Patrons of the Albert Lea Public Library will now be issued new library cards when checking out books.

The library last issued new cards in 1999, when it was celebrating its centennial. The logo was designed by Marv Wangen, who was serving as mayor at the time.

The new cards have a blue water background with the city’s sailboat logo on them.

&uot;The new cards reflect being part of the city,&uot; said Lori Barkema, library director.

The cards were designed by Teresa Haugen of the library staff.

Barkema said she’s pleased that the cards are not only &uot;very pretty,&uot; but also include the library’s address, Web site, telephone numbers and hours.

&uot;There are still people who don’t realize that we’re open seven days, 69 hours, Monday through Sunday,&uot; Barkema said.

While the library does not issue new cards each year, the check-out computer does issue a prompt to library staff to make sure patrons’ addresses are up-to-date. With the rural addressing system now in place, that’s especially important, Barkema said.

Any resident of Albert Lea or Freeborn County who doesn’t currently have a library card can get one by bringing in something that shows proof of residency. That can be a driver’s license, identification card or utility bill. There is no cost for library cards.

Children as young as 3 years of age can be issued a library card when in the presence of a parent or guardian.

&uot;It’s amazing how important people’s library cards are to them,&uot; Barkema said.