Using the Library

Library Cards

To apply for a library card, stop by the Circulation Desk. You'll need to bring valid photo identification (driver's license, passport, state identification) with your current address.

If you've recently moved or your identification does not reflect your current address, please bring an official piece of mail with your name and current address along with your picture identification. If you are unable to present an item with a current address, your library card will be mailed to you.

All patrons registering for a library card need to complete a Library Card Application Form. Fill out the form prior to arrival if you'd like to save some time. Patrons must register for a library card in person. See below for details.

Please contact the Library if you discover you have lost your card. The fee to replace a lost library card is $2.

Accessing Your Account

What's your library card barcode?

Your barcode is the string of numbers located on the back of your library card. For cardholders, your barcode is 14 digits long and starts with 24882.

What's my PIN?

Your library PIN is initially system generated. PIN's can only be given out in person. Once you access the system with your PIN, you can change the PIN to your preference.

Loan Periods and Daily Fines

Material Type:             Loan Period        Fines

New Materials               10 days          25 cents

Videos / DVDs                7 days          50 cents

Children's DVDs            3 weeks          50 cents

Cassette & CD Books     3 weeks         10 cents

Music CDs                    3 weeks          10 cents

Books and Magazines    3 weeks          10 cents

Account Balances: $10.00.

Patrons with account balances over $10.00 will be unable to check-out library materials until their balance is brought below the $10.00 limit.

Renewals

You may renew your library materials in person, by phone or online. To renew during library hours by phone, call 517.669.3156. You will need to have your library card number in order for us to access your record. In order to renew online you will need your barcode number and your PIN to access your account. An instruction sheet for online access is available at the circulation desk.

To renew your material online, click here to access your account and select "Renew my materials." Next, type in your library barcode and PIN and click on "List Charged Items." You will see a list of the items checked out to you. Click in the box next to each item you wish to renew. Finally, click on "Renew Selected Items". If the item has successfully been renewed, you will see the new due date. If the item is not renewable, you will see the statement "Failed to be renewed." Pay careful attention to the message displayed to know if the renewal has been successful. If the items were overdue, fines will be assessed.

Any item that is on hold for another patron is not available for renewal. Items may be renewed a maximum of three times.

Online Catalog and Holds

The library's computerized catalog is organized just like the traditional card catalog. Materials may be looked up by author, title, subject or keyword. The computer can also tell you if the book is checked out and when it is expected back

If the book or material you want is not on the shelf or available at our library, please remember that library staff can make arrangements to obtain it for you. Checked out books may be held for you when returned. Books may also be borrowed from another library through interlibrary loan. Additionally, patrons are encouraged to suggest holds and materials that they feel should be added to our permanent collection.

Holds

To place a reserve online, search the catalog and select the title you would like to reserve. Type in your library barcode and PIN. You will then be given instructions to complete the process. A library staff member will call when the item is available for you. Reserves are held for one week and may be picked up at the circulation desk.

Patrons with fines of $10 or greater are prevented from checking out library materials.

Claims Returned

Certain that you returned an item but you still see it on your record? Please let us know!

At that point, we initiate a claims returned search. Our staff will search our shelves for a month or more to try to locate the item in question.

In the meantime, we ask that you double-check your home and car to make sure that it didn't slip behind a couch or under a car seat.

Computer Use

Patrons are encouraged to make full use of library computers available. Guest cards are available to those over 18 for a one-time use. Patrons who use the library's public computer must abide by the following restrictions:

1. The copying of copyright protected software is prohibited

2. Patrons may only use library owned software

3. The Library Director may at his/her discretion place reasonable limits on computer usage. All Internet users must have a current DeWitt District Library card. Internet users must register for a workstation timeslot, at which time, appropriate ID may be requested. Workstation access is on a first-come, first-served basis; the usual limit will be 30 minutes when others are waiting.

4. There is a 15 cent per page user fee for printer use. Staff may waive the fee for partial pages.

5. Patrons may use their own disks to download data. Storing data on the library computer is not allowed. The library also has flash drives and compact discs available for purchase at the circulation desk.

6. Patrons may not use the library computer for illegal, obscene, or commercial purposes.

7. Patrons may not engage in inappropriate use of the library computer system. Inappropriate use if defined as "any violation of the intended use of the computer system". This would include: disruption of information traffic, degrading or disrupting equipment or system performance, gaining or attempting to gain unauthorized access to system files, making unauthorized changes to the computer system, and vandalism. Patrons will be responsible for any costs that result from inappropriate use. Costs will include actual repair or equipment replacement, billings, and any other expense incurred by the library.

8. Violation of the computer use policy will result in the patron losing her/her computer privileges. Serious violations may result in criminal and/or civil prosecution.