West Bloomfield Township Public Library
About Us - My Account FAQs
Checkouts
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How long can I check out my books?
Most library titles can be checked out for three weeks (3) with the following exceptions:- 1-Day Loan Adult Feature DVDs/Videos: The newest Adult Feature DVD and videotitles check out for 1-day during their first six months in the Library. They are due by closing on the next day the Library is open. New DVDs can now be renewed for one extra day.
- DVDs/Videos: All other DVD and video titles check out for one week. They can be renewed and placed on a waiting list.
- Rental Books: Rental books check out for one day, after the first day a .15¢ per day rental fee is charged.
- School Reading Programs: During the program period for a school reading program, these specially marked titles check out for one week. They can be renewed and placed on a waiting list.
- Video Games check out for one week.
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I’ll be going on vacation and will be gone when my books become due. Can I have a longer loan period?
If you need more than the standard one or three week loan period due to a vacation, ask for the vacation loan period when checking out your materials. This extended loan is available for all materials with the exception of Rental Books, 1-Day Loan Adult Feature DVDs, MeL requests, and interloans.
If you have already checked out your materials and would like to extend your due date, they can be renewed anywhere or anytime either online or by phone by calling 248-232-2210. You will need your library card number to access your library card account when you renew. Overdue titles can be renewed online, but not by phone. Titles on a waiting list and 1-Day Loan Adult Feature DVDs cannot be renewed. -
How many titles can I check out? Is there a limit?
There is no limit on the number of titles that can be checked out at any one time with a regular card.
Institution cards have limits of 75 items; Teacher cards of 20.
If you have a temporary card you will be limited to 5 items until your local library card is added to the system. -
What are Rental Books?
Rather than joining a waiting list, Rental Books provide an alternative for the hot new bestsellers. For a daily rental fee of .15¢ you can check out the Rental copy of the title, if available, and pay the fee when you return it. -
How long can I keep a Rental Book?
You can keep a Rental Book as long as you are willing to pay the daily fee, however we will send a reminder notice after a week. -
I forgot my library card, can I still check out materials?
Yes, if your library card is registered you can check out materials upon proof of identification, such as a driver’s license.
If no library card is available and no identification (in the case of younger children), there will be a limit of three items available for checkout, as long as the library account is in good standing. If a parent or legal guardian with proper identification is accompanying a child without a card, the child will not be subject to the checkout limitation. -
I’m visiting from another library and do not have my library card, can I still check out materials?
If your home library card is registered at West Bloomfield you can check out materials upon proof of identification, such as a driver’s license. If your home library card has not been registered at West Bloomfield and you do not have it with you, you will not be able to check out materials. On your next visit to the Library, bring your library card with you to have it added to our system. -
I returned a book a few days ago and would like to recommend it to a friend. Can you tell me what the title was?
To protect your privacy, the Library only has records of titles currently checked out on your account. Once a title is returned and any fines paid, it is removed from your account. -
Is there anything I can't check out at the Library?
Reference materials, newspapers, and the current issue of magazines do not circulate.
Fees and Fines
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How can I pay for fines and fees I owe the Library?
Any fines or fees owed to the Library can be paid at the Checkout Desk or Drive-up Window by cash, check or credit/debit card. You can also pay fines using a credit/debit card at the self-check machines at the Library. The Library currently accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.
You can also use your credit card to pay online. Click here to learn how. (Note: if the "Fines & Fees" button is not clickabla, you have no outstanding fines.) -
Can I use my library card to make copies and print from the computers?
No. Your library card allows you to check out material and access other Library services. If you need to make photocopies and print from the Library computers you need to purchase a copy card. -
How much are overdue books, DVDs and other materials?
Most overdue titles are .15 a day, beginning the day after the item is due. The exceptions are:- 1-Day Loan Adult Feature DVDs are $1 a day after their due date.
- Rental Books are .15 a day from the date of checkout.
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I have an item that has been overdue for a long time and I’m sure I owe more than the book is worth. Can I just pay for it and keep it?
No matter how overdue an item, it is always cheaper to return it! The maximum overdue fine for returned overdue materials will be either $3 for Youth materials or $6 for Adult materials. -
I’ve lost the book I had checked out, or the book I had checked out has been damaged. What should I do?
If you have lost an item, or it has been damaged beyond repair, please email us. You will be asked to pay the replacement cost of the item. Any overdue fines on the item will be waived.
If there is minor damage to an item and it can still circulate (i.e., ink marks, torn pages, missing barcode, etc.), a charge of $1.00 will be assessed. Damaged media cases will be assessed at $3.50. -
Can I just buy a new copy of the lost/damaged item, rather than pay you for it?
