Checking out library books and materials in Somerville just got a lot easier. Using free smartphone apps, CardStar and Keyring, residents may check out any item you currently use your Minuteman Card to borrow. While you’ll still need to visit the library’s checkout line, you’ll no longer need to remember your card, and you’ll be able to use your virtual “card” at any library within the Minuteman system. Follow these easy steps to install the app(s) on your iPhone or Android phone:

Card Star

1. Download the CardStar app from your phone’s app store.
2. Open the CardStar app.
3. Touch the plus sign (+) button to add a card.
4. Select “Other” in the list of merchants by scrolling, or by searching.
5. Scan the barcode on your Minuteman Card.
6. Touch the “Save” button to complete the process.

Key Ring

1. Download the Key Ring app from your phone’s app store.
2. Touch the plus sign (+) button.
3. Scan the barcode on your Minuteman Card.
4. Touch “Select a Store” or “Other” from the list of merchants by scrolling, or by searching.
5. Touch “Next.”
6. Optional: Take pictures of the front and back of your Minuteman Card to store in the app.
7. Touch “Finish” to complete the process.

“We are thrilled to be making this new service available to residents, which will make it even more convenient for people to borrow items from the library, and hope that it will encourage residents who don’t as yet have a library card to sign up for one,” said Glenn Ferdman, Director of Libraries.

For more information, contact the Somerville Public Library at 617-623-5000, or visit www.somervillepubliclibrary.org.