Services

Information Services

Reference Services

Our Library staff answers over 200,000 questions a year. Call the Hoyt Main Library at 989-755-9832 or visit any branch.

Government Resources

The Hoyt Main Library is a federal and Michigan government document depository library and has been one since 1890. The library has many older titles, which come in all different formats (books, magazines, microfiche, etc.) can be found on the library’s online catalog system.

Other Services

Copiers

All branches have photocopiers for the public to use. Copies cost $0.15 each.

Fax

All branches have telefax (fax) services for the public. Costs are $2.00 per page to send or receive.

Meeting Rooms

Butman-Fish, Hoyt and Zauel Libraries have rooms which may be used for public meetings, subject to availability. Groups must meet eligibility requirements and submit a Meeting Room Use Application for approval.

Microform Reader Printers

The equipment for reading microfilm and microfiche is available at the Hoyt Main Library. Printer copies cost $0.10.

Typewriters

Hoyt Library has a typewriter for the public to use.

Test Proctoring

Patrons in need of a test proctor should contact the Delta College Testing Center at (989) 686-9182

Unemployment Services

Looking for a job or thinking about a new career? The Resources to Assist the Unemployed section consists of four web pages that are packed with links to information that will help you with this quest. Learn how to file your unemployment claim online, create resumes and cover letters and where the best jobs are in Michigan. Click here to access this section now.

Computer, Internet and Online Services

Online Databases

The Public Libraries of Saginaw purchases a variety of online databases for the public to use, either in the library or from your home via the web page. You must have a valid library card and live in the library’s service area to access some of the databases online. To see the database listing click here.

Computers and Internet Access

Computers with word processing and Internet access are available at all our libraries. Some stations are filtered.

Special Needs Services

ADA

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, with two weeks advance notice, the Public Libraries of Saginaw will provide necessary, reasonable auxiliary aids and services to individuals with disabilities. Please call 755-9833 or T.D.D. 755-9831.

Blind/Physically Handicapped

The library has applications for service through the Library of Michigan Services for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. These include Braille materials and talking books and magazines free of charge.

Books By Mail

What is Books by Mail?

Books by Mail for the Homebound is a free service of the Public Libraries of Saginaw.  Residents of the library’s legal service area who are unable to come to the library  because of disability or long term illness can call the library and request that items be mailed to them free of charge. Staff members will be happy to send titles you request or suggest books that you might be interested in reading.

• You can request up to five books, audiobooks or magazines.
• Items will be checked out to you and mailed to your home. You should receive them within two or three days.
• You are responsible for returning the items back to the library. You are responsible for any lost materials, overdue fines and any other charges that are incurred.

How Do I Sign Up?

Simply call one of the libraries listed below and use your library card. If you do not have a library card, you will be registered for a card over the phone and it will be mailed to you. Please have your library card handy to give the card number to the staff member that helps you.

Large Print

Library print books are available in all our facilities. Butman-Fish, Hoyt and Zauel Libraries have equipment to enlarge print. (See Vision Impaired Services below.)

Talking Books

The library provides a collection of talking books in several formats including limited titles on cassette, CD, Playaway self-contained MP3, and Overdrive downloadable audio.

For those patrons who may need the service, applications are available for the use of materials from the Library of Michigan Services for the Blind and Physically Handicapped which provides Braille materials and talking books and magazines free of charge to those who qualify. http://www.michigan.gov/documents/sbphapp_42847_7.pdf

T.D.D./T.T.Y.

The Hoyt Main Library has a T.T.D. which the public can use. Staff will be glad to answer questions via T.D.D. Call 989-755-9831.

Vision Impaired Equipment

The following branches have equipment to assist the vision-impaired:

Butman Fish Library
. Vantage CCD Telesensory – a powerful magnifying unit
. Kurzweil Reader – printed material can be placed on this machine which will read it aloud

Hoyt Main Library
. The Freedom Machine – An easy-to-use magnifying unit using a large monitor; magnification from 2X to 120X
. 2000 color auto focus

Zauel Library
. Vantage CCD Telesensory