Chattanooga Public Library to offer free non-resident library cards at Fall Book Sale

The Chattanooga Public Library Foundation will offer a limited number of non-city resident library cards for free at the upcoming Fall Book Sale this week.

Normally, a library user who does not reside in Chattanooga's city limits must pay $50 annually for access to the library's books, audiobooks, DVDs and other materials as well as the ability to reserve meeting and recording rooms at the downtown library branch, according to a news release from the Chattanooga Public Library.

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The foundation will offer 70 non-resident cards, available on a first-come, first-serve basis, at the book sale, the release stated. The foundation will have a table set up for those interested in getting a card to apply. Any cards remaining after the sale will be available at library branch locations.

The non-city resident library card was created in 2012 after a tax agreement between Hamilton County and the city of Chattanooga was not renewed, the release said. The library foundation is offering the free non-resident cards in partnership with an anonymous donor.

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"We are so grateful for our donor," Meg Crimmins Beene, chair of the library foundation, said in the release. "Because of their generosity, we can offer a limited number of cards to help residents outside the city access everything that's available through our phenomenal library."

Services such as the library's educational programs and use of public computers, the fourth floor Makerspace, the Passports Acceptance Office, fax machines, printers/copiers and notary services do not require a library card, according to the release.

— Compiled by Sam Still