New Passport Service Makes Library a One-stop Travel Shop
June 6, 2014 —
Need a passport for fall or winter travel? Beginning June 9, you can apply for one at the Library Center whenever it’s open – making the process more convenient for you and your family members. It also meets a growing need for passports due to current travel regulations.
Passport applications will be accepted and passport-quality photos will be taken at the Library Center, 4653 S. Campbell Ave., from 8:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday; and 1-4:30 p.m. Sundays. No appointments necessary.
The library district recently was designated as a passport acceptance facility by the U.S. Department of State. The Library Center is the only branch handling applications for now, but more branches may be added later. Several U.S. libraries already provide the service.
Before visiting the Library Center, applicants must read what documents, identification and fees are required by checking the U.S. Department of State’s website, www.travel.state.gov. The Library Center also has applications.
The application fee is payable to the U.S. Department of State. The library is also required to collect an execution fee, currently $25, and will charge $10 for a passport photo if desired. Fees payable to the library district will benefit library operations.
“While the Library respects the U.S. Postal Service’s experience with passport applications, we believe the library district can supplement this important service with more convenient day, evening and weekend hours,” said Gay Wilson, planning and development librarian. “Travelers will no longer have to take off work or take children out of school to apply for a passport during the more limited hours at the post office facility.”
Select Library Center staff members are trained in how to securely handle applications and answer questions. The Library also bought about $600 in equipment, and adopted approved procedures to process and securely mail passport applications.
Better still, the new service makes the library a one-stop travel shop. Now you can apply for a passport, book flights and hotels using free WiFi or public computers; plan your itinerary with travel guides and learn a new language to get around where you’re going.