Card Levels

To apply, just visit one of our branches to verify your identity and other information. Parents may verify ID and information for minors. 

• Basic Card:  Verifying your ID allows you to check out up to 10 items and place 10 items on hold (in addition to accessing our online resources).   
• Regular Card:  If your current address is on your ID, or you provide another form of address verification, you can upgrade to a Regular card.  This allows you to borrow up to 50 items and also place 50 items on hold (in addition to accessing our online resources).

Use your Timberland library card to:

• Check out books, magazines, DVDs, and CDs
• Download eBooks and audiobooks
• Stream videos
• Check the online catalog in the library, from home, office, or school, or by telephone to see what items you have checked out, overdue, or on hold and place holds on items
• Use the Mobile App to search, place holds, and access digital resources
• Use a library computer with Internet access and Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Publisher
• In the library or from home, access hundreds of online newspapers and magazines and dozens of online classes and other resources on health, business, computers, genealogy, car repair, hobbies, and many more topics

Timberland library cards are free to:

Applicants of any age, with provision of current physical address and proof of identity, who meet any of the following criteria:

• Anyone living or owning property in TRL's 5-county Service Area: Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston counties (except residents of these cities: Mossyrock, Napavine, Ocean Shores, Pe Ell, and Vader. These locations have not contracted or annexed for library service. Residents may pay a non-resident fee for a regular card.)
• Non-resident individuals who work in or attend school in the TRL Service Area
• Institutions, businesses, and qualifying homeschools in the TRL Service Area
• Residents of library districts that have reciprocal borrowing agreements with TRL (see details below)
• Residents of other areas outside of the TRL Service area within Washington that have tax-supported public library service

How to get a library card:

• Print a library card application, fill it out, and bring it with your ID to your local library.
  • Individual application 
  • Library Card Permissions Form 
  • Solicitud de tarjeta 
  • Business application
  • Institution application
  • Books by Mail application
  • Homeschool Account application
• If your ID does not show your current address, address verification can be things such as a piece of mail, a checkbook, a rental agreement, property assessment or similar documents.
• Minors under 18: If unable to provide identity and address verification, minors may receive a card with a parent’s or guardian’s verification on their child’s behalf
• For more information, see the Library Card Eligibility Policy

Non-Residents may buy a library card:

In 2023, the price is $98 per year, with the option of a six-month card at $49, a three-month card at $25, or a one-month card at $8.

• The non-resident fee is for the entire household, each household member receives their own library card.
• Residents of Washington State and Clatsop County in Oregon, not in the TRL Service Area and not covered by a reciprocal agreement or cooperative service area, may purchase a Non-Resident card.
• The cost of the card is determined by the average cost each household in the Timberland district pays in property taxes for library services and is re-calculated annually.
• You may include a check for the non-resident fee, or staff can bill your account and you can pay online.

Library Card options:

Library Account Privacy

What does the library do to protect my library card account?

TRL protects the privacy of your account, keeping all records confidential. We only release information to the person to whom the card is issued, unless you instruct us otherwise (See the Library Card Permissions Form). That includes all information in your account, e.g., address and contact information, items borrowed or requested, and computer use information.

You may opt to share information with others, granting others specific permissions or linking your account to others. Parents should work with their minor children to determine what methods will work best to help children manage their accounts and selection of materials. Check with your local library staff for details.

Reciprocal Borrowing Agreements

Reciprocal borrowing agreements between library systems allow residents of one library district to use the services of another library district. Library users may apply for and have library cards in the other library system.

What this means for residents of the Timberland Regional Library area is that you may get library cards with other library districts, expanding your options for physical or digital items.

What this means for Washington State residents living outside of the Timberland Regional Library district is that in many cases you are covered either under our reciprocal agreements or our cooperative service areas and may get a TRL card to access our materials and services.

In general, you must show proof of residence in your "home" library district to get a card in the "other" library district.  The agreements with Seattle Public Library and Longview Public Library require that you show a valid library card in your "home" library in order to apply for a card in the "other" system. 

TRL has reciprocal borrowing agreements with the following library systems:

Use the links below to visit reciprocal libraries. While closed due to COVID-19, not all libraries are issuing library cards, so be sure to check the library's current information.

• Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries (Clark, Klickitat, Skamania Counties, the City of Woodland, and Yale Precinct in Cowlitz County)
• Jefferson County Library
• King County Library System (Hunts Point, Yarrow Point not eligible)
• Kitsap Regional Library (Kitsap County)
• Longview Public Library (Must show your Longview Public Library card to get a TRL card; must show your TRL card to get a Longview card)
• North Central Regional Library (Okanogan, Chelan, Douglas, Ferry, Grant Counties) (Conconcully, Hartline, Marlin, Nespelem, Rock Island not eligible.)
• North Olympic Library System (Clallam County)
• Pierce County Library (Carbonado, Fircrest, Ruston, Roy not eligible)
• Puyallup Public Library
• Seattle Public Library (Must show your Seattle Public Library card to get a TRL card; must show your TRL card to get a Seattle card)
• Sno-Isle Regional Library (Snohomish, Island Counties) (Woodway not eligible)
• Upper Skagit Library District
• Whatcom County Library

Cooperative Service Area:

An alternative to reciprocal agreements, the cooperative service area includes those areas in Washington State, outside of the TRL Service area, that have tax-supported public library service. As with areas covered by a reciprocal agreement, you will need to apply at a Timberland Regional Library and provide ID and address verification showing that you qualify.

Library Cards

• See details about library card eligibility, and how the library protects the privacy of my library account.

Checkout Periods

• Feature film videos and feature film DVDs - 7 Days
• All Other TRL Items - 3 Weeks
• Interlibrary loans – Loan period depends on the loaning library

Checkout and Hold Limits

For regular cards:

• 50 checkouts
• 25 holds
• Digital Downloads (Overdrive): 12 checkouts / 8 holds, purchase requests 1 every 10 days
• Streaming Movies (Kanopy): 5 checkouts per month

For basic cards:

• 10 checkouts
• 10 holds
• Digital Downloads (Overdrive): 12 checkouts / 8 holds, purchase requests 1 every 10 days
• Streaming Movies (Kanopy): 5 checkouts per month

Basic cards may be upgraded to regular card with verification of physical address.

Items

• Items can be returned to any Timberland library, kiosk or drop box.

Login to the Library Catalog

• To review your checkouts, due dates, holds and fines, and to renew materials, login to the library catalog.
• You can login on any screen in the catalog in the upper right corner.  Enter your library card number and PIN.

Catalog Search

• Catalog Search: You can search the catalog by keywords by author, title, subject or series.  You can narrow your search by selecting Library or many other search facets on the left.
• To search for an exact phrase, enclose your search terms in double quotes, e.g., "rob roy".
• Or click on the Advanced Search link to the right of the Search button for other search options.

Review Items Checked Out

There are several ways to review your library record to see what items you have checked out.

Renewals

Still need an item? Renew online, in the mobile app, call our automated phone system, or at the library. Other than Lucky Day items or those with a wait list, most items allow two renewals.

Overdue Fines and Fees

Starting January 1, 2020, TRL is no longer charging overdue fines on our collection materials. In addition, we are working with our system vendor to remove existing overdue fines. This policy change does not impact fees for lost or damaged items.

Questions? Check out our FAQ.

It's still good library etiquette to return items by the due date so everyone has a chance to enjoy items.

Overdue Notices

Timberland sends three overdue notices and a bill notice if items are not returned by the due date. Overdue notices are sent by:

• Email - An email notice will be sent to you if you have provided your email address to the Library for your patron record.
  • Login to the Library Catalog to enter or update your email address.
  • Click on the My Account link.
  • Select the Personal Information tab to add or update your email address.
  • Or, contact Ask A Librarian, call your local library or ask a staff member in the library to add or change your email address to your patron record if you want your notices emailed to you. 
• Text Message - A text message will be sent if you have provided your cell phone number in your library patron record. Standard text messaging rates apply.
  • Login to the Library Catalog to add or update your cell phone number for hold text messages.  
  • Click on the My Account link, select the Personal Information Tab then SMS Notifications.
  • Or, contact Ask A Librarian, call your local library or ask a staff member in the library to add or change your cell phone number. 
• Telephone - i-tiva, TRL's automated telephone notification system will call you.

