be required to bring photo ID and proof of residency as described below to the library to activate its use for the first time.

Regulations for issuing a card:
• Photo Identification -Acceptable forms of photo identification are: driver’s license, state ID card, passport, military ID, school ID, or employment ID. These may not be expired and must include both name and photo.

• 2 forms of ID with current Valley Cottage street address are required.

 For adults, a valid driver’s license, recent utility bill, apartment lease, etc. are examples of proper proof. A post office box is not proof of residency.

 For residents age 15 and under a parent/legal guardian must present the same documentation as above.

 A resident aged 16-17 may apply for a card by a photo ID in the form of a current learner’s permit, driver’s license, or high school ID that includes both name and photo. If photo ID is a school photo ID, a current school report card is also required.


Individuals who live outside RCLS but who own, lease or rent property within Valley Cottage are also eligible for a full service library card by showing photo ID and valid proof of residency in Valley Cottage such as a current real estate tax bill, lease or rental agreement as well as proof of their primary residence.

Au pairs and residents of a nursing home or group home/shelter located within Valley Cottage are considered permanent residents and are eligible for a full service library card by showing photo ID and valid proof of residency in Valley Cottage.
A letter of residency issued from the au pair’s employer or the director of the nursing home or shelter are required.

The Library also issues a local limited service library card for those residents who cannot or will not show a photo ID. They must show 2 proofs of residency within Valley Cottage as described above. This card enables the user to borrow materials owned by Valley Cottage Library. No direct access services are provided to this card holder. Holds are limited to 5.

Teachers who work in a Nyack School District school but reside outside the RCLS area may apply for an annual (school year) library card. Two proofs of permanent address, a current payroll stub and picture ID from the school district must be provided. This card is valid for one year, renewable by showing proof at the beginning of each school year.
No direct access services are provided to this card holder.

Employees of businesses located within Valley Cottage who do not own, lease or rent property in Valley Cottage and are not eligible for an RCLS card may purchase a temporary library card for $25/year. Proof of employment in Valley Cottage is required. Limits on holds and maximum apply. No direct access services are provided to this card holder. This card is valid for one year, renewable by showing ID each year.

A non-resident of the Ramapo Catskill Library System may purchase a full service library card for an annual fee. This per capita fee is reached by dividing the population of Valley Cottage by the current annual budget. The 2013 fee is $197 per person. This card enjoys direct access services. Two proofs of permanent address and photo ID are required (see examples of acceptable photo ID above.)

Approved: January 16, 2008
Revised: May 19, 2010
Dec. 15, 2010