Policy Statement

All residents and/or property owners in the Mat-Su Borough are entitled to a free Mat-Su Library Network library card. Nonresident, temporary and replacement cards are available for a fee.  Fees are set by individual MSLN Library governing bodies. All card types can be used at any MSLN Library.

Resident Library Cards

To obtain a library card and unrestricted borrowing privileges, an applicant must be a Mat-Su Borough resident or own property in the Mat-Su Borough and must first present a valid picture ID and complete and application form.

• A Mat-Su Borough resident is a person who intends to reside indefinitely in the Mat-Su Borough AND has a domicile in the borough, as defined by AS 16.05.940, a "true and permanent home of a person from which the person has no present intention of moving and to which the person intends to return whenever the person is away."
• A person who owns property in the Mat-Su Borough is entitled to a free MSLN library card. Proof of land ownership is required.
• Cards for children under the age of 18 will be issued only in the presence of and with the signature of a parent or legal guardian. The parent or guardian must meet the same requirements as any adult applicant.

Non-Resident Library Cards

Non-Mat-Su Borough residents may apply for a library card if they regularly visit the Mat-Su Borough or will be staying in the Mat-Su Borough for an extended period of time. An applicant must first present a valid picture ID, complete an application form, and pay the appropriate fee ($10/4 months; $35 annual).  Fees for non-resident cards will be waived for any person who is employed by or volunteers for the City of Palmer, City of Wasilla, or the Matanuska-Susitna Borough or has a library card from a library participating in the Alaska Libraries' Reciprocal Borrowing Program. Proof of volunteer/employment is required.

The 4-month card for $10 allows 3 items to be checked out at one time, the $35 annual card allows full borrowing privileges (up to 20 items borrowed at a time). There is a $1 charge for a replacement card for all patrons.

We encourage all patron’s to get an individual library card. However, if you would like to give permission for someone who does not have a library card to check out materials on your card, please contact the library at 376-5913 and request a note be placed on your record. Be advised that you are responsible for all materials checked out on your card and all fees or fines that may accrue.

Library cards are valid at all seven libraries in the Matanuska-Susitna Library Network: Big Lake, Palmer, Sutton, Wasilla, Willow, Talkeetna, and Trapper Creek Libraries, as well as the other libraries in the Alaska Library Catalog.

Anyone who already has a library card from any Alaska Catalog Library may be used at any of the member libraries, including Wasilla Public Library. If you already have a card from Juneau, Anchorage, or another library, you may be able to use that card in lieu of registering for a new card.