The library considers items overdue 28 days or longer lost and bills for the item's replacement. Bring it back and we'll cancel that bill!

Other Fines and Fees

• Replacement costs are charged for items that are 28 days overdue. These are referred to as "lost" items. You may know where they are, but they are "lost" to TRL. The replacement cost is waived when the item is returned in good condition.
• Damage fees are charged if an item is damaged while you have it checked out. Staff inspect items for damage when they are returned so you will not be charged for damage that occurred before you checked an item out.
• Interlibrary loan fees are charged if the library we are borrowing from on your behalf charges a fee. You determine the maximum amount you are willing to pay before we request the item. TRL always searches for free services first.

Interlibrary Loans

If Timberland does not own an item that you need, it may be possible to borrow it from another library through Interlibrary Loan. More information on Interlibrary Loan service.

Automated Renewal & Notification

i-tiva is an automated voice messaging system that is connected to the Library's online catalog.  i-tiva calls patrons by telephone to notify them about overdue items and about items that are being held for them and are ready for pick up. You can call i-tiva to hear what items you have checked out and overdue, to renew items, and to hear how many items you have on hold and are ready to pick up, and to cancel holds that are waiting in the library for you to pick up.

Check out ebooks, audiobooks, streaming videos, digital magazines, and more using a computer and/or other electronics like a smartphone. All you need to access these valuable services is your Timberland Library Card and Pin number. 

View our online calendar for virtual programs. Programs are held via Zoom and some require registration to receive the class link. Additional programs are uploaded to our YouTube channel, be sure to subscribe to receive updates.

Timberland staff is available to help by email at asklib@trl.org or LiveChat on Monday - Saturday from 9 am – 5 pm (service is not available on holidays).

New Online Resources

Check often for new online resources.

PressReader

Linkedin Learning

Washington State Library - Learning and Entertainment Resources

 

  

ebooks

Available on computers, laptops, Kindle,
and mobile devices.

Libby App by OverDrive

OverDrive Collection

Available Now
Book Clubs
World Languages
Kids
Teens

  

Audiobooks

Available on computers, laptops, Kindle,
and mobile devices.

Libby App by OverDrive

OverDrive Collection

Available Now
Book Clubs
World Languages
Kids
Teens

  

More Kids & Teens

Parents & Educators Resources
Early Learning Resources
Homework Help Kids
Homework Help Teens
TumbleBooks
Scholastic Teachables

  

Digital Magazine

Collection of over 3,000 digital magazines,
available for unlimited, simultaneous use.

OverDrive Collection
PressReader

  

Need Help?

Our staff is ready to help connect you to TRL online resources.

Email asklib@trl.org
LiveChat on TRL.org
OverDrive Help Site
Libby App Help
Parents & Guardians Parental control on Kanopy
Kindle ereaders
Kindle Fire Tablets
Video Tutorial for OverDrive & Libby App

OverDrive items show up in the TRL catalog, and you can also find the entire TRL OverDrive collection at: https://timberland.overdrive.com/

Additionally, OverDrive can provide help with downloading titles and troubleshooting issues with the OverDrive and Libby apps. Their help information is available at https://help.overdrive.com/

In response to the impacts of COVID-19, the WA State Commerce Dept has partnered with agencies across the state on the Drive-In Wifi hotspots project to provide and map out locations across Washington to help people who may not have broadband service in their homes.  All the TRL branches are on this map as well as the PUD and other locations where hotspots can be accessed. Access is available to all residents with specific emphasis on remote learning for students. Additionally, this service can be used for job searches, telehealth, telework, unemployment filing, and census participation.

WA State Wi-Fi Hot Spot Location Finder

Wi-Fi Internet Access

Timberland Regional Library (TRL) provides free wireless access (Wi-Fi) to the Internet in all TRL libraries. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about using Wi-Fi in the library.

Which Timberland libraries offer Wi-Fi?

• Wi-Fi access is available in all TRL libraries.

What hours is the Wi-Fi service available?

