More Library Card Options for Your Child

Full Access Card

When issued to a child or a teen, the full access card has the same privileges as a card issued to an adult. Cardholders can access books, movies and other media items from all sections of the library.

The full access card also allows access to the following services:

1. Public computers.
2. Study rooms if age requirements are met.
3. MiY Zones if age requirements and safety requirements are met.
4. Online databases.
5. Ebooks, digital audiobooks and other digital download services (Libby, Hoopla and Kanopy).
6. Interlibrary loan (once three-month new card period has passed).

Parents and guardians can show a photo ID to library staff in order to review materials checked out to a minor’s full access card and can choose to have reminders and notifications about the card sent to either themselves, their child or both.

Limited Access Teen Card

The Limited Access Teen Card can access books, movies and other media items from the children’s/juvenile and teen/young adult collections. The children’s/juvenile collection contains materials intended for children from birth through age 12, and the teen/young adult collection contains materials intended for teens from ages 13 through 18.

The Limited Access Teen card also allows access to the following services:

1. Teen area computers.
2. Study rooms if age requirements are met.
3. MiY Zones if age requirements and safety requirements are met.
4. Online databases.

Because library staff are not able to limit the content available through these platforms, Limited Access Teen Cards are not eligible for digital downloads (Libby, Hoopla and Kanopy) or interlibrary loan services. Limited Access Teen Cards do not grant access to the YA+ collection.

Limited Access Children’s Card

The Limited Access Children’s Card can access books, movies and other media items from the children’s/juvenile collection, which contains materials intended for children from birth through age 12.

The Limited Access Children’s card also allows access to the following services:

1. Children’s area computers.
2. Study rooms if age requirements are met.
3. MiY Zones if age requirements and safety requirements are met.
4. Online databases.

Because library staff are not able to limit the content available through these platforms, Limited Access Children’s Cards are not eligible for digital downloads (Libby, Hoopla and Kanopy) or interlibrary loan services.

Frequently Asked Questions

My child already has a card. What type of card does my child have?

If they were signed up for a card prior to Oct. 15, 2025, they were issued a Full Access Card, as this was previously the only option. Parents or guardians can check their child’s card type by showing a photo ID to library staff or change the card type by filling out a new youth card application.

Can exceptions be made for Limited Access Child or Limited Access Teen cards to borrow from restricted sections?

Library staff are not able to override the checkout of restricted materials to patrons with Limited Access Child or Limited Access Teen cards for any reason. However, parents or guardians can change what type of account their child has access to at any time.

What if I want to change what my child can access?

Parents or guardians can bring their photo ID to the front desk and staff will guide them through filling out a new youth application to update the card type.

How long is the card good for?

Library cards for Irving residents are valid for two years or until a child turns 18, at which time they are welcome to sign up for their own card.

Where can I get more information about what materials are in different library collections?

Irving Public Library has a series of parents’ guides available that give an overview of the types of materials available in each library collection. Guides are available at each branch and online. Please ask staff for help locating the guides or go to our Parent Guides for more info.