Michigan City Public Library Michigan City, Indiana Departments Circulation Department 219-873-3042

Check my account!

Account Info ~ Library Cards ~ Loan Periods ~ Borrowing Privileges ~ Lost Cards ~ Drop Off Locations ~ Fines & Fees ~ Lost or Damaged Materials ~ Other Services ~ Audio-visual materials & equipment

How To Borrow Materials From The Library

-Library Cards    [To The Top]

You can get a free library card if you are:

* A resident of the Library District which includes Michigan City, Trail Creek, Long Beach, Duneland Beach, and Michiana Shores, Indiana only must bring a photo ID.  If the photo ID does not have current address information, a utility bill or check stub is necessary for proof of residency.

* A non-resident who owns property within the Library District. You must bring a current tax receipt or other verification when you apply.

* A resident of any Library District (and currently a member of your library) that has a reciprocal borrowing agreement with the Michigan City Public Library. Inquire at the Circulation Desk.

* A parent or guardian must sign the card application for young people under 16 years of age. These parents (or guardians) must show valid identification and possess a Michigan City Public Library card in good standing.

* If you don't live in Indiana, yet wish to become a borrower, you can obtain an out-of-state card for an annual fee.  For price information, inquire at the Circulation Desk.

* If the Michigan City Library is your home library and you wish to borrow materials from another Indiana library, you are eligible to purchase a Public Library Access Card (PLAC). This card entities you to borrow materials from all of the 238 public libraries in Indiana. For price information and to buy the PLAC card, check at the Circulation Desk or click on the link above.

Account Info over the Internet   [To The Top]

You may access you account over the Internet at www.mclib.org/account.html.  You will need your library card barcode and PIN number.  Please see Circulation staff to set-up a PIN number or e-mail the Circulation Department with your name and library bar code number.  You will be able to view titles checked out, renew items and view any fines you might have on your account.  You may also see titles on Hold, allowing the option to cancel a Hold if desired.   

Borrowing Privileges   [To The Top]

*Children's Cards

People under 16 must have a parent or guardian sign their card applications.  These parents (or guardians) must show valid identification and possess a Michigan City Public Library card in good standing.  Children's Card holders may borrow library materials according to established borrowing limits.  Children's Card holders may not borrow Adult Feature Films & DVDs. (You must be 18 or older to check out the Feature Film Videos & DVDs).

*Adult Cards

You may hold an adult card if you are at least 18 years old.  Adult Card holders may borrow library materials according to established borrowing limits.  (You must be 18 or older to check out the Feature Films & DVDs).

-Borrowing limits    [To The Top]

You must be 18 or older to check out the Feature Films & DVDs.

*New card applicants are allowed to borrow two items per visit until they receive their cards in the mail. 

A limit of 30 items per card include:

-Loan periods:    [To The Top] 

-Lost Library Cards    [To The Top]

Take good care of your library card. It is like a credit card, worth thousands of books, magazines, CDs, movies, and toys for your enlightenment and enjoyment. You should REPORT A LOST OR STOLEN CARD to the library immediately. You are responsible for items checked out on your card.  Call 219-873-3042.

-Drop Off Locations    [To The Top]

Outside the main library front entrance (after hours returns).

 **For your convenience, A Drive-Thru Book Drop Is Available In the Parking Lot**

-Fines    [To The Top]

Overdue items will cost you the following amounts:

*15 cents per day

For the first 90 days, the maximum fine for an overdue item will be 15 cents a day. After that, a fee of $9.00 (or if less, the cost of the item) will be charged, includes adult and children's hardcover, paperbacks, magazines, movies, and CDs. 

-Fees    [To The Top]

Rewind fee if audio tape is not rewound upon return: $1.00
Collection Agency Service Fee: $9.00
Out-of-state library cards: See staff at the Circulation Desk
PLAC: See staff at the Circulation Desk

Replacing lost library cards:
Adults $2.00
Children $2.00

-Lost Materials   [To The Top]

If you lose an item, you will be charged the cost of replacing it, any accumulated fines, and a processing fee.
Processing fees are as follows:

Books, audiocassette tapes, CDs, DVDs, CD-ROMs, toys & puppets:  $5.00 per item
Magazines: $2.00 per item

If you find the lost item and return it to the library in good condition, we will refund the price of the item for up to 30 days after the item is declared lost. We will not refund the fines and processing fee. If the library must take your account to a collection agency, we will assess a $9.00 collection agency service fee and fines which you must pay even when items are returned.

-Damaged Materials    [To The Top]

If you have irreparably damaged materials checked out on your card, you will be charged for the cost of the item, any accumulated fines, and a processing fee.

Processing fees are as follows:

Books, audiocassette tapes, CDs, Videocassette tapes, DVDs, CD-ROMs, toys & puppets:  $5.00 per item
Magazines: $2.00 per item

These fees represent the library's costs for repairing the damage done to the collection by the item's absence, i.e., purchasing and processing replacement materials. Payment of these fees does not affect the ownership of the item. Books and other library materials are not for sale and cannot be purchased, in good condition or otherwise. The library reserves the right to dispose of damaged or discarded material appropriately.

Circulation does more than check books in and out.

-Other services include:    [To The Top]

* Renewals. You may renew all materials in person or by phone (have your library card with you when you call) for one additional loan period. Materials reserved by another patron may not be renewed. You may only renew an item one time.
You may also renew online through the library web site, but you will need to get a PIN number from the circulation department.

* Reserves. You may reserve items on your library card at a charge of 50 cents per reserve.  Reserves will be held for 7 days from the time of notification.  You will be charged the 50 cents when you check out the reserved items.  You will also be charged 50 cents if you do not pick up your reserved item.  You may also reserve items Online through the library website.

* Copy machines

Coin-operated copy machines are located in the lobby area near the Circulation Desk. Copies cost 15 cents each; a bill changer is located near the copiers for your convenience.

* Used magazine sales service

You can buy used magazines at the Circulation Desk for 15 cents a copy. To help the library raise money, you can also donate your used magazines to the sale. Bring them to the Circulation Desk. You may also pay at the Circulation Desk for books you buy from the Friends of the Library's on-going book sale.

Click here for information on Audio-Visual materials