• Daily 6:00am - midnight

What do I need to use Wi-Fi at the library?

• TRL uses the Wi-Fi standard known as IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n.
• You need to bring your Wi-Fi capable laptop, tablet or other mobile device to the library.
• Devices should automatically get settings from our servers (DHCP), and custom network settings (especially DNS) will not work properly, and will not be supported.
• Most Wi-Fi equipment should work but TRL cannot guarantee that your equipment will be compatible with the library’s Wi-Fi network.

Do I need a login and password to connect?

• No login or password is required to connect to the TRL Wi-Fi network. Just look for "trlguest" in the list of available networks on your device.

Can library staff help me configure my computer?

• Library staff do not provide technical assistance for connecting to the Wi-Fi network.
• Everyone’s computer hardware and software are different so you are responsible for knowing how to configure and restore the settings on your own computer or device.
• TRL is not responsible for any changes you make to your device settings.
• If you need assistance, you may need to contact your hardware or software manufacturers.

Can I access the library catalog and reference databases?

• Most laptops and tablets and many other mobile devices will let you access the library catalog and reference databases from the TRL home page. Because you are "inside" the library's network, you do not need a library card to access the reference databases.

Are there any restrictions on my use of the Internet?

• There is no time limit on Wi-Fi sessions.
• Wi-Fi reception and connection speeds are affected by your distance from the TRL Wi-Fi equipment and by barriers such as brick walls, metal bookshelves, stairways and people. The number of computers in use in the local library and traffic on the wider Internet may also affect speed. Reception and speed may improve if you move to a different location in the building.
• All Wi-Fi Internet access goes through TRL’s Internet content filter which blocks Internet sites that contain adult content. There is no provision for turning off the filter on the Wi-Fi network.

Can I print while using Wi-Fi?

• Yes, You can use MobilePrint with your Wi-Fi device in all TRL libraries.
• Although the TRL Wi-Fi service hours are 6 am to midnight, 7 days/week, you can only release print jobs during your local library's open hours.
• You are required to use your own TRL Library Card, Internet Card, or Visitor Card to use MobilePrint.
• For more information, see Access Mobile Printing.

Is my information safe while using Wi-Fi?

• The library’s Wi-Fi network is not encrypted or guaranteed to be secure from interception. Information sent to or from your device could be intercepted by anyone within three hundred feet with a Wi-Fi device and with the appropriate software. Keep this in mind if you are accessing sensitive business or personal information. It is recommended that you access private web information only through a secure browser connection with SSL enabled.
• It is recommended that you not enable file sharing or print sharing when using a public shared network. If you do so, other people may be able to gain access to your hard drive and files or misuse your device.
• You should have have up-to-date virus detection software installed on your laptop, tablet or mobile device.

Electrical Outlets

• Plan to have the battery for your laptop, tablet or mobile device fully charged when you come to the library.
• Some libraries have electrical outlets available that you can plug your device into, other libraries have none.

Does the library have computers I can use?

• Yes! All of our libraries have public computers and printers. Usage of the public computers is handled through a PC reservation system called Pharos.

Pharos Signup PC Reservation System

To reserve an Internet PC, please visit this link or select your branch from the map below.

Timberland uses the software Pharos to reserve and manage time on Internet computers.

• Advance reservations for 1 hour sessions.
• Automatic computer session extensions.

Reserve a Computer - Click Here 

If this is the first time you have reserved a computer with Pharos, Click here to read the instructions.

Instructions

Wi-Fi Printing – Frequently Asked Questions

Can I print while using Wi-Fi?

Yes. Wi-Fi printing is available in all TRL libraries.

What is required to use Wi-Fi printing?

You need a Timberland Library Card, Internet Card, or Visitor Pass and be using a laptop, tablet or other mobile device with a current web browser.

How does Wi-Fi printing work?

Open MyPrintCenter and log in using your Timberland Library Card, Internet Card or Visitor Pass. You can then upload a file and proceed to any Timberland Regional Library and release the job at a print release station. You can also print via the mobile apps or by sending an email.

What kind of files can I print?

