LIBRARY CARDS & PATRON REGISTRATION
revised 12/2019
The Albion District Library offers two types of library cards: Standard Borrower cards and Library1 cards. The Standard Borrower cards allow patrons full borrowing privileges. Library1 cards allow borrowers unlimited access to digital materials, but only one physical item at a time.
All Albion District Library cardholders assume responsibility for the care and safekeeping of all materials borrowed on their cards and for settling any fines incurred on their cards. Standard Borrower cardholders assume responsibility for damages, losses, or other assessments incurred by the use of their cards; Library1 cardholders do not.
Cardholders are asked to report changes in names, mailing addresses, email addresses, and telephone numbers so that the Library’s patron records can be kept up-to-date.
Standard Borrower Card
Standard Borrower cards allow patrons full borrowing privileges. Standard borrower cards are available to the following groups:
- Local Patrons
Patrons are consider “local” when they reside, own, or rent property in the Library’s service area. This includes property zoned residential, commercial, or agricultural. The service area includes the City of Albion and the surrounding townships that contribute penal fines and the current required millage level of support to the Albion District Library.Local patrons may give permission to specific people to borrow on their card. In such cases, the patron must notify the Library before anyone other than the patron is allowed to use the patron’s card. The patron is responsible for any fines, fees, damages, losses, or other assessments.
Those applying for for Local Patron cards must provide proof of personal identity and of an address in the Albion District Library service area. The preferred form of personal identification is a valid Michigan driver’s license. Any current government-issued photo ID showing the applicant’s name and current address will be considered acceptable proof of address.
If the patron is a resident of the Library’s service area but does not have a valid photo ID that documents an eligible address, the patron must show two other forms to prove they have such an address. Preferred proofs of address include: utility bills, rental agreements, or correspondence from the local, state, or federal government. In the case of a non-resident property-owner, a preferred proof of address is a current tax bill for the eligible property. In the case of a non-resident renter, a preferred proof of address is a rental agreement for the eligible property. In the event that a patron has only one proof of address, the Director may use their discretion.
Cards must be renewed every twelve months. Patrons must provide current proof of identification and address at time of renewal.
- Persons Under 18 Years of Age
A Standard Borrower card may be issued to anyone regardless of the applicant’s age.A person under the age of 18 seeking a Standard Borrower card must have their application signed by a parent, a grandparent, or an individual legally authorized to act in place of the minor’s parent. In the event that the person who signs for the child does not already have a Standard Borrower card, they will be required to apply for one.
The person who signs the standard borrow card application for a minor is responsible for any outstanding fines, fees, damages, losses, and other assessments on the minor’s library card.
In the case of an emancipated youth, that youth applicant must provide proof of emancipation in order to be exempt from having an adult co-signer.
- Employees of Local Businesses, Nonprofits, and Government Entities
Persons employed by businesses, nonprofits, and government entities located within the Albion District Library’s service area are entitled to a Standard Borrower card free of charge.To secure a Standard Borrower card, employees of entities listed above must provide a permanent address, current government-issued photo ID, and current proof of employment by an Albion business, nonprofit, or government entity. A pay stub is the preferred proof of employment.
Such cards must be renewed every six months. At the time of renewal, the cardholder must provide a current government-issued photo ID and proof of employment.
- Patrons of Libraries with which ADL Has a Reciprocal Agreement
Albion District Library has reciprocal agreements with the following libraries: Jackson District Library, Albion College Stockwell-Mudd Libraries, and Homer Public Library. Patrons at these libraries are entitled to a Standard Borrower card free of charge, per the terms of the agreement.To secure a Standard Borrower card, patrons at libraries with reciprocal agreements must provide a permanent address, a current government-issued photo ID, and proof of patronage at the reciprocating library.
Such cards must be renewed every twelve months. At the time of renewal, the cardholder must provide a current government-issued photo ID and proof of patronage at the reciprocating library.
- Non-residents/Out-of-area cards
Those residing outside of the Library’s service area who do not otherwise qualify for a standard borrower card may purchase a Standard Borrower card for a small fee established by the Library Board. Cards may be purchased for a full year ($60), or for one quarter ($15), one half ($30), or three-quarters ($45) of a year at a pro-rated fee.To receive a Standard Borrow card, a non-resident must provide a current government-issued photo ID showing the applicant’s name and address.
Such cards must be renewed at the end of their designated period.
Library1 Card
Library1 cards are available to patrons who do not otherwise meet the criteria for a Standard Borrower card. The Library1 card allows borrowers to check out one item at a time. Should the item be lost or damaged, the patron is not financially responsible for it. Should a patron establish a pattern of losing or damaging materials, the Director may use their discretion to revoke the Library1 card. The Library1 card does not allow patrons to borrow equipment.
Any patron, regardless of age, may apply for a Library1 card. Applicants for the Library1 card do not need proof of identification or of address to secure a Library1 card. Applicants will be required to provide a local address and have their photograph taken. That photograph will be kept in the records for identification purposes.
Such cards must be renewed every twelve months.