Did you know that 70% of Sun Prairie residents have library cards?! That amazing number tells me the community realizes how important this little card is! It is equally amazing how flippant some patrons are about their library cards. There are patrons who don't bring their card when they come to the library and then wonder why they cannot check out their items. Some don't report them lost or stolen. Some wonder why they are required to use their own library card for Internet access.
A library card offers its owner unique access to a wide variety of library resources. It is a symbol of the trust between user and library: the library will loan the user ANYTHING for free; the user agrees to bring library material back in a timely fashion. This is an amazing trust system and works very well, provided patrons present their library card. Otherwise, we don't know who has our items.
When a library card goes lost or is stolen, it is imperative to let the library know, as the card could be used to check out items unbeknownst to the owner. The sooner we know a card has gone missing, the sooner we can block it and get the owner a new card. That way, a user is not charged for items they have not checked out.
Folks who use the Internet need a valid library card in good standing to utilize our computers. Given all the possible computer crime and investigation that goes on in today's world, it is necessary for each user to use THEIR OWN card. Think if you lent your card to someone who used the computer for illegal access -- YOU could be accused of wrongdoing, or at the very least be caught up in a messy investigation.
As you can see, your library card is important for unfettered access to all the resources the library offers. Treat it like your driver's license or credit card -- it's that important!