The following document types can be uploaded and printed:

• Word - .DOC, .DOCX and .RTF files
• Excel - .XLS and .XLSX files
• PowerPoint - .PPT and .PPTX files
• PDF - .PDF files
• Text - .TXT files
• Image files - BMP, GIF, JPG, PNG and TIF files

How do I upload documents to the Pharos Print Center?

1. From a web browser open https://printing.trl.org/.
2. Enter your library card number and PIN when prompted.
3. Click the Upload icon.
4. Browse to and select the document to be printed.
5. In the lower right corner of the screen you can change print options including the number of copies and whether the pages are printed single-sided or double-sided.
6. You will have up to 24 hours to go to a Timberland library, log in to a print release station and print your documents.

Can I print messages from a webpage?

No. At this time TRL Wi-Fi printing does not support this. If the site lets you download information to a PDF file, you can save the file to your device and then upload and print the PDF file. If this will not work you can use one of the library’s Internet computers to print.

Do Wi-Fi print jobs count against my $44 credit for free printing each month?

Yes. Pages printed count against the $44 credit patrons receive on their accounts at the start of each month for free printing. This is not a rolling balance; anything not used will disappear when accounts are reset for the next month.

Can I use Wi-Fi printing when the library is closed?

The MyPrintCenter web application is always available, but print jobs can only be released during local library open hours.

Can I print using my smart phone?

There are Pharos Print apps to download for iOS and Android devices. When setting up the app use "printing.trl.org" for the server address and "443" for the server port. 

Can I print a range of pages for long documents?

You can specify a range of pages after uploading the file in MyPrintCenter

How do I print from from my email account?

1. From your email account, send the message you wish to print to printing@trl.org. If the message has attachments, they will be printed. Otherwise the email message will print.
2. If your email address is already registered in Pharos, you will receive a reply email telling you that your documents are ready to print.
3. You will have up to 24 hours to go to a Timberland library, log in to a print release station and print your documents.
4. If your email address is not registered in Pharos, you will receive an email with a link to complete your email registration:
   • Select the "Click to register your email address" link. The Pharos My Print Center website will open.
   • Log in to the Print Center with your library barcode and PIN. You will receive a message saying 'Email address has successfully been registered to your account'.
   • Click OK.
5. You will have up to 24 hours to go to a Timberland library, log in to a print release station and print your documents.

You can register more than one email address with Pharos.

Meeting Rooms for Public Use

Many TRL libraries have one or more meeting rooms that may be reserved by individuals and groups. If you are interested in reserving a room, you may use the new "Reserve a Room" online system (which requires a library card and a valid email address) or call the local library to ask about availability and to reserve a time for your meeting.

Please read the Instructions (PDF) for the Reserve a Room online system, the updated Meeting Room Use Policy, and Meeting Room Use Procedures

2023 Tax Help

This year AARP Foundation Tax-Aide will take place at some Mason, Pacific, and Thurston County branches beginning in February. Tax forms will be available at all branches after they are received from the IRS.

Library staff are also available to help locate forms by email at asklib@trl.org or chat at trl.org Monday-Saturday, 9am-5pm.

AARP TAX HELP

Mason County

Hoodsport:
Feb 3 – April 7
1st and 3rd Fridays, 12pm - 4pm by appointment. Call the Hoodsport Library at 360-877-9339 to make an appointment.

North Mason:
February 7 – April 11
Tuesdays, by appointment. Call 360-358-2746 to make an appointment.

Shelton:
Beginning Feb 4
Saturdays, 10am – 3pm by appointment. Call the Shelton Library at 360-426-1362 to make an appointment.

Pacific County

Ocean Park:
February 1 – April 19 
Wednesdays, 10am - 3pm. Sign up available in-person at Ocean Park Library through a Client Facilitator each Wednesday beginning Feb 1.

Thurston County

Lacey:
February 2 – April 15
Thursdays and Saturdays, 10am - 4pm, beginning Feb. 2. 
Call the AARP appointment line at 360-474-3869 and leave a message or make an appointment through the AARP website at taxaidewa20.org/online/.

