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Library Borrowing Policies

How to Obtain a Library Card

Who can borrow library materials?

Detroit Residents:
To borrow materials from Detroit Public Library’s main library, neighborhood branches (see map), or library on wheels, a person must show proof of one of the following:

• Residence in Detroit
• Attend a Detroit school with a valid school ID.

Non-Detroit Residents:
Any person, who does not reside in the City of Detroit or attend a school in Detroit, may apply for a non-resident library card to borrow materials from any DPL location for an annual fee of $100 per person or household.
For more information on Non Resident Policy, please click here.

Restricted Cards:
A restricted card may be issued to persons who reside in Detroit but are unable to provide proper proof of residence. A restricted card is good for Internet use. Only two items (no media) may be checked out at any time. Address verification is required on restricted cards every three months.

Friends of DPL:
Members of the Friends of DPL, who join or renew at the $150 level are entitled to a free non-resident library card. Please contact the Friends office for details.

Company Card:
Any Detroit company may apply for a company card to borrow materials from the Main Library. Non-Detroit companies may apply for a non-resident company card to borrow materials from the Main Library, for an annual fee of $100. Requests must be submitted on company letterhead to:

Detroit Public Library
Circulation Department
5201 Woodward Avenue
Detroit, MI 48202

DPL Employees and Volunteers:
All Detroit Public Library employees and volunteers will continue to enjoy free borrowing privileges.

What can you borrow?
Library card holders may borrow a total of 25 items at a time including:

• Books
  
• Magazines
  
• Newspapers
  
• Music scores
  
• Picture files
  
• English as a second language materials
  
• Music CDs
  
• Music or spoken word audio cassettes
  
• Records
  
• Videos (Limit: 6 videos - age appropriate ratings enforced)
  
• DVDs (Limit: 6 DVDs - age appropriate ratings enforced)
  
• Books-on-tape/CDs
  New applicants may borrow a total of 2 items at a time until they receive their permanent library card in the mail.

Can materials be renewed?
The usual borrowing period is three weeks, but some materials may have shorter borrowing periods. Library materials may be renewed in person or by phone. Popular items may only be renewed one time, providing there are no holds on the item. You will be prohibited from checking out materials if your have overdue items on your account.

Where can you return library materials?
With the exception of videos, DVDs, music CDs and cassettes, all library materials may be returned at any library location. Twenty-four hour drop boxes are available at each branch location. Videos, DVDs, music CDs and cassettes must be returned to the originating library.

How do you get a library card?
Click here for a printable version of the Library application .  Alternately, library applications may be obtained at any Detroit Public Library location. All applicants must present a competed application and either a valid Michigan Driver’s License, Michigan State Identification Card or current U.S. Passport. Along with the U.S. Passport, verification of residency is required. There is no charge for a resident library card, but there is a $1.00 fee for the replacement of a lost card.

[PDF] Library Card Application

Adult Library Card:

Any person 18 years of age or older is eligible to apply for an unrestricted adult library card.

 

Juvenile Library Card*:

Any person under the age of 18 is eligible to apply for a library card. Youth applications require the valid identification and signature of a parent or guardian.(NOTE: A Library card entitles Youth to use the Internet at Detroit Public Library. Parents and Guardians are responsible for monitoring their children’s access to all Library materials and online services. See Internet Use Policy for Details.)

Company Card: Any Michigan company may apply for a company card to borrow materials from Main Library. Requests must be submitted on company letterhead to:

Detroit Public Library
Circulation Department
5201 Woodward Avenue
Detroit, MI 48202

How Long is the card valid?
New personal library cards are valid for two years from the date of your birthday. Non-resident and company cards expire annually.

* A child must be the age of 8 years or older to access the Internet (see Internet Access Policy). A juvenile may borrow any library materials with the exception of some unrated videos and DVDs plus all rated NC-17, R, or X. Parents or guardians are responsible for monitoring their children's access to all Library materials and online services.

Fees & Fines

Please click here for a detailed chart.

Maximum Overdue fine is $10 for all items except magazines and newspapers ($3.00).

 

(last update 11/06)