Educator Cards

What is an Educator Card?

Intended to benefit Sonoma County students, Educator Cards are available to all teachers who work for local institutions that educate or care for children. The card provides teachers with a supplemental library card account to support student learning with library materials.

Educator Card Perks:

• Extended checkouts (keep materials for up to six weeks!)
• Check out up to 100 items at a time
• Waived replacement fees for up to four lost/damaged items per school year
• Place holds on up to 50 items at a time

Who Qualifies for an Educator Card?

Teachers who are employed by an educational institution in Sonoma County (religious, public, private and certified home-schools; licensed childcare providers, recreational leaders, etc.) can obtain an Educator Card. Educators whose primary residence is in Sonoma County but who teach in another county are also eligible.

Expiration & Renewal

Educator Cards are renewed annually on August 1. Cardholders must confirm they are still part of an educational institution.

Applying for an Educator Card

Apply in person at any Sonoma County Library location. Applicants will need to present one of the following items as confirmation of eligibility:

• School ID badge
• Copy of a contract or letter confirming employment
• Paystub or printout of online pay information
• Proof of home school status

Q:  Can I get an Educator Card in addition to my personal library card?
A:  Yes! The Educator Card is intended to help you support your students’ success in school. Materials and resources for your own personal use can be checked out using your regular library card.

Q:  Are all items available to check out with my Educator Card?
A:  These items are not available for checkout with Educator Cards:

• Hot Spots
• Chrome Kits
• Discover & Go museum passes

Q:  Are all items available to check out for six weeks?
A:  For Sonoma County, yes. Lake County Library, Mendocino County Library, and LINK+ materials follow regular loan periods and restrictions.

Q:  Why does the library need to know what grade level I teach?
A:  We track this information to help identify how well Sonoma County Library serves the needs of educator groups.

Q: My student lost a book that I checked out on my Educator Card account. What can I do?
A:  Educator Cards waive lost/damaged item fees for up to four items per school year. When you come into your library, just let staff know that the item was lost, and we will make a note of it. If the item is later found, please bring it back!

If four replacement fees for lost/damaged items have already been waived, educators are responsible to pay replacement fees for lost items.