Your Library Card Password

Library Card Password
You love your library, and we love your privacy.

A library card password for everyone.
Starting Tuesday, March 28, 2023.

As cyber crime continues to escalate globally, malware and ransomware attacks, data breaches, and identity theft are frequent features in the news. Meanwhile, public libraries continue in our long tradition of prioritizing privacy protection for our patrons. This is why Bud Werner Library and all of our Marmot library partners in Colorado are adding a password requirement to your library card starting on Tuesday, March 28, 2023.

Bud Werner Library is taking this step to protect your private personal information, including your reading history, email address, phone number and home address. Starting on March 28, access to your personal information and reading history in our catalog will require you to enter a password.

There is nothing to do until March 28; but starting on that day everyone who has a library card will have a default password to get started, after which you will be prompted to reset the default password to a new library card password of your choice.

Our comprehensive Password Information FAQ below should answer most questions about your default password and how to reset your password starting on March 28. If you have additional questions or need assistance, we're just a call away: 970-879-0240.

Thank you in advance for working with library staff to better protect your privacy.

Who needs a password?

All residents, guests, Steamboat Springs school students and families using a Steamboat Springs Library Card will be required to use a password starting March 28, 2023.

What is my default password?

Your default password is the first three letters of your last name in lower case, followed by the last four digits of your library card number.

How do I reset my password?

The new password requirement goes  live on Tuesday, March 28, 2023. You’ll have to wait for that day to begin this process.

  • Starting on March 28, 2023 on, go to www.steamboatlibrary.org.

  • Click on "Account" in the upper right corner.

  •  You default password will be the first three letters of your last name in lower case, followed by the last four digits of your library card number. (Don’t know your library card number? Call the library at 970-879-0240.)

  • You will be prompted to reset your password.

Any problems? Call the library at 970-879-0240 and a staff member will help you.

How do I update my contact information?

You’ve had your library card forever. Now is a great time to update your contact information. This can be done before OR after the passwords kick in. Here's how to update your email, phone, name, etc.

  • Go to www.steamboatlibrary.org.

  •  Click on "Account" in the upper right corner. 

  • Enter your name and library card number (or enter your library card number and password after March 28, 2023), and select "Account Settings" under "My Account" on the left side of the display. 

  • Update all your information (which will now be more secure than ever!).

  •  Click "Update Contact Information” when you’re done.

What do I need my library card password for?

Starting on March 28, 2023, your library card password will be required to access the following: 

  • Placing holds 

  • Renewing items

  • Changing your account settings (name, physical address, phone number, email address, etc.)

  • Accessing databases from outside the library

  • Using Libby/Overdrive to access eBooks, eAudiobooks and eMagazines.

What if I don't have an email address?

Email addresses are a great way to securely connect you to the library. They improve your ability to know when your holds are ready, when to renew items, and to learn about library events and resources. We recommend creating an email address, and the Reference Department can help anyone set up a free email address upon request. Call the library at 970-879-0240 to set up an appointment..

What if I don’t know my library card number?

Don’t worry. We do. Call the library at 970-879-0240.

What if my default password does not work?

We’re here to help. Call us at 970-879-0240.

What won’t I need my library card password for?

  • Browsing the catalog

  • Using guest computers

  • Using the self-check machines

  • Hoopla eBooks, eAudiobooks, Music, Movies and Television

  • Kanopy streaming films

Why is the library adding passwords?

As a public library, we prioritize your privacy protection as a core tenet of the Library Bill of Rights. Colorado law also requires the library to take “reasonable steps” to protect personally identifiable information to help combat identity theft. Along with all of our fellow Marmot libraries, this is why a password will now be required for access to your library data.

Adding a password to your library card will help keep identifiable information like personal contact details more secure. Passwords ensure your reading history is private, too.