The Southwest Florida Library Network (SWFLN) manages a Reciprocal Borrowing program which allows library patrons to borrow materials directly from participating libraries in other counties.

Qualifying residents of Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Okeechobee and St. Johns counties may register for a free Lee County Library System (LCLS) library card. The card allows a reciprocal borrower to check out designated physical library materials, such as books, audiobooks, DVDs and more, as well as use public access computers.

Printed materials borrowed from LCLS through the Reciprocal Borrowing program may be returned to any LCLS branch.

Reciprocal borrowers are not eligible to request Interlibrary Loans, check out materials from the Speaking Book or Launchpad collections, use download and streaming services or use other LCLS reference e-sources remotely.

Interested patrons should first check to see if their local library is a participant in SWFLN's Reciprocal Borrowing program. If it is, they must visit their community library and ask for a current SWFLN Reciprocal Borrowing sticker. It will be affixed to their local library card. These stickers expire at the end of the calendar year.

Next, they should present their community library card with the SWFLN sticker at any LCLS branch location to apply for an LCLS library card. A photo ID and proof of address are required.

Lee County residents and Lee County Library System cardholders are eligible to borrow materials from libraries in neighboring counties by following the same process.