Patron Registration

Our Mission
The Whitefish Bay Public Library, as a cornerstone of the community, is dedicated to connecting all people, inspiring a love of learning, and providing access to ideas, information, and resources.

Eligibility
Residents of Milwaukee County whose home libraries have signed the Member Agreement may receive a library card at the Whitefish Bay Public Library valid at all Milwaukee County Federated Library System (MCFLS) locations. Restrictions and requirements are usually uniform with other MCFLS member libraries. Exceptions to the MCFLS guidelines and local restrictions are made at the approval of the Library Board or Director.

Registration

• Patrons may start registration using the MCFLS Online Registration form available on Countycat. This registration is temporary to provide patrons immediate access to online databases but cannot be used for physical item check outs until the patron converts to a permanent account.
• Conversion to a permanent account requires providing the necessary documentation in-person at one of the Milwaukee County public libraries.
• If the temporary online account is not converted to a permanent account, the online registration may be deleted based on a schedule set by MCFLS.
• Each MCFLS location may have their own unique document requirements. Below are the required documents to receive or renew a library card at the Whitefish Bay Public Library.

Examples of acceptable name and address identification:
All items must be unexpired, plus show a photo and name.

• Driver’s license or state ID
• City of Milwaukee Municipal ID
• Passport
• Current Student ID
• Current Military ID
• Employment ID

Examples of acceptable current address identification:
If address on state license/ID or City of Milwaukee ID is not current, address confirmation can be achieved with one the following documents which must show name and address. Name must be consistent with name on photo ID.

• Voter ID or Voter registration via MyVote.gov
• Current rental or lease agreement. Cannot be handwritten.
• Postmarked mail received at your home within the last 30 days
• Utility bills mailed to your home or viewed on your mobile account
• Recent school report card or schedule
• Current insurance card or vehicle registration
• Recent paycheck stub
• Amazon, UPS, USPS, Fedex delivery confirmation

16+ Years Old Registration (Teen and Adult)

• At Whitefish Bay Public Library, patrons 16 years old and older must present photo identification with their name and documentation of current address.
• 16 and 17 year olds who do not have photo identification must have their parent/foster parent/legal guardian present and the adult must provide photo identification and confirmation of current address.

0 – 15 Years Old Registration (Child)

• Registration of a minor under 16 years of age requires the signature of a parent/foster parent/legal guardian along with proof of parent/foster parent/guardian name and current address (see requirements above).
• The signing parent/foster parent/legal guardian is responsible for the materials borrowed on the minor’s card, including any fines or fees incurred.

Please be sure the information you are providing is accurate as it is unlawful to provide false information to receive a library card.

Homebound
Patrons unable to come in-person to the Whitefish Bay Public Library to confirm identity and address should contact the Library Director or the Head of Circulation for assistance.

Registration Renewal Library accounts must be renewed every 2 years in order to confirm patron residency and contact information. Renewals may be done automatically via eVerify, online via the CountyCat Online Renewal Request form, or in person at any public library in Milwaukee County. See acceptable documentation under Registration as the same requirements apply at renewal.

Lost cards
Patrons are responsible for alerting the Library of a card that has been lost or stolen as soon as possible.  Patrons who do not advise of a lost or stolen card may be liable for materials checked out to their account and not returned.

Access Cards

• Free
• Valid for 1 year
• Usual fines and fees apply
• Limited for use at the Whitefish Bay Public Library for Whitefish Bay Public Library materials ONLY
• May not check-out Take & Tinker items

School/Business Card

• Available only to schools and businesses located in Whitefish Bay.
• Each year at renewal a signed authorization letter must be received on official letterhead requesting renewal and providing names of staff allowed to use the card.
• Items checked out must be school or business related and not for personal use.

Non-Resident Card

• Available to Wisconsin residents who do not live in Milwaukee County.

Whitefish Bay Public Library Patron Registration Policy Approved by the Whitefish Bay Library Board of Trustees March 14, 2006. Revised and approved by the Whitefish Bay Library Board of Trustees May 21, 2013. Revised again on February 24, 2026.