Press Release: Library Restores More Than 4,000 Blocked Accounts

For Immediate Release

April 1, 2020

Media Contact:

George Williams

Continues Work Removing Barriers to Online Use During Closure

(Washington, D.C.) – The DC Public Library is taking additional steps to ensure all DC residents have access to the many resources available via the Library’s digital collection. To do so, the Library removed barriers to more than 4,000 blocked Library cards.

“As social distancing continues in our city, the Library is doing more to make it easier for customers to access the Library’s resources online, said Richard Reyes-Gavilan. “We want everyone to have access to reading and learning materials to use themselves or to share with friends and family.”

The Library blocks cards when customers have significant unpaid fines, numerous books overdue, or books lost. In total, 4,473 blocked accounts were restored. Half of those accounts belong to residents of Wards 5, 7 and 8. Cardholders can now use the Library’s online collection, which contains more than 15 million free online movies, eBooks, music and other items.

Since social distancing began, the Library restored 87,000 cards that have expired since April 2017. The Library has also extended the period that temporary online cards are valid from 30 days to the entire time that District residents will practice social distancing.

Customers can check the status of their DC Public Library card by visiting https://www.dclibrary.org/catalog/account/login. People who would like to get a temporary DC Public Library card can visit https://www.dclibrary.org/getacard.

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BLOCKED ACCOUNTS RESTORED BY WARD
Ward 1: 321
Ward 2: 167
Ward 3: 272
Ward 4: 373
Ward 5: 513
Ward 6: 440
Ward 7: 533
Ward 8: 632
Other: 1,222
Total: 4,473