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 valid driver’s license with current address,
a Michigan state identification card with current address, or
a Matricula Counsular ID with current address.

Other acceptable ID may include:

a picture identification such as a passport, student ID card, plus a utility bill or a lease agreement with the applicant’s current address.

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 - Library cards may be issued to children under 18 years of age provided the library card application is signed by the parent or legal guardian and the parent or legal guardian can produce, at the time of registration for a library card, the same picture ID with current address described above.

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. A-V material is not included. 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 - Business and institutional library cards may be issued at no charge if the business or institution submits a letter on organizational letterhead requesting the card and stating that the organization is responsible for all materials checked out on the library card and the request is approved by the Library Director or designee. Business and Institution cards are valid for a term of one year.

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 Family Membership for a non-refundable fee of $75 per year. A Family 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 Family Membership will have the same expiration date as that of the first card in the Family Membership.

Expiration Date

Individual library cards are valid for a term of three years and individual non-resident cards are valid for a term of one year. 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. A 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 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.

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 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.

Changes of address should also be reported promptly, the Library may not be able to contact you about important information if your address is not up to date. You must report a change of address in person.

Borrowing Materials

Library users need to present their library cards at time of check out. Adults who have forgotten their library card may check out materials by presenting a current driver’s license or a state identification card with current address.

Children who do not have their library card may not check out materials.

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