The Library will also accept an exact duplicate of an item that has been lost or damaged in lieu of payment, but a $2.00 processing fee will be assessed. If the item is a MeL or interloan item it is subject to the rules of the lending library or consortium. -
I’ve found the book I thought I had lost. Can I get a refund on what I paid?
Yes, you can have the cost of the item refunded, minus the overdue fine, if the item is returned in good condition. The proof of payment should accompany the material. After 2 years from the lost item payment there will be no refund without proof of payment.
Holds and Waiting Lists
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Can I pick up a title being held for my spouse/child/friend?
If your spouse/child/friend received a hold pickup notice for a title they had on a waiting list, the title can only be checked out on their library card. You will need that library card in order to check out the title. If you do not have that library card we will not be able to check out the title.
If your spouse/child/friend called the Library to have an available title held for them or delivered from another branch it can be checked out on the library card of whomever is picking up the title. -
The title I want is checked out. Can I add my name to a waiting list?
If you have a resident or contract resident West Bloomfield Township Public Library card you can add your name to a waiting list for all titles with the exception of 1-Day Loan Adult Feature DVDs and Rental Books. There are two ways to add your name to a waiting list:- Find the title in the Library Catalog and select the "Place Hold" button. Enter your name, library card number and select a pickup location and submit your request. When a copy of your title becomes available we will contact you either by email, phone or regular mail.
- Call any Information Desk and make your request over the phone. At the Main Library you can call either the Adult Information Desk (248-232-2290) or the Youth Information Desk (248-232-2250.) The Westacres Branch Information Desk can be reached at 248-232-2420.
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Can I make a request for a title available at another library?
If the West Bloomfield Township Public Library does not own the title or topic you are looking for you can use the online MeL Resource Sharing Program to locate and request the material to be delivered to the Library. After searching the Library Catalog click on the "Other Sources" MeL logo. Once you find your title, select "Get this for me!" and follow the on-screen directions to place your request. You will receive a pickup notice when the item arrives. Most items arrive within 7-10 business days.
If the specific title you need is not available through MeL, contact the Adult Information Desk at the Main Library (248-232-2290) or the Westacres Branch (248-232-2420) to place your request through an alternative source.
These services are available for no charge to resident and contract resident West Bloomfield Township Public Library cardholders -
I tried to place a request, but it would not accept my library card. What is wrong?
There could be several reasons a request was not accepted.- An error was made when entering your name or library card number. Hint: you only need to enter either your first or last name, not both.
- A pickup location was not selected. You must select your preferred pickup location when placing a request. Requests can be picked up at the Main Library Lobby, Main Library Drive-Up Window, or the Westacres Branch.
- The item is currently available on the shelves. Please call the Information Desk to have the item retrieved from the shelves and set aside for you.
- Only resident and contract resident cards are eligible to place requests.
- Your card may be expired or you may be over the fine limit.
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Where do I pick up a title being held for me?
The Hold Pickup Notice you received should indicate if the title is available for pick-up at either the Main Library Lobby or Drive-up Window or at the Westacres Branch. The pickup location is selected at the time you place your request.
InMICH requests and materials sent from another library (interloans) are kept behind the Circulation Desk. A staff member will need to retrieve your request for you. -
How long will you hold a title for me?
If you receive a Hold Pickup Notice, either by phone, email or mail, the item will be held for seven (7) days. If you receive your notice by email or mail, the last date for pickup will appear on the notice.
If you called the Library to set aside an item that was available on the shelves it will be held for seven (7) days. Due to their high demand, new Feature DVDs/Videos will only be held for one (1) day. -
Where am I on the waiting list?
You can check your position on the waiting list for any title you have requested either online or by phone to 248-232-2210. Both of these services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days year. You will need your library card number to access your library card account.
Library Cards
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Am I eligible for a West Bloomfield Township Public Library card?
Residents of West Bloomfield Township are eligible for a West Bloomfield Township Public Library card at no charge upon proof of current residency or property ownership and provision of registration information. A West Bloomfield Township Public Library card must be renewed every five (5) years. All Library materials and services are available to resident cardholders.
Residents of Keego Harbor, Orchard Lake or Sylvan Lake are eligible for a West Bloomfield Township Public Library card at no charge through a library service contract. Proof of current residency or property ownership within those communities will be required at the time of application in addition to required registration information. A library service contract card is renewed every three years on the contract renewal date. All Library materials and services are available to contract cardholders. -
What if I am not a West Bloomfield Township resident or property owner?
