Forum Discussion

holstein13's avatar
holstein13
Explorer
Jan 02, 2016

How do you get a library card when your address is a PMB

I'm a full-time RVer. My physical address is a private mail box in Green Cove Springs, FL but I've never been there in my life.

The problem is that I'd like to have a library card to enable me to download books using Overdrive. I want do download popular recent books, not free books available all over the web. Public libraries are the best avenue to get popular recent books.

Does anyone know if there are any public libraries that offer membership for a fee? Usually they are funded by local tax revenue.

I am only interested in public libraries where I can apply remotely for e-book access only. I've already looked into Amazon Prime book lending.

As a last resort, I'm passing within 1 hour of Jacksonville, FL in a couple of months and may have make a stop in my "hometown" to get a library card.

28 Replies

  • Another thing to convince me my decision to keep my address in GA. Most of the libraries in GA are part of the PINES system. You can use any library statewide with your card. You can check out books, tapes, dvds, and return to any other library. Also have the ability to reserve books, renew books and download ebooks via the web.
  • Clay County Libraries don't use Overdrive but do use Axis 360 available for PCs, Tablets and Phones. Their headquarters used to be in Green Cove Springs but is now located a few miles north in Fleming Island. I would call them or SBI to see what you need to do for a library card.
  • darsben wrote:
    So let me get this straight.
    You want to receive a government benefit that you do not really qualify for.
    You want it funded by a government entity that you have NEVER payed taxes too.

    SEEMS like freeloading to me.


    WOW you really read into OP post :S

    OP stated
    Does anyone know if there are any public libraries that offer membership for a fee?

    Doesn't read like OP is looking to freeload
  • So let me get this straight.
    You want to receive a government benefit that you do not really qualify for.
    You want it funded by a government entity that you have NEVER payed taxes too.

    SEEMS like freeloading to me.
  • Check the various major cities in Florida for their library residency requirements. A NYC Public Library card for instance, is available to any NY state resident. They also issue cards to non-residents, but only for short term use.
  • I looked up public libraries in Jacksonville and in Green Cove. It does not look like you meet Jacksonville's requirements to get a library card there (see their website), but you could contact them and ask. Green Cove (Clay County Library) does not list requirements for card eligibility anywhere easily found on their website or newsletter; you can contact them by phone or e-mail and ask about their requirements.

    My e-library (a public library in California) issues cards to any verified California resident, but physical presence is required once a year to renew the card. That card is the key to e-services.

    Local taxes usually fund local libraries. It is not realistic to expect libraries to offer all services free to everyone. I am a retired librarian. Even my former employer does not now provide me with e-services. Part of our lease agreement with the e-library vendor is that e-services are offered only to currently enrolled students and currently employed staff. Public libraries have similar vendor agreements worded for their particular clientele.
  • Public libraries are tied to local residency - the only hope you have is in Green Cove Spings (or at least in that county). Check with the folks who rent you the PMB and see what they say. You'll probably have to prove residency in that county, and the mail forwarders should be able to help you with that.

    Good luck. We're "residents" of Pennington County SD, and this year they've begun charging us traveling residents $70 a year for library membership.

    al