Obtaining and Renewing a Library Card
- Eligibility
- What to Bring
- Creating an Online Account
- Renewing Your Card
- Report a Lost or Stolen Card
Using Your Library Card
Where
You can get a Library card at the information desk at any location of the Ann Arbor District Library.
Who
If you live within the Ann Arbor District Library boundaries (with the exception of Northfield Township), you may obtain a resident library card with no fee. If you are unsure of your Library district, call us at 734-327-4219. We'll check your eligibility and give you other options for receiving an AADL card. Cards with no annual fee may also be available if you own or rent property in the AADL District, teach in or attend a State approved K-12 school located in within the boundaries of the AADL, tutor for a literacy organization, or work for a business located in the Library District (and your business is willing to provide a card for you). There's no age requirement for a library card. Cards for patrons under 18 years old will need the signature, identification, and proof of address of the adult taking responsibility for the card.
Non-Resident Cards
If you don't qualify for a no fee AADL card but still want to receive the benefits, a fee based card is available for $150.00 per year. You can pay the fee in 4 quarterly installments of $37.50 if you'd prefer. The fee must be paid at the time the card is issued by cash or check. When your fee based card expires, you'll need to pay the next installment before you can renew. Non-resident patrons of the Washtenaw Library for the Blind and Print Disabled, and their family members living at the same address, may have the fee waived for their cards.
What to Bring
When you come in to any AADL location for your card, you'll need an application that includes either your birth date or your driver's license number. Use the links below to print the application, fill it out and bring it with you to any information desk or fill out an application when you get here.
We'll also need to see a current photo ID and some proof of current address. Current photo ID can be a driver's license or state issued ID from any state, a military ID, a passport, or a current student I.D. Proof of address may be:
- Current Driver's license or Michigan ID card issued by the Secretary of State
- Mail addressed to you and postmarked within the last month
- Lease or purchase agreement
- Car registration
If you don't have any of these, come up to the information desk and we can mail a form letter to your local address. Bring it back within one month of the date on the letter, and you'll be good to go.
Creating an Online Account
Once you’ve gotten your library card, you can create an online account and use it to check your library record, place requests and renew materials.
Renewing Your Card
Resident Library cards are issued for two years. All other cards are issued for one year. If you've provided an email address, you'll get a notice when your card is about to expire. You can renew your card in person at any information desk at any location of the Library by showing your photo ID and a proof of address from the list above.
Report a Lost or Stolen Card Immediately
Contact us online, call us at 734-327-4219, or come to any information desk. Until you have reported your card missing, any use of it is your responsibility. Please protect your AADL card as you would a credit card.
Checking Out Materials
With your Ann Arbor District Library card, you may borrow the following materials:
MATERIAL |
LOAN TIME* |
Art Prints (limit 3) | 8 weeks |
Book Clubs to Go Kits | 6 weeks |
Books, Audio Books (or BOCDs), Stories to Go, Kits | 4 weeks |
CDs, magazines | 2 weeks |
Videos | 1 week |
Tools, Express Shelf | Varies |
*Due to subject or length, some designated materials circulate for extended loan periods.
Renewals
Library materials may be renewed online at aadl.org, by calling the Renewal Line at 734-327-4219 during library hours, or at any service desk. Materials may be renewed if there are no requests waiting. We reserve the right to limit renewals on in-demand materials. Art prints, Express Shelf and some Tools are not renewable.
Return of Materials
Library materials may be returned to the Downtown Library or any Branch.
Requests
Materials in circulation or on order (except express shelf and some Tools) may be requested through our online catalog, by phone at 734-327-4219, or in person at any service desk.
In your search results, you will see a link to "Request this item." You will be prompted to choose a library location where your item will be held for you, and you will receive an email notification when it is actually at that location ready for pickup. You have until the end of the business day on the date in your notice to pick up your hold. Information on your requests is also available through your My Account page. Your account page will show the status of your request as "ready for pick up" when the item is at your pick up location and your last day to pick up the item will also be noted.
Additional statuses for requests listed in your online account may be 'in transit' (the item is on its way to your pick up location), 1 of 1 holds (you are first on a list of 1 hold) or 2 of 7 holds (you are 2nd on a list of 7 holds), and so forth, 'available' (there is a copy available and we are looking for it). Questions about your requests may be submitted by contacting us online or calling the Renewal Line at 327-4219.
Notices
As a courtesy, the AADL sends notices about requests ready for pickup, date due reminders (to email addresses only), overdue items, cards coming due for renewal, and other information. All of this information is also available through your My Account page.
The notices are sent by email (if we have your email address) or USPS on the following schedule:
Email:
- Due Date Reminder sent 3 days before the due date
- Overdue Notice send at 2 days and 8 days overdue
- Request Notification sent when a requested item is ready for pickup
USPS:
- Overdue Notice sent at 8 days overdue
Fees and Charges
AADL does not currently charge any overdue fees for AADL items. Items borrowed from other libraries via MeLCat or Interlibrary Loan will be charged $0.25 for each day after the due date until returned, to a maximum of $10.00. Bills will be sent for the replacement cost of items not returned by 45 days after their due date.
Payment Policy
Borrowing privileges will be suspended on any Library Card with $25.00 or more in unpaid charges. Unpaid balances of $25 or more will be sent for collection and a collection fee will be charged. Payment may be made at any circulation desk with cash, credit cards or a check made payable to the Ann Arbor District Library. MasterCard, Visa, or Discover payments may be made online. Partial payments are accepted.