Library card

A library card can refer to several cards traditionally used for the management of books and patrons in a library. In its most common use, a library card serves similar functions as a membership card. A person who holds a library card has borrowing or other privileges associated with the issuing library. The library card also serves as a method of identification. When a person chooses an item to borrow and presents his or her library card to the library, he or she takes responsibility for the borrowed item and promises to abide by certain rules, usually including a promise to return the item by the due date or face a library fine. If the cardholder violates these responsibilities, his or her borrowing privileges may be suspended. As of 2011, 62% of all Americans are library cardholders.