Borrower Information

How to Get a Library Card

Residents:

Adults who live in Redford Township may get a library card simply by filling out a short application form at the library and showing proof of residency. Proof of residency could include a Michigan Driver's License or Michigan State ID with current Redford Township address, or first-class mail with your name and current Redford address.

Children must be able to print their first and last names and be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The parent or guardian will need proof of residency and will also sign the library card application. Patrons under the age of 18 will need to be accompanied by an adult.

Since you are financially responsible for materials checked out on your child's card and since there is a replacement fee for lost cards, the library strongly suggests that you keep your child's library card with your own until he/she is mature enough to keep track of it.

Your library card will be issued while you wait. Library cards expire every 3 years from the date of issue. When this happens, simply show your ID to the staff at the Circulation Desk, and your record will be quickly updated. Library cards that aren't used for long periods of time may be deleted from our system. If that happens, there is no fee, but you will need to apply again. Lost cards may be replaced after showing ID (or a parent's ID if a child's card is lost) and paying a $1.00 replacement fee.

Non-residents:

Non-residents may also qualify for a Redford District Library card if they work, go to school or own property in Redford. Non-resident cards allow restricted usage of the library's collection and services. Non-residents who don't meet any of the requirements may purchase a Redford District Library card that will allow full usage of the library for $100.00.   

The Redford Township District Library participates in the Michicard program. Any Michigan resident with a Michicard sticker on their card from their home library may only check out print materials at the Redford Library.

How to Get a Michicard

The Michicard program is underwritten by the Library of Michigan and allows Michigan libraries, to choose whether they join.

Redford Township District Library is one of more than 295 Michicard libraries. The Michicard allows you to check out books at any of these member libraries. It is the decision of each participating library as to the extent of services provided beyond print materials.

If your home library participates in the Michicard program, you must register for a Michicard there. For example, Redford residents must get a Michicard at the Redford Township District Library and Detroit residents must get theirs at a Detroit library.

There is no fee involved.

Fines, Fees, and Loan Periods

Replacement cards cost $1.00. Be sure to bring ID, or a parent if you are under 16.

Computer Information

Public Use Computers are available in the Adult and Youth sections of the building. You must have a valid, in good standing, library card from Redford or another member of The Library Network, or a card from a MichiCard library – with the MichiCard sticker on it.  As of January 2, 2008, MichiCard holders will no longer be able to use the library's computers and Visitor passes will no longer be issued.  You must either have a valid library card from a Library Network member library or purchase a Redford library card.

Computers provide access to web browsing and the Microsoft Office Suite. Black and white printing is available for $.10 per page.  Color printing is available for $.75 a page.

Computer access and printing is managed by SAM (Smart Access Manager).
SAM enables you to:

• Sign-on to any available computer without stopping at the Reference Desk
• Put money on your SAM account through the self-service SAM Pay Station at the Circulation Desk
• Then debit print directly from your SAM account
  

You'll need to:

• Have a valid library card
• Bring it with you
• Know your PIN [ask a staff member for details on your PIN]
  

Wireless Internet Access is available for personal laptops and wireless devices. Devices must be able to utilize an 802.11b or g wireless connection. More detailed setup information is provided in the library if necessary.

All computer use is governed by our Internet Use Policy.

To Use the Computers

You must have a valid library card from the Redford Library or any other library belonging to the Library Network, or a valid Michicard.

There are 24 internet terminals in the Adult Department and 7 in the Children's Department.  They include applications such as Microsoft Office 2003 Suite, Corel Quattro Pro 10 spreadsheet and Word Perfect 10 word processor.

You need to read and sign a computer contract which is available at the Circulation Desk. Some of the high points are:

• You know how to use a computer.
• You will not turn off or reboot the computers.
• No horseplay, food or drinks around the computers.
• Unless accompanied by a parent or guardian, patrons under 18 years of age must use a filtered Computer for Internet access. A filtered computer for Internet Access means the computer has a program installed that is designed to restrict minors from receiving obscene material or sexually explicit material that is harmful to minors. 
• You can not use your own software but you may use your own disc or flash drive, if it has no executable files (i.e., programs) on it.
• You need to re-sign in every hour. If there is a waiting list, your time can be limited to one hour.
• You must use our paper.

There is a charge of $.10 for each black and white copy made and $.75 for each color copy. You will see a message on screen, telling how much money you have credited to your account, how many pages you're printing, and the total amount to be deducted from your account. This will give you a chance to cancel your print job.