FAQ: Who is eligible for a Community Borrower Card?

The Claremont Colleges Library offers Community Access and Community Borrower Cards for visitors age 16 and older who are not affiliated with The Claremont Colleges. The Community Borrower Card provides access to Library spaces and borrowing privileges for physical materials held within the building.

Borrowing does not include requesting Resource Sharing (ILL) items, accessing e-resources off-campus, accessing some e-books and other resources even when inside the building, or reserving study rooms or conference rooms. For the complete list of borrowing privileges, see the Borrowing page.

Eligible groups include alumni, retired and emeritus faculty, California Botanic Garden staff, faculty and staff family members, reciprocal faculty, visiting scholars, and local residents. Claremont residents (ZIP 91711) may apply for $50 per year or free if 65+, while residents of Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Orange Counties may apply for $100 per year. Access is subject to blackout dates during finals and the last week of classes.

To obtain a card, you must apply in person at the Main Services Desk located inside the Library's South Entrance. Proof of residence (photo ID, utility bill, or voter registration card) is required.

There may be additional requirements depending on your affiliation with the Claremont Colleges:

• Alumni/Alumnae of The Claremont Colleges: We may need to call the registrar at your alma mater to confirm your status as an alumnus/alumna.
• Retired and Emeritus Faculty: We may need to call the campus you retired from to confirm your status.
• California Botanic Garden Faculty and Staff: Bring your California Botanic Garden ID card when you apply.
• Children, Spouses, and Domestic Partners of The Claremont Colleges Faculty and Staff: Children ages 16-22, as well as spouses or domestic partners of faculty and staff may apply with their qualifying person (current faculty or staff member) and photo ID.
• Reciprocal Faculty: We participate in the SCELC and GWLA reciprocal faculty programs.
• Visiting Scholars: Scholars from other academic institutions who are affiliated with one of The Claremont Colleges for instruction or research purposes will need to bring current campus ID card issued by your sponsoring campus. To access electronic resources you will need network credentials issued by your sponsoring campus.
• Claremont Residents (ZIP Code 91711): Residents 18 years and older may apply for a library card. Photo ID, proof of residence, and a $50 annual fee is required. There is no fee for Claremont residents 65 and older.
• Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Orange County Residents: Southern California residents may apply for a library card. Photo ID, proof of residence, and a $100 annual fee is required.