Get A Library Card

CAFE Library Card art
CAFÉ library cards are free to any Waukesha or Jefferson County resident who presents photo identification and proof of current address. A CAFÉ library card may be used at any library in the Bridges Library System and provides access to a variety of digital resources. Residents under the age of eighteen are also eligible for a library card when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian presenting a picture ID and proof of current residency.

  • Examples of proof of residency include a driver’s license, checkbook, property title or mortgage, lease agreement, piece of personal mail, or a utility bill.
  • Library cards are valid for 18 months, then you will need to renew to ensure the accuracy of the database.

Find Your Library

 

Temporary Library Card

You can start your registration online to obtain a temporary library card. Your temporary library card number will be available immediately for accessing Libby/Wisconsin’s Digital Library and the library databases. Visit your library within one month to present a picture ID and proof of current residency in order to get your permanent card.

Apply Online

Library Card Information

How do I get a library card?
A library card is free to any resident of Jefferson or Waukesha counties. To receive a library card, you will need to provide a photo ID and proof of residency, such as a driver’s license, checkbook, lease agreement, or utility bill. You can also sign up online for a temporary digital card that lasts for 30 days, which you can use to access online resources. You will need to stop into the library to finish the registration process and get your permanent card within the 30 day period.

Can children get a library card?
Each library has different age requirements for getting a library card. Please check with your home library to learn more.

Where can I use my library card?
You can use your library card at your home library and at any of the 24 libraries in the Bridges Library System. This means you can check out materials, place holds, renew materials, drop off items, use computers, and more at all 24 libraries. You also have access to shared digital collections, such as Libby, Udemy, Ancestry, or Consumer Reports, with your library card.

How and when do I renew my library card?
Our member libraries renew library cards every 18 months. When your card needs to be renewed, you will need to go into your library with photo identification and proof of residency, such as a driver’s license, checkbook, lease agreement, or utility bill.

Can I access digital materials with a library card?
Yes! The library offers ebooks, digital audiobooks, digital magazines, and more through our digital collections. These are free to use and available to anyone with a digital device and a library card. Get started here.

I lost my library card! What do I do now?
Visit your home library to receive a replacement card. Most libraries charge a small replacement fee; check with your library for more information.

Is there an app for my library?
Yes! The CAFÉ Libraries app is free to download from the Apple or Google Play store. After you select your home library and enter your library card number, you can access your library account to place holds, renew your library items, or search the library catalog. It even stores a digital version of your library card. Find out more here.

Library Services and Equipment

Want to know what the cost of a copy is in a specific library?  Or the time limit on public Internet computers? Do you want to know whether there are study rooms available?

Learn more about what’s available in our member libraries by reaching out to them.

Bridges Library System – Serving the libraries of Waukesha & Jefferson Counties