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PINES Participating System

The Athens Regional Library System is a participating member of the PINES (Public Information Network for Electronic Services) statewide consortium. PINES libraries adhere to uniform PINES circulation policies and procedures.

Library cards are free if you reside, attend school, own property, or are employed in Georgia. Out-of-state cards are available to persons living outside Georgia who do not meet the above criteria for a $25 annual fee, payable at the time the card is issued. There is no minimum age for a child to receive a PINES card, and a parent or legal guardian may register a child by showing their valid ID and signing the application on the child’s behalf.

General PINES information about your library card can be found on the PINES FAQ page. Below are the ARLS-specific rules and regulations.

Circulation Policy

Before applying for a library card, please review the Athens Regional Library System Circulation Policy, which contains information on loan periods and fines/fees.

Register for a digital library card

  1. Visit the PINES registration website to register for a digital card.
  2. You will automatically be issued a PINES library card number which will be sent to your email.
  3. With your PINES digital library card, you can access our online collection of digital eBooks, audiobooks, movies, and more. You can also use your PINES digital library card to access our online resources and databases via GALILEO.
  4. To upgrade to a physical PINES card, which provides access to books and DVDs, please visit the library with your digital card number and your valid photo ID.

Register for a physical library card

  1. To register for a physical PINES card, please visit the library with your valid photo ID and proof of current, local residency.
  2. If you already have a digital library card, you only need to bring that number and your valid photo ID.

For more details on how to apply for a library card, please view the Patron Self Registration video.

Renew library materials

Two renewals are allowed on most items. Renewals may be requested by visiting an ARLS branch in person, calling any ARLS branch, or signing in to PINES online. Library card number must be given for phone renewals.

Place or pick up holds

ARLS patrons may place holds on most books and audiovisual materials owned by Athens Regional Library System branches, as well as on certain additional types of materials within the PINES consortium. Items which are placed on hold will be delivered via courier from the owning library to the patron’s desired pickup library.

There is no fee for placing holds in PINES. Holds may be placed by accessing the PINES catalog online or via the PINES app. Library staff can also assist with placing holds on materials on request.