A Dorchester County Library card can be obtained at one of our branch locations or from the Bookmobile. Library cards are free for Dorchester County residents, Dorchester County property owners, Dorchester District 2 & 4 teachers and students, and Berkeley County residents (through a reciprocal borrowing agreement)*.
To receive a card, you must complete an application and present current identification with proof of address indicating residence or property ownership within Dorchester County or Berkeley County. Teachers will be asked to show current proof of employment, and students will be asked to show current school identification.
With proper identification, a card will be issued and ready to use the same day. Cards for Dorchester County residents and property owners are valid for two years from date of issue or renewal. All other cards are valid for one year from date of issue or renewal.
Parents/Guardians are welcome to obtain cards for children ages 0-17. An application form must be completed for each child. The parent/guardian agrees to assume responsibility for all materials borrowed and for any fines or fees that are assessed on a child’s library card.
Fill out a Dorchester County Library Card Application and bring proof of ID to your library branch within 48 hours so that we can finish processing your new library card. Applications can also be completed in the Library.
*Berkeley County Residents are restricted to borrowing Dorchester County Library materials under the reciprocal agreement. You have the option to access materials from all SCLends libraries for an annual fee of $35.00.
Do you need a library e-card? We’re here to help!
We are offering all residents the opportunity to receive an e-card so that they can enjoy all of the digital resources available through the Dorchester County Library system. Library cards are available to any current Dorchester or Berkeley County resident or property owner who does not already have a card. Complete our e-Card application here and submit the form to getacard@dorchesterlibrarysc.org.
| Media Type | Loan Period | Borrow Limit Per Card |
|---|---|---|
| Books | 21 Days | 30 |
| New Books | 14 Days | 30 |
| Hot Picks Books | 14 Days | 30 |
| Binge Bags | 42 Days | 2 |
| Audio Books | 21 Days | 30 |
| DVDs & Blu-Rays | 7 Days | 10 |
| Video Games | 7 Days | 3 |
| Music CDs | 21 Days | 30 |
| Magazines | 21 Days | 30 |
| Early Literacy Kit/STEM Kit | 21 Days | 2 |
| Guitars (St. George) | 45 Days | 1 |
| SC Aquarium Pass | 7 Days | 1 |
| SC State Park Pass | 14 Days | 1 |
| Dorchester County Park Pass | 7 Days | 1 |
| Dorchester Heritage Center Pass | 7 Days | 1 |
Borrowers are responsible for the replacement cost of lost or damaged items. Please contact your local library branch for information on a lost or damaged item.
Beginning in January 2022, the Library will no longer charge late fees on overdue items.
Patrons may pay fines and fees by credit card, debit card, cash, or check at any library branch. Fines may also be paid by check or money order via postal mail. Unfortunately, we are not able to accept payments electronically or over the phone.
Payments of a fine or fee less than $1 cannot be accepted by credit card or debit card.
Call the branch that you borrowed the item from and ask to speak to someone about a returned item showing on your account.
You may place a reserve on any circulating item except Hot Picks books, and a maximum of 10 items may be reserved at one time.
The library offers a choice of email or text message notifications. This preference can be set up in person at any library branch with your library card and identification. Once you receive a notification that your item is available, it will be held for you for 7 days.
Not at the moment, but we will have a new system to allow printing from your own device soon. Check back here for updates.
Some lending libraries charge a fee for ILL services. Any patron who requests an ILL will be allowed to decline the service if a fee is charged. If a fee is charged, library staff will discuss the fee with the patron before a final request is made. ILL fees must be paid before the item can be borrowed by the patron.
Charges will be assessed for lost or damaged materials. The cost will be determined by the lending library.
A late fee of $2.00 per day will be assessed for an ILL that is returned past the due date.
Donations may be presented to the library by completing and submitting a Gift/Donation Agreement Receipt. Patrons may also contact any library branch and request to speak to the Branch Manager to discuss a donation.
