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B7
LIBRARY CARD BORROWING
Approved: 10/24/2013
Revised: 6/22/2022

 

Purpose

The Ypsilanti District Library is committed to providing Ypsilanti area residents equal access to all YDL resources.  Library cards are issued in order to identify eligible users.  This policy states the procedures associated with library card registration and borrowing privileges.

 

Obtaining a Library Card

A YDL library card may be obtained at the Circulation Desk of any YDL facility, or online through the YDL website.  All patrons registering for a library card must complete a Library Card Application.  The initial card is free of charge as is a one-time free replacement card.  A replacement fee of $1 is charged for additional lost cards.  Library cards are issued for 1 or 2 years.  At the end of 1 or 2 years, cardholders may renew their card for an additional 1 or 2 years by providing a photo ID and updating contact information.

 

Applying for a YDL library Card in Person

To apply for a library card in person, stop by the checkout desk at any YDL facility. You’ll need to bring valid photo identification (driver’s license, passport, state identification) showing your current address located in YDL’s service area. If you’ve recently moved or your photo identification does not reflect your current address in our service area, please bring an official piece of mail with your name and current address along with your photo identification.

 

Applying for a YDL Library Card Online

To apply for a card online, visit https://www.ypsilibrary.org/services/borrowing/library-cards/.

Use the “Apply for a Library Card” link to access the online YDL card application. Complete and submit the online application, attaching a picture of your valid photo identification showing your current address located in YDL’s service area. If you’ve recently moved or your photo identification does not reflect your current address in our service area, you’ll be required to attach a picture of an official piece of mail with your name and current address.

 

Library Card Eligibility

Library cards are issued to all residents of YDL’s service area (City of Ypsilanti, Ypsilanti Township, and the portion of Superior Township not in the Ann Arbor School district) regardless of age.  Anyone under 18 years of age is required to a have a parent or guardian present to sign the library card application if applying in person at a YDL facility. If applying online, the parent or legal guardian will be required to submit the required photo identification and proof of address as stated in the section for applying online.

 

Eligibility Categories:

 

  • Residents of the City or Township of Ypsilanti, or Superior Township (2 Years)

To apply for a library card, stop by the checkout desk at any YDL location, or apply online through the YDL website.

  • EMPLOYEES IN OUR SERVICE AREA (1 Year)

If you work in YDL’s service area (City of Ypsilanti, Ypsilanti Township, or Superior Township) you are eligible for an Ypsilanti District Library card.  If applying in person, you’ll need to bring current proof of your employment (recent paycheck stub or letter from your employer) along with a valid photo identification (driver’s license, passport, state identification) with your current address. If applying online, submit your proof of employment along with your valid photo identification and proof of address.

  • PROPERTY OWNERS (1 Year)

If you own property in YDL’s service area (Ypsilanti City, Ypsilanti Township or Superior Township) you are eligible for an Ypsilanti District library card. If applying in person, you’ll need to bring current proof of property ownership (for example, tax receipt for property or deed) and a valid photo identification (driver’s license, passport, state identification) with your current address.  If applying online, submit your proof of property ownership along with your valid photo identification with your current address.

  • RECIPROCAL CARDS (1 Year)

The Ypsilanti District Library participates in The Library Network (TLN) cooperative.  If your home library is part of TLN and offers reciprocal borrowing privileges, and you are a patron in good standing at your home library, you are eligible to use your card at any YDL location.  To use YDL’s services (check out books, cds, and dvds; use the computers, etc.) you need to bring in your home library card along with valid photo identification (driver’s license, passport, state identification) with your current address  See the list of member libraries here. https://tln.org/page/members  Participating libraries are marked with an asterisk (*).

  • NON-RESIDENT CARDS

Non-resident cards are available at $150 per year for those who do not live, work, or own property in YDL’s service area or do not qualify through TLN’s reciprocal borrowing program.  Non-resident cards may be applied for in person at any YDL location or online through the YDL website. Non-resident cardholders do not have access to YDL’s e-resources.

 

Library Card Changes

  • ADDRESS CHANGE

It is the patron’s responsibility to notify the library of any change of address.  You may visit any checkout desk to update an address.  Provide photo ID with current address (driver’s license, passport, state ID) or an official piece of mail (utility bill) addressed to you.

  • LOST LIBRARY CARDS

Notify the Library immediately if you lose your library card so that no one else will be able to use it.  Library cardholders are responsible for all items checked out to their account.  A lost library card can be replaced for a fee of $1.  You will need to provide photo ID with current address (driver’s license, state ID, or passport).

  • LIBRARY CARD RENEWALS

Most library cards are valid for 2 years after the date of issue. If your library card has expired or is nearing expiration, you will be asked present a valid picture ID with proof of eligibility to renew or reactivate your card. If renewing in person,  a new application is not necessary for renewal except in cases where the original card no longer has a record in our system.  If renewing online, you will need to complete and submit the online renewal application which will include submitting your valid photo identification with current address in the YDL service area.

 

Confidentiality

Access to a patron’s record is permitted only to that patron.  Access by other individuals is allowed only with the written permission of that patron.

Parents can only be given a total fine amount of their child’s record, unless a signed Release of Minor Child’s Library Record (RMCLR) is on file.  Individuals designated by the RMCLR may be given additional information about a child’s record.

Unless designated by a RMCLR, titles cannot be given out to a parent unless the child is present or verbally gives their approval over the telephone.  A printout of the child’s record or receipts for lost items which have been paid by the parent must be mailed to the child.

Books cannot be checked out to a patron without that patron’s permission; possession of another patron’s library card or valid picture id implies permission to use the card.  Patrons may designate another person to pick up material ‘on hold’ provided the material is checked out to the requesting patron.

 

Borrower Responsibilities and Privileges

Ypsilanti District Library cardholders may borrow circulating material including books, DVDs, Blu-ray, CDs and magazines.  YDL is not responsible for any damage caused to playback equipment by DVDs, Blu-ray, CDs or other audiovisual materials.  Incomplete items may not be accepted for return.

The individual to whom the card is issued is responsible for the following:

  • The return, in good condition, of all materials borrowed
  • Payment of fees incurred for any damaged or lost materials
  • Reporting a lost or stolen card immediately
  • All charges on the card until it is reported lost or stolen
  • Reporting promptly any changes in name, address or phone number

All charges on the card as the result of lending the card or library materials to another individual

 

Overdue and Lost Items

In order to safeguard the collection and make materials available to as many people as possible, the Library sets limits on the number of materials a person may check out.  Borrowing privileges may be suspended until any overdue items are returned and fees are paid.