Tacoma Public Library

We regularly attend Toddler story-​time Thursdays @ 10:30 AM
It’s 30 minutes of songs, stories, and toddler antics.
The library itself is pretty great. Large selection of new paperback and recommended titles. DVD’s, CD’s, computer stations.
I really love the searchable online database. I can search for a book and put it on hold, they’ll even transfer to my local branch for pick up.
The librarians aren’t always the most friendly folks, but that’s to be expected.

I had the exact same problem as the above reviewer. I even had A HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE POLICY in my name, with a Tacoma address, and a utility bill in my husband’s name (same last name), as well as my active duty military ID. They still wouldn’t issue me a card for my 5 year old son, who was very excited to get books. Heartless, ridiculous, disgusting. Was there really any doubt that I was a resident? Not to mention, I read their policy online before I left the house and it said a military ID was an acceptable ID. I thought I was more than covered, but its like playing monopoly with a 6 year old, they’re gonna change or interpret the rules however they want… Nothing pisses me off more than having to disappoint my kids because someone else can’t get their shit together.

Maybe it is a coastal thing. Maybe it is a Washington thing. I realize full well that I will be going through regional culture shock as to things are done coming from Colorado and maybe getting a library card may be one of them.
Acquiring library cards seem to be increasingly more complicated to get even back in Colorado. I had library cards in Fort Collins and Denver for a number of years and maybe being a long time holder I might have escaped the complications. When I got a library card in another Colorado town they wanted to see a bill with my address on it. My monthly car insurance bill was good enough.
But to get a library card out here in Tacoma it is more difficult. Someone said getting a library card here in Tacoma is harder than applying for a credit card. That is no joke. I have been to two library locations trying to get a card and the library on 7001 6^th Ave. I was told to get a library card I had to present a utility bill with my name and address on it. Well, Steven’s name is already on that. At this first location I was told that a valid Washington ID and the utility bill was the ONLY way to get a card.
I went to this location and the receptionist mentioned that there were a handful of other bills besides the utility bill that they would accept but again I needed a Washington license.
Someone said that they had an out of state license and got a library card in Tacoma but they had difficulties but eventually got it by applying for it online. This person was renting out a subleted house so no utility bill was mailed to his name here.
So I applied online and have not gotten any response. Not even a «We are sorry. We cannot process your request at this time.» And that has been two weeks ago.
It is implied that the Seattle library may be just as hard as Tacoma. Is the entire west coast this way?
The only way right now I can check out a book from the Tacoma Public Library is to borrow my friend’s card. Sorry if that is not proper protocol but I guess you will have to deal with it.
So is the entire West Coast this complicated to get a library card? Please let me know fellow Unilocalers.
I don’t often check out books from the library because I am a slow reader and have to return the book before I can finish it. Sometimes though I just want to check out a book and not have to go buy it. Besides checking out books there are other items I like to utilize at libraries… but you need a card.
In this day and age where libraries and literary groups are trying to get people to read more and are on a star crossed lover search for the next Harry Potter series to encourage more reading one would think getting a library card would be easier.
P. S. I do have bills coming to my present Tacoma address, it is a bill for my phone and car insurance. I am working on getting a Washington state license. By then it may do no good because they will probably run background checks, credit reports and want your annual income in order to check out a book.
P. P. S. The receptionist did issue a internet card for me which was a step in the right direction.