Get a Library Card

Persons wishing to obtain a library card should fill out an application giving the information indicated as follows:

  • Legal Name
  • Primary Address
  • City, State, Zip
  • County, Township
  • Telephone Number
  • Driver’s License Number, Michigan ID, or Passport number
  • High School or College (if attending)
  • Legal Guardian's Name (if under 18)
  • E-mail Address
  • Gender
  • Age Category

Person will need to verify his/her home address by showing some proof of ID: driver’s license, Michigan ID, postmarked piece of mail, etc.)

When a juvenile (child under 18) applies for a card, a Children’s library card letter and the general library services brochure will be sent out to the parents making them aware that their child has applied for a card. If a child has no ID, a postcard will be sent to verify the address. This packet will also be given to parents who have come in to register their children. If the child has no ID, we can use the parent's ID for verification.

No person shall be deprived of library service because of the misuse of the library or its materials by any other person in his/her family.

Click here to download the Public Libraries of Saginaw Library Card Application. Remember, you must bring in your home address verification as stated above.

Circulation Policy

For specific questions about circulation policy (for obtaining library cards and checking out books and other materials), ask at any of our library branches or call Circulation at (989) 755-9824.

Email Notification

You may sign up to receive email notification. Notification will be sent for items that are available for pick up and for overdue items.

Late Fines

Late Fines for all overdue materials are $.10 per day, with a maximum of $4.00 per item (Unless the items is lost or damaged, in which case the replacement value of the book will be charged).

Interlibrary Loan

Materials not owned by the Public Libraries of Saginaw are borrowed from other libraries. This is generally a free service to patrons who reside in our legal service area.

Legal Service Area

The Public Libraries of Saginaw's legal service area includes: City of Saginaw, City of Zilwaukee, Buena Vista, Carrollton, James, Kochville, Saginaw Township, Tittabawasee, and Zilwaukee Township. Library cards are available for anyone who lives in our legal service area and the area served by the Mideastern Michigan Library Co-op and Valley Library Consortium. Outside that area, a card can be purchased for a $50 annual non-resident fee.

Loan Periods

Print materials, audiobooks, and most downloadables are checked out for three weeks. DVDs are loaned for one week. Most materials can be renewed twice. