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The Basics of Borrowing Items
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The best benefit of having a library card is borrowing from the thousands of books, videos and audios in our collection. Find out how long do items check-out for? What happens if they are returned late? How many items can be checked-out at once. All the answers in one place. Here.
Can I get a library card?
Yes, if you are a resident of the area served by the Library, you may apply for a library card. This includes anyone who lives in the City or Township of Niles (except those who live in Buchanan School District) and those who live in Bertrand Township. Proof of identity and residence is required; a driver's license with your current address is usually all that is needed.
Yes, if you live outside the area served by the Library and purchase a subscription card. Subscription cards give you access to all the same borrowing privileges as our tax-paying citizens. And they cost about the same as what a person who lives in our district pays in taxes (per capita): $25.00 per year or $15.00 for a six month period.
Yes. if you participate in the Michicard program. People living in Michigan but outside the area served by the Library may apply for a Michicard after they have received a library card from their home library. Michicard patrons may only check out print materials (not audio and DVD's).
My library card has been lost or stolen. What should I do?
Call the library and report that your card has been lost or stolen so we can prevent anyone from using the card. Next time you are in the library you may get a replacement card for $5.00. You will need to bring proof of identity.
Is there a limit to how many items I can check out?
Yes, there is a limit on some items.
New Books 4
Audio Books 5
Other Books No Limit
Magazines No Limit
DVD's & Videos 5
How long can I keep my items?
New Books 14 days
Bestsellers 7 days
Audio Books 14 days
Other Books 21 days
Magazines 21 days
Videos and DVD's 7 days
Can I renew my items?
Yes, you can renew books, audios and magazines items if no other patron is waiting for the item. You may not renew videos. Some inter-library loan items may not be renewable. Items are renewed for one check-out period.
Am I charged a late fee if I do not return my items on time?
Yes, for each day and each item, you are charged the amounts listed below.
Videos & DVD's: $1.00
All other materials: .15 cents.
What kinds of things are available?
Books
In the adult area, you will find recreational reading including best-sellers, mysteries, romances, westerns and science fiction. We offer informational books on every subject imaginable. Feed you child's imagination with books from our children's area. Tweens and teens will enjoy our collection of books from our YA section.
Magazines and Newspapers
Dozens of magazines and many local newspapers are available. These include young-adult and children's magazines.
Videos and DVD's
The library owns close to 3000 videos, including family favorites, box office hits and documentaries.
Audio Books
Hit the road with one of our audio books on cassette and CD. Both children and adult books are available.
Can I see what the library owns online?
Our online catalog allows you to browse our collection from any computer with Internet access. You can log into your account to see what items you have checked out and when they are due, renew items and reserve items.
How do I access my online account?
Step 1. Go to www.nileslibrary.com
Step 2. Click on GO TO THE LIBRARY'S CATALOG.
Step 3. Select MY ACCOUNT.
Step 4. In the box, type in the BARCODE NUMBER from the back of your library card.
Step 5.Type your TEMPORARY PASSWORD in the box provided.
Step 6. You will be asked to change your password. Re-enter your TEMPORARY PASSWORD, then choose a new seven character password which contains both letters and at least one number. Re-enter to verify. WRITE DOWN YOUR NEW PASSWORD.
Step 7. You will be prompted to log on again using your barcode number and NEW PASSWORD.
Can I borrow items from other libraries?
The library participates in MeLCat and MichiCard. MichiCard allows our patrons to check out materials at other libraries, and patrons from outside our service area can checkout print materials. MeLCat is a statewide database of books owned by libraries throughout Michigan. You can order books online at mel.org or here; the books will be delivered to the library for you to pick up.
What if I am home-bound?
Delivery service is available for patrons of the district who are unable to come to the library.