Residents of communities that are a part of The Library Network (TLN) must first obtain a library card from their local library. Their local library card can then be used at the West Bloomfield Township Library, subject to the Fair Use Guidelines, as outlined in the TLN Plan of Service. Proof of current residency or property ownership within those communities in addition to required registration information, is also necessary. Local communities included are Birmingham, Bloomfield Township, Canton, Commerce Township, Farmington & Farmington Hills, Franklin, Independence Township, Milford Township, Novi, Pontiac, Rochester Hills, Southfield, Walled Lake, Waterford Township, White Lake Township and Wixom. A complete list of TLN communities is available. (Although Troy Public Library and Detroit Public Library are not members of TLN, their residents have reciprocal borrowing privileges.) TLN cards must be renewed every three years. All Library materials are available to TLN cardholders, however some services are not available.
As part of a the MichiCard Statewide Library Card Program the West Bloomfield Township Public Library will accept library cards that have the valid MichiCard label affixed to them. Their local library card can then be used at the West Bloomfield Township Library upon proof of current residency or property ownership within those communities in addition to required registration information. Only Library books (circulating and rental) and video casettes are eligible for circulation on the MichiCard. No other materials are available for circulation to MichiCard cardholders. Rental books must be returned to a West Bloomfield Library facility. -
What do I need to get a library card?
Apply for a Library card in person at the Checkout Desk of the Main Library or the Westacres Branch. There is no charge for a Library card, and registration information and proof of current residency will be required.- Required registration information, as applicable, includes: name, address, telephone number, and birth date. Consent from a parent or legal guardian assuming financial responsibility will be required for a minor.
- Proof of current residency options include: a driver's license, tax receipt, voter registration card, Michigan identification card, property deed, utility bill, or mortgage/lease agreement.
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Can I get one library card for my entire family?
No, each family member must be issued his or her own library card. -
Can I buy a library card?
No, the Library does not sell library cards. -
I haven’t used my library card in a while. Can I still use it?
Don’t throw that card out! Bring your library card to the Checkout Desk and we will check to see if it needs to be updated. Library cards do need to be periodically renewed in our database but the cards themselves are still good. -
How do I renew my library card?
To renew your library card proof of current residency must be presented as well as confirmation of required registration information. Items accepted as proof of current residency include: a driver's license, tax receipt, voter registration card, Michigan identification card, property deed, utility bill, or mortgage/lease agreement. Required registration information, as applicable, includes: name, address, telephone number, and birth date. An email address can also be included on your account. Consent from a parent or legal guardian assuming financial responsibility will be required for a minor.
Library cards will not be renewed if there are any outstanding fines, fees or bills. Your library card account must be cleared of all outstanding fees or fines and be in good standing to be renewed.
The frequency with which you must renew your library card varies by the type of library card you have. -
Are there any other libraries where I can use my West Bloomfield Township Library card?
Yes. Your West Bloomfield Township Library card provides you with borrowing privileges in several library cooperatives allowing you to visit and use member libraries.
The largest of these cooperatives, The Library Network (TLN), includes libraries throughout Oakland, Wayne, Washtenaw, St. Clair, and Livingston counties. Local communities include Birmingham (Baldwin), Bloomfield Township, Canton, Commerce Township Farmington & Farmington Hills, Franklin, Independence Township, Milford, Novi, Pontiac, Rochester Hills, Southfield, Walled Lake, Waterford, White Lake, and Wixom. A complete list of TLN libraries offering reciprocal borrowing privileges is available online. Local registration and circulation policies of the TLN libraries must be followed and may differ from those of the West Bloomfield Township Library.
The Library also participates in the MichiCard Statewide Library Card Program. Request to have the MichiCard sticker placed on your library card and it can be used at other participating libraries throughout the state. A complete list of participating MichiCard communities is available online. Local registration and circulation policies of the MichiCard libraries must be followed and may differ from those of the West Bloomfield Township Library. -
What should I do if my library card is lost, stolen or damaged?
If your library card is stolen or lost, please call either the Main Library or the Westacres Branch to report it missing. We will put a block on the card so that no one else can use it until you get it replaced. The next time you are in the Library come to the Checkout Desk and we will replace your lost, stolen or damaged card for no charge. Proof of current residency and a phone number is required at the time a replacement card is issued. There is no charge to replace your library card. -
I had my card replaced, but now I’ve found the original. Which card should I keep?
Only one card will work, but keep them both and bring them to the Checkout Desk. We’ll check which one is good and dispose of the invalid card.
Notices
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Can I choose how I would like to receive my circulation notices from the Library?
Yes, there are three choices for receiving circulation notices: email, phone or regular mail. The fastest and most secure method is by email. By default, notices will be sent by phone.
If you would like to receive email notices:- Click on the My Account button above and log in.
- Click the Add/Change Email button. A new window will open.
- Select Email and enter your email address in the box provided.
