The age-old question What’s in your wallet? just got a smarter answer. Starting today, newly redesigned Library cards are available to all Kansas City Public Library customers, new and returning.

The new cards will provide the same all-access pass to our bounteous resources – books, DVDs, databases – and best of all, they don’t cost a thing. Yet. Today through the end of February 2012, you can come in and swap out your old card for a new one, free of charge.

After that, a fee will apply if you want to get a new card: $1 for adults, 50 cents for youth, which is what we charge to replace damaged or lost cards. Or, if you’re one of those contrarians who shuns all things new and shiny, you can hang onto your old card as long as you want. (This may also be useful if you are a power-user* who has memorized your Library card number.)

Important note: We have issued two different card designs, one for adults and one for youth.

The design differentiation serves both an aesthetic and a practical purpose. First, kids and teens get a card designed especially for them. Second, adults will never be able to check out materials onto a kid’s card, thereby risking accruing late fees on an innocent young patron’s account. So, hands off, Aunt Augustine.

The design of the cards is based on the Plaza Branch’s outdoor signage, designed by local agency Muller Bressler + Brown.

So how do you get one?

Drop by any Library location starting January 12, 2012. And if you haven’t signed up for a Library card, period, yet: (1) What are you waiting for? (2) Why are you reading this blog?

Get with the new.

*A.k.a geek, but we aren’t judging.

About the Author

Jason Harper is the web content developer and social media manager at the Kansas City Public Library.