Tumwater:
February 1 – April 17 
Mondays and Wednesdays, 12:30pm - 5:30pm, beginning Feb. 1.
Call the AARP appointment line at 360-474-3869 and leave a message or make an appointment through the AARP website at taxaidewa20.org/online/.

Yelm:
February 7 – April 18 
Tuesdays, 12:30pm - 4:30pm, beginning February 7.
Call the AARP appointment line at 360-474-3869 and leave a message or make an appointment through the AARP website at taxaidewa20.org/online/. Yelm library patrons may also call 360-539-3330 or visit the Yelm Library to make appointments.

Read the Thurston County AARP Press release for additional Thurston County appointment and site location information HERE.

Aids for Better Living: Tools to help with vision, hearing, mobility, and communication

You can borrow assistive devices through your local Timberland library. The purpose of this small collection of assistive devices is to provide you the opportunity to try out a device you may be considering for yourself or another and to encourage thinking about how assistive devices may promote greater independence.

Assistive Technology includes any device that is used to maintain or improve functional abilities of an individual with a disability.  A device can be high or low tech, off the shelf or specially designed.

• Search the TRL Library Catalog under WATAP to see the assistive tools available for checkout.  You may place a hold on an item that interests you and it will be available at the library of your choice within a few days (unless it’s already checked out to someone else!) 
• View a description and photo of each item. 
• Ask at your local library’s information desk to see a printed catalog of available items.

Try these products at your home, school or work for up to three weeks.  They may not be renewed, since the purpose of the service is to let you try them out to see if the device suits your needs. 

“Borrowing Assistive Technology gives you the 
opportunity to try products in the environment where it
will be used and to make the best choice
before making a financial investment.”

Get started at TRL.WATAP.ORG  or check the printed catalog available at your local Timberland library. 

Please Note:

• You need your library card to place a hold in the TRL Library Catalog to reserve the assistive device.
• The device must be picked up in the library of your choice – no mail outs.
• Please fill out the feedback card included with checkout – postage paid.
• Checkout is for three weeks only – no renewals.
• Items must be returned inside any TRL library - do not return in bookdrop.

After you’ve tried it out:

• WATAP partners with the Northwest Access Fund to offer affordable alternatives for financing Assistive Technology (AT) for education, work, and independent living.
• Find organizations that distribute gently used assistive and medical equipment through the Evergreen Reuse Coalition.

WATAP is a federally funded program offering low cost and free Assistive Technology Services.
WATAP is part of University of Washington Center for Technology & Disability Studies

Items are constantly discarded from the collection for a variety of reasons including low or no use, poor condition and outdated content (applies particularly to medical and legal items). TRL adds nearly 140,000 items to the collection every year to meet the needs of library patrons. Since the library buildings cannot grow, some material must be discarded to make room on the shelves. 

Patrons with a Basic, Regular, Mail, Homeschool, Staff, or paid Non-resident card, who do not have overdue ILL materials, lost or damaged materials, or fines of $10.00 or more on their account may request ILL items.

TRL patrons may have a maximum of 5 active ILL requests in progress at one time. ILLs count toward your total maximum holds.

It usually takes between 2 to 6 weeks to receive items through ILL.

Most ILL items will come within 2 weeks. However, harder-to-find items occasionally take up to 6 weeks to locate a library who owns the item and is willing to lend it, and for them to ship the item to TRL.

You will be notified when your ILL request is available in the same way you are notified when your TRL holds are available for pickup.

Please contact your local TRL branch directly.

Simply cancelling your hold on your TRL account does not stop the item you requested from being sent from another library.

Please contact library staff as soon as possible if you need to cancel your ILL request.

Please note that ILL requests cannot be suspended. Suspending your hold will not stop your request from being sent from another library.

You can search the catalog by author (ex: Wrekk, Alex), by title (ex: Funwater Awesome#1), or by subject (ex: feminist zines). To see a list of all 43 zine subjects, search the word “zines” as a subject word.

No, you can return your zines to any Timberland library branch.

Zines are the purest form of counterculture expression that exists in printed form, and insightful indicators of current times. They represent the under-represented and give voice to marginalized members of society. Zines are interesting and cheap, and as a public library, it is our job to provide access to all types of information.