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Can you send me a reminder before my books are due?
Yes, if you add your email address to your library account. You will receive notices for items with one week checkout periods two days before they are due. You will receive notices for items with three week checkout periods three days before they are due. You will not receive notices for items with one day checkout periods. -
How often do you send out overdue notices?
A total of three overdue notices are sent. The first Overdue Notice is sent to you one week after a title is due. A second Overdue Notice will be sent a few weeks later if the title still has not been returned. The third Overdue Notice sent is a bill for the full replacement cost of the title. If the title is returned, the replacement cost is waived and only the overdue fines will be charged.
Renewing Materials
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How can I renew my books and other library materials?
Library materials can be renewed online or by phone to 248-232-2210. Both of these services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days year. You can also renew materials on a self-check machine at the Library. You will need your library card number to access your library card account when you renew. Overdue titles can be renewed online, but not by phone. Items that cannot be renewed by these methods are: titles on a waiting list and MeL requests. -
I tried to renew my books online/by phone but it wouldn’t work. Why?
There could be several reasons materials do not renew:- Overdue titles cannot be renewed by phone. They can be renewed online.
- Titles on a waiting list cannot be renewed.
- You can only renew titles that were originally checked out on your library card. You cannot renew titles that were originally checked out on someone else’s library card.
- Your card may have expired, or you are over your fine limit.
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Is there a limit to how many times I can renew my titles?
There is no limit to how many times a title can be renewed. As long as no one has requested the title you can continue to renew an item. To ensure equitable access to materials or for inventory or processing needs, the Library reserves the right to recall materials. 1-Day Loan Adult Feature DVDs can be renewed once for an extra day. -
Can I renew my materials if they are overdue?
Overdue materials can be renewed online. While overdue materials cannot be renewed on the automated telephone system, you can email us directly for assistance. Renewing materials will stop the overdue fine from increasing, add the fine that accrued to your account, and allow you to pay your fine on your next visit to the Library, or you can pay online:- Click on the My Account button above and log in.
- Click the link below your address which shows your fines. (Note: if the link does not appear, you have no outstanding fines.)
- Click the Pay Online button and enter the requested information.
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Do I need to bring my overdue materials into the Library to renew them?
You do not need to bring your materials to the Library to renew them.
You can renew them online:- Click on the My Account button above and log in.
- Click on the link below your address showing how many items you have checked out.
- Click the "Renew All" button to renew all materials.
- To renew a specific title, click the check box next to the title.
- Click the "Renew Selected" button to renew.
- Have your library card number ready and call 248-232-2210.
- Follow the prompts to renew your checked out titles.
- When you select "renew all titles" you must stay on the line until all of the titles have been renewed.
Overdue titles can be renewed online. Once renewed, the daily overdue fine stops growing and is added to your account.
Titles on a waiting list and interlibrary loan materials cannot be renewed. -
Can I renew materials sent from other libraries such as MeL requests?
- 3-week check out MeL materials can be renewed once for an additional three weeks.
- 1-week check out MeL materials cannot be renewed.
Returning Materials
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Can I return books and materials to the Westacres Branch that I checked out at the Main Library? Can I return books and materials to the Main Library that I checked out at the Westacres Branch?
Yes, titles checked out from one location can be returned to the other location. -
Can I return books and materials from other libraries?
Yes, you can return books and other materials checked out from libraries that are part of The Library Network (TLN). Please check with the owning library on their policy on returning audio-visual media at other libraries. -
How do I return books and materials when the Library is closed?
At the Main Library, a drive-up return is available for your use. At the Westacres Branch there is a walk-up return available. -
Can I return overdue books and materials when the Library is closed?
Yes, you can return overdue books when the Library is closed. When the materials are checked in it will stop the overdue fine from increasing, add the fine that accrued to your account, and allow you to pay your fine on your next visit to the Library, or pay online:- Click on the My Account button above and log in.
- Click the link below your address which shows your fines. (Note: if the link does not appear, you have no outstanding fines.)
- Click the Pay Online button and enter the requested information.
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I know I returned a title, but it still shows on my library card account. What do I do next?
Contact the Circulation Department so we can check your account and the Library shelves. We will search both buildings for your title and ask that you do the same of your home and car. -
I think the video/DVD/CD/CD-ROM I borrowed damaged my equipment. Will you pay to repair it?
The Library accepts no responsibility for damage to any personal equipment caused by the use of Library materials. Some products automatically load or alter existing computer software, so consider backing up your system before use. If an item appears to be damaged or in poor condition do not place it in your equipment or attempt to repair it. Return it to the Circulation staff so it can be repaired or removed from the collection.
Recipient of the National Medal, the nation’s highest honor for libraries.