All residents and organizations of suburban Hennepin County, and non-resident Hennepin County taxpayers and employees are eligible for a free Hennepin County Library card. Non-residents may pay a fee for a Hennepin County Library card.

Patrons presenting a valid library card from any member library of Metropolitan Library Service Agency (MELSA), and statewide residents presenting a valid library card from a library that is a member of one of the eleven outstate regional public library systems are eligible for borrower's privileges of Hennepin County Library. MELSA and statewide patrons follow the circulation rules and procedures of the lending library.

• Patrons are responsible for all material charged out on their cards and for any charges incurred.

• Patrons must notify the Library of lost or stolen cards, and of name or address changes.
• Responsibility for control of a child's library card and selection of library materials lies with the parent or legal guardian*.
• Borrowing and registration privileges may be suspended if the patron incurs fines or bills, or moves out of suburban Hennepin County.

Staff should exercise good judgment and use common sense when unusual circumstances arise. The object is to issue a library card with a minimum of red tape.