Great Rivers Library Partnership

What is the Great Rivers Library Partnership?

This partnership is an agreement between area libraries to implement reciprocal borrowing. Reciprocal borrowing increases customers' access to books, programs, and services by allowing customers of participating libraries to get a library card at neighboring systems. This means that Mid-Columbia Libraries customers can get a library card with other participating library systems, and those library customers can get a reciprocal borrowing card with Mid-Columbia Libraries.

Customers who live in Mid-Columbia Libraries' service area can sign up for a library card at the following library systems. For their application process, please contact or visit:  

• Richland Public Library
• Walla Walla County Rural Library District
• Walla Walla Public Library
• Columbia County Rural Library District

If you reside or own property in one of the partner libraries service areas you can get a reciprocal borrowing card from Mid-Columbia Libraries. You just need to show I.D. and/or proof of address. 

A Mid-Columbia Libraries reciprocal card gets you access to over 350,000 physical items, awesome programs for all ages, and free access to computers and Wi-Fi. Visit any of our 12 branches located throughout Benton, Franklin, and parts of Adams County. 

Check out books and materials!*

• Check out and holds limits are 40 items each.
• Mid-Columbia Libraries materials can be returned to any Mid-Columbia Libraries branch.
• Checked out items will be auto-renewed up to 5 times unless requested by another customer.
• The loan limit for books, DVDs, and physical audiobooks is 21 days, and magazines loan limit is 7 days.

*Reciprocal cards do not include access to the digital collection.

Is this partnership permanent? 

This program was approved as a pilot program. After a year, we will reevaluate the success of the program and decide whether we want to continue or modify the program. All Mid-Columbia Libraries reciprocal borrowing cards will have April 30, 2026 as the expiration date.

Is a reciprocal card the same as a regular Mid-Columbia Libraries card? 

A reciprocal card does have some differences. A reciprocal does not have access to Mid-Columbia Libraries digital collection (Libby and Kanopy). There is also a limit of 40 items for check outs and holds on physical items.

What do non-residents need to get a reciprocal card at Mid-Columbia Libraries? 

Non-residents need to reside/own property in one of the partner libraries service areas and have proof of address.

Where can I return items checked out from Mid-Columbia Libraries?

Items checked out from Mid-Columbia Libraries must be returned to a Mid-Columbia Libraries branch. We have 12 branches and drop boxes located throughout Benton, Franklin, and parts of Adams county.