Library Card & Account FAQs

  • My RCLreads

    Yes! Our app, My RCLreads, is available on the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.

    Use the above links or search the App Store for "My RCLreads" to find and download the app.

    Our app lets you:

    • Find the library closest to you – check library hours and locations.
    • Explore library resources - search the library catalog, browse new arrivals and more.
    • Manage your library account – see what you have checked out, place holds and renew materials.
    • Manage your personal shelves – keep track of what you’ve read and would like to read.
    • Browse and register for upcoming events.
    • Scan the barcode on the back of a book, DVD or CD to see if the library has a copy of that item.
    • Access a digital version of your library card to check out items at our self-checkout machines.
    • Add and manage multiple library cards within the app.

    After you download the app, you will need to enter your library barcode number or username and your PIN to sign in.

    Please note:

    • You need an existing account with our website in order to sign in to the app. If you need to create an account, click Log In/My RCL followed by Log In/Register. If you need help, please contact a staff member at your local branch.

    You can add additional library cards using the My Library Cards section of the app. To access My Library Cards, tap on the library card icon located in the upper right corner of the Home Screen.

    Tap Add card.

    Enter the barcode or username for the card you want to add. Then enter the PIN and tap Add card.

    There are multiple ways to switch between library cards and select the account you want to use.

    To switch between accounts on the My Library Cards screen, swipe to the card you want to use and tap Use this card. You can also tap on the ellipsis on the card you want to activate, then tap Use this card. The card with the In use label is the currently active account.

    You can also switch between accounts by clicking on the user avatar. That will bring up the account switcher. Select the account you’d like to activate. The currently active account is listed first and has the YOU label.

    Please note:

    • A maximum of 8 cards can be added to your app.
    • Signing in with a new library card will automatically add it to your app.
    • If you install My RCLreads on more than one device, you will need to add any additional cards to each device.
    • A library card’s digital barcode is still scannable when in an inactive state.
    • Changing your PIN will prevent someone from switching to your account if they’ve added it to their app. To be used again, that account will need to be removed and then readded with the new PIN.

    You can remove additional library cards using the My Library Cards section of the app. To access My Library Cards, tap on the library card icon located in the upper right corner of the Home Screen.

    Swipe to the card you want to remove.

    Tap on the ellipsis, then tap Remove card.

    Confirm card removal.

    Please note:

    • The card that is currently active cannot be removed. To remove the card for the active account, activate a different card first.
    • Deleting the app removes all stored library cards. Cards will need to be readded once My RCLreads is reinstalled.
    • Clearing your phone’s cache, storage, or data will clear out the stored login credentials and cards will need to be added again.

  • Getting a Library Card

    Simply visit any library in the seven county area. Ask someone at the Service Desk to issue you a library card. You will need to provide picture identification and proof of your current address.

    In accordance with the Minnesota Statutes 13.02 and 13.40, library patron records are private and information contained in the record cannot be given out to anyone other than the library card holder.

    Parents and legal guardians can sign their children up for a card at any age. However, many people choose to wait until their child is in kindergarten since Ramsey County Library holds an annual event to celebrate kindergartners obtaining their first library card. Ask your children’s librarian for more information about this program! 

    Minors under 15 are required to have a parent or legal guardian with picture ID and proof of current address present in order to obtain or replace a library card. Additionally, children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian in order to assign or change their PIN. With proper identification, a parent or legal guardian is authorized to impose specific restrictions on the library records of their minor children. Parents are responsible for their children's library use. The Library staff will attempt to honor those restrictions where technologically feasible.

    Any resident of the seven county metropolitan area with a current picture identification may register for a library card. A parent's or guardian's signature with current picture identification is required for those under 15 years of age. Your library card is required for all transactions. You are responsible for materials checked out on your library card. Report a lost card or change of address immediately.  You may be subject to a $2 card replacement fee.

  • Using Your Library Card

    A Ramsey County Library card may be used at most public libraries in Minnesota. When using your card in another library system, you must abide by its rules.

  • Borrowing

    There are no late fees. As of January 1, 2022, late fees were eliminated for materials for adults. This policy change aligns with the 2020 efforts to eliminate late fines on all youth materials.

    Lost and damaged items will continue to be charged and privileges will be suspended if charges exceed $10. Rental fees will also continue to accrue.

    Holds are held at your pickup location for 5 days.

    If the item you want is checked out, you may request to have it set aside for you when it is returned. You may do this by selecting the title from the catalog and clicking on the Place Hold link. You will need to have your library card barcode and PIN to place the request.

    Most materials are due three weeks from the day you check them out. Other exceptions may apply. At checkout you have the option of printing a receipt with the due date of your materials. If you lose your receipt, call our Telephone Renewal Line (651-766-4141), visit our website or call the library to find out your due dates.

    Ramsey County Library provides free access to nearly 1 million items including books, e-books, videos, DVDs, video games, CDs, magazines, maps, newspapers, business directories, large print books and audio books.

    The Library also offers countless resources available through the Internet, including access to more than 25 online databases that provide full text articles, newspaper archives and more to help aid you in research projects, homework, family trees, car repair and more. Find out more about our databases under Online Resources.

  • Renewing & Returning Items

    Most materials borrowed from a Ramsey County Library may be renewed (extended) a maximum of two times, online, in person or by telephone, if no one else has requested the material.

    Persons with more than 25 items overdue or more than $10 in charges and fees will need to call or visit the library in order for a staff member to renew any materials.

    When a library is closed, materials may be put in the book or video returns at any Ramsey County Library.

    Ramsey County Library is a member of the Metropolitan Library Service Agency (MELSA). This means you may return most items borrowed from any public library in the MELSA region to any other public library in the MELSA region. Items remain on your account until they are received by us, but you will be credited with the date you returned them.

    There are two ways to renew materials remotely:

    1. Start by visiting Log In/My RCL. You will be asked for your barcode and PIN to proceed so make sure to stop by your library if you don't already have one. Within Log In/My RCL you can go to the Checked Out section and renew your materials.

    2. Call our telephone renewal system (TeleCirc) at 651-766-4141. You will be asked for your barcode and PIN and our computerized attendant will prompt you through the renewal process.