Borrowing

Open Collection

The library collection is open to all. Parents who wish to restrict their children's library materials must accompany the child to the Library and monitor their online activity. 

Borrowing Period

New fiction
7-day loan period

All other materials
14-day loan period

Newspapers and current magazines are not checked out, but all children’s periodicals check out.

How to Apply for a Library Card

Anyone residing, working, or attending school in Ottawa County can be issued a free library card, valid for three years.  Individuals residing outside of Ottawa County are charged $20.00 for a fee card, valid for one year.  Children 5 years of age or who are enrolled in kindergarten may be issued a library card; those under 18 must have a registration card signed by a parent or guardian unless legally emancipated (documentation required.) Children's accounts must be linked to a parent or guardian account in good standing.

 

To apply for a library card, the information required is the name, permanent address, personal telephone number, work telephone, and email.  Applicants must present a driver’s license or government-issued photo I.D. card with current address at the time of application. For those who work in Ottawa County, a recent pay stub showing the employer and address is required. Students can show a school ID or a current class schedule. Applicants may provide an alternative form of identification if it bears the same address as the application card, such as a utility bill. A postcard may be mailed to applicants who have insufficient identification; the presentation of the postcard will be considered proof of address.

 

An individual who does not have a current I.D. or acceptable alternative form of identification (e.g. due to recently moving to the area) may be given a temporary card to allow them time to secure the necessary items.  The card will allow the individual to check out up to five items at a time and will expire in 90 days.  Only one temporary card per household will be issued.

 

$5.00 is charged for a lost card, expired or not.  Cards will not be issued 15 minutes prior to closing.

 

Card must be presented at the time of checkout. All materials checked out on the borrower's card and all fines accruing on such materials are the responsibility of that person unless the Library has been notified in advance that the card has been lost or stolen. Only the patron assigned to a card may use the card for checkout purposes. Each person in the household will need a card registered in their name. 

Renewals and Limits

• All materials except hotspots may be renewed twice, except for those for which there is a waiting list.
• DVDs are limited to four per household from the Children’s Dept. and four per household from the Adult Dept, and two from the teen dept.
• Only one hotspot may be checked out per household.

Interlibrary Loan

Books not in our collection may be obtained through Interlibrary Loan for patrons possessing a valid library card.

A fee of $2.00 per item to offset postage costs will be collected at the time patron picks up each item.

Fines for overdue Interlibrary Loan materials will be the same as those for materials belonging to the Miami Public Library.

Only patrons with a library card in good standing may use the Interlibrary Loan program.

 

Online Forms

Hot Spot Agreement

Non-Traditional Materials Agreement