Library cards are available free to residents of Portage and rural residents of Columbia County. Valid current identification is required in order to apply. Cards from other public library agencies will be honored but users must apply for a library card from their local agency before using the Portage Public Library. The fee will be refunded when the library card AND all materials borrowed on the card are returned. Fines due as well as the cost of any lost or damaged materials will be deducted from the fee refunded.
Records pertaining to an individual's use of library facilities and resources are confidential.
Access to such records by individuals or organizations outside the library community is permitted only when directed by court order. The fine status of each patron is checked before lending materials. A maximum fine is set for each type of material, but the fine may not exceed the price of the item. If a patron must pay for lost or damaged material, the fine is assessed as well as the price of the item. Refunds for lost items returned will be made within six months of due date if receipt is provided.