All About PLAY Cards
Unlock a world of free resources for school and beyond!
PLAY (PINES Library Access for Youth) gives Georgia public school students fine-free access to millions of library materials—online and in the library. Students in participating districts automatically receive a PLAY account when they are assigned a student number at school. Now, students enrolled in Chatham and Liberty County public school systems can get their very own PLAY CARD to help them access their PLAY account.
What do students get from PLAY?
Explore. Learn. Succeed. Now, your PLAY Card makes it even easier to access your account!
Instant access with their student ID/lunch number—no sign-up needed
Free borrowing of books, eBooks, audiobooks, and more — no overdue fines
Online learning tools including live tutoring, homework help, literacy resources, and research databases
College & career support with test prep and job-readiness resources
Where is PLAY available?
The PLAY Card program is available to all Pre-K–12 students in:
When they enroll in public school in these locations, a student is automatically assigned a PLAY account.
How does a PLAY CARD work?
PLAY Cards provide public school students with free access to library resources and services.
Starting in September, 2025, a student from any participating school system can pick up a PLAY CARD at all Live Oak Public Library branches. It’s free!
Students simply use their student ID/lunch number as their PLAY account number to access all of Live Oak Public Library’s onsite and online resources—worry-free, because PLAY accounts are fine-free.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
GETTING STARTED AND GENERAL USE
What is my login and password?
PLAY account number = 3-letter school district code (SAV, EFF, LCS, or GCA) + student ID/lunch number.
- Example: SAV1234567 (all caps, no spaces)
Password/PIN = student birth month and year (MMYYYY).
- Example: 042016
Some online resources may require you to create a free account with an email and password. Always use your PLAY account number when asked for a library card.
What library resources are available with the PLAY Card?
- Explore the eLibrary — eBooks, audiobooks, and videos.
- Find homework help — free tutoring, literacy tools, research databases, and college prep.
- Search the PINES Catalog — borrow books, audiobooks, CDs, DVDs, and museum passes.
- Visit your local library — use computers, Wi-Fi, programs, and activities.
How do PLAY Card users check out materials?
- Checkouts: Up to 5 items at one time (books, audiobooks, CDs, DVDs, museum passes).
- Loan period: 14 days, with up to 2 renewals (if no one else has a hold).
- Holds: Up to 2 active holds. New items from other systems can’t be requested until they are 6 months old.
- Returns: Return to any Live Oak Public Libraries location.
- Fines: No overdue fines. Fees apply only for lost or damaged items.
Are there overdue fees or a cost to use PLAY?
No. PLAY accounts and library resources are free. There are no overdue fines. Fees apply only for lost or damaged items.
What are the benefits of using a PLAY card?
- No overdue fines.
- Access to over 11 million items statewide through PINES.
- Free eBooks, tutoring, research tools, and more—anytime, anywhere.
- Reduces barriers by giving every student direct access to library services.
If your student already has a library card, they may keep using it. The PLAY account is separate and does not accrue overdue fines.
What schools are included and what happens if my child moves schools/graduates?
Savannah-Chatham County Public School System, Effingham County Schools, Liberty County School System, and Georgia Cyber Academy are included.
The PLAY account remains the same unless the student leaves one of the participating school system above. The PLAY account remains active for one year after graduation. During that time, visit a branch to apply for a standard library card.
Are students limited to only using libraries in their county?
No. Students may visit any Live Oak Public Libraries branch or any of the 300+ PINES partner libraries across Georgia.
What if I want my child to have full access to the library collections?
PLAY accounts allow 5 checkouts at a time and full access to online resources (with up to 2 holds).
If you want more checkouts, apply for a free standard library card at any branch (bring photo ID).
Parents, Privacy & Participation
Will parents/caregivers have access to see what their child has checked out?
Yes. Parents/caregivers can view what is checked out on the account of a minor.
Is student information confidential?
Yes. Student account information is confidential under Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 21-12-30(a)).
What if I do not want my child to participate?
You may opt out by notifying your child’s school office.
Can homeschool students participate?
Homeschool students can apply online for a digital-access account or visit a branch for a full library card. (Parent/guardian consent required for minors.)
How can other schools get involved?
Interested schools can establish an MoU with Live Oak Public Libraries to participate.
Learn more about how PLAY connects students to their public libraries through Georgia Public Library Service (GPLS).
FIND FUN VIRTUAL RESOURCES BELOW!
