Library Cards

Library cards are available for free to all Livonia residents and expire every three years. Users are responsible for all items on a card, including any lost or damaged materials. To get a library card:

• Visit the Circulation desk at either the Bennett Civic Center or Sandburg Library
• Present your valid photo ID
• If you are a new resident and your photo ID does not have your current address, one of following is also required as proof of address:
  • • Voter registration
    • Lease
    • Mortgage statement
    • Purchase agreement
    • Official mail such as a utility or tax bill

Livonia is a member of The Library Network (TLN). Your card will be honored at many of the other 60-member public library systems.

Those ages 17 or younger must be registered in person by a parent or legal guardian with a valid ID as outlined above.

Livonia residents 16 and older may apply to receive a temporary online access pass, valid for three months by filling out this online form. Only fill out this form once. This temporary access will allow you to immediately use our online databases like Universal Class, Consumer Reports, the NY Times and digital media collections in Libby, Hoopla and Kanopy. Temporary passes can be converted into a physical library card by visiting a Livonia Public Library location.

If any of your information (phone or email) has changed, call the library at (734) 466-2491 or log in to your account online. If your address has changed, please stop into a Livonia Public Library location.

If you live outside of the City of Livonia, you may still use our materials, facilities, rent meeting rooms and attend events at the library. In order to borrow items, your options include:

• TLN – Non-residents who live within the boundaries of a reciprocal The Library Network library may use LPL but you must bring in your home library card.
• TLN Shared Automation System – If you live in a community that is part of The Library Network Shared Automation System, your home library card will work seamlessly at LPL, if your library card is active and in good standing.
• Local Business Cards – LPL offers a local business card to owners and employees of businesses that are located within Livonia. Valid identification, plus proof of employment (pay stub) or ownership (LARA registry), is required.
• Student Cards – Students that attend Clarenceville or Livonia Public Schools, but do not live in the City of Livonia, may also obtain an LPL card. Proof of enrollment, such as a recent report card, is required.
• School Cards – LPL offers a school card for individual classroom teachers. The card is active for one year, and 100 items can be checked out with a 45-day loan period, with one renewal. More information will be provided at sign up.
• MILibraryCards – LPL participates in the statewide MILibraryCard program, which offers lending to participating libraries. Non-residents may use their home library card with a MILibraryCard sticker to borrow items with some restrictions.
• Purchased Cards – Non-resident purchased cards cost $100 per year and allow individuals to borrow non-print items, use the computers, and borrow more than the limit offered by the MILibraryCard.

Most materials may be checked out for three weeks. New and high-demand items check out for less time. See loan periods for more info.

You can check out up to 100 items! New and high-demand items like hotspots, boardgames, book bundles, have a limited number of items you can check out.

25 physical items; six holds are permitted in Libby.

Renewals are easy. We automatically renew eligible items up to two times for a total of nine weeks, so you don’t have to. Items will not be renewed when:

• The item is on hold for someone else.
• Your card is blocked for any reason.
• You have reached the maximum number of renewals allowed.
• Renewals are not allowed on the material(s) (e.g., Equipment, eBooks, hotspots).

About auto renewal:

• When your item is automatically renewed, you will see the new due date when you log into your account.
• If items cannot be automatically renewed, you will receive a due date reminder by your chosen method (text, email or phone).
• You can renew items manually by using My Account, by phone, or in-person at LPL.

It is strongly recommended that you have your card with you to check out materials. If you do not have your card, the Circulation staff will look up your number if you provide a valid photo ID with address. If not, they will set the materials aside for you for three days until you can return.

The library will call or email to let you know your hold item is ready, based on how your account is set up. The requested item will remain on the hold shelf for seven days, or 24 hours for Hotspots (beginning the day after you are notified). Please make sure that your contact information is up to date when placing a hold.

As of September 1, 2024, LPL no longer charges overdue fines for most items returned late. If the item becomes long over, card holders will be charged the replacement cost of the item. If you owe the library more than $15, you will not be permitted to check out any items.

The library card holder or co-signer is responsible for the cost of lost or damaged materials. The fee is set at retail price of the item in order to cover processing and replacement costs. Pay lost item fees at the library Circulation desk or log in to My Account. Credit cards are accepted online, and cash, check and credit cards are accepted at the library.

The library may accept replacement copies purchased by the card holder in lieu of payment, but does not guarantee acceptance. The decision to accept a replacement copy in lieu of payment rests solely with the library. Items must be in very good condition without marks, scratches, tears, or other serious damage. Before purchasing a replacement copy, please contact the library in advance.

Hotspots are available for Livonia residents 18 and older only and limited to one per household. Hotspots can be checked out for two weeks with no renewals. Livonia patrons may place a hold for the next available hotspot for pickup at the owning location (Sandburg or Bennett Civic Center). Hotspots will remain on the hold shelf for 24 hours before being released from “hold” status.

If an item is not available within Livonia or The Library Network catalog, we will request a copy from libraries around the state of Michigan through the MeLCat network of libraries.