CADL Library Card Policy
Applying for a Card
Adults (18 years or older)
Library cards may be issued to anyone 18 years or older who can produce, at the time of registration for a library card:
- a current, valid Michigan driver’s license with current address,
- a current, valid Michigan state identification card with current address.
Other acceptable ID may include current, unexpired picture identification such as a passport, driver's license from another state, or student ID card, plus a utility bill or a lease agreement with the applicant’s current address. Photocopied identification is not acceptable.
Individuals without identification may also register for a library card if they can provide a letter on organizational letterhead stating that the individual is known to the organization and that the organization is willing to allow the individual to use their mailing address for library purposes.
Children
Minors (under age 18) must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian when applying for or renewing a card. The parent/legal guardian must provide current photo ID and proof of current address.
The signing parent/guardian is financially responsible for all items checked out on a child's card. Adults with $10 or more in charges on their own card, or in collection agency status, may not sign for a child's card.
Children must present their library cards to check out items.
Youth One Book Card
A Youth One Book Card may be issued to children under 18 years of age who are able to provide their name, home address, telephone number, and date of birth. The Youth One Book Card may be used to check out one book or magazine at a time. It does not include checkout of CDs, DVDs, videos, audiobooks, or videogames, and cannot be used to access public computers. When the book or magazine is returned, the child may borrow another book or magazine. A Youth One Book Card may be issued if the child does not have a library card or if the child's library card is expired.
Business and Institution Cards
Businesses and institutions located within the Capital Area District Library service area are eligible for one card per business or organization. To apply, send a letter on organizational letterhead requesting a business or institutional card and stating that the organization is responsible for all materals checked out on the library card. Send to: Training Specialist, Capital Area District Library, 401 S. Capitol Ave., Lansing, MI 48933.
Residency and Non-resident Fees
Any person who lives or owns property within the Capital Area District Library service area is eligible for a library card at no charge. Individual applicants who do not meet these requirements may purchase a library card for a non-resident fee of $50 per year. Non-Residents may also purchase a Parent/Child Membership for a non-refundable fee of $75 per year. A Parent/Child Membership includes a library card for one adult and individual library cards for each child under 18 years of age and for whom the adult is the parent or legal guardian. All cards issued as part of a Parent/Child Membership will have the same expiration date as that of the first card in the Parent/Child Membership.
Expiration Date
Individual Adult library cards are valid for a term of three years from date of issue and individual non-resident cards are valid for a term of one year from date of issue. Youth and Youth One Book cards are valid for a period of three years from date of issue or until one month after the patron's 18th birthday, whichever comes first. In order to renew their library card, patrons need to produce valid identification as listed above, fill out a new application, and pay in full any fines/charges on the account being renewed. The signing parent or legal guardian must accompany a child in order to renew a Youth Card.
Lost Library Cards/Change of Address
Library cards are like credit cards and allow their possessor to borrow hundreds of dollars worth of materials. The library assumes that the person using a library card is the owner of that card or has the permission of the owner to use the card. If you see items checked out on your library account that you do not recognize, contact your library immediately.
In the event of a lost or stolen card, the patron is responsible for notifying the Library immediately. All materials checked out on a library card are the responsibility of the patron until the loss is reported. Until the Library is notified of a lost or stolen card, a library card is valid and its owner is responsible for all use of the card and for any lost or overdue materials and fees incurred. In the case of children under age 18, the parent or legal guardian who signed the library card application is the responsible party.
In order to obtain a replacement library card, patrons need to produce valid identification as listed above. A parent or legal guardian must accompany a child in order to replace a Youth Card and present valid identification. A fee may be charged to replace lost or damaged library cards.
You are responsible for providing CADL with current contact information (address, phone number, email address). The Library may not be able to contact you about important issues such as overdue items if your information is not up to date. You must report changes in person.
Borrowing Materials
Library users must present their library cards at time of check out. Adults who have forgotten their library card may check out materials by presenting a current valid driver’s license with current address, current valid state identification card with current address, or other acceptable photo identification.
Children who do not have their library card may not check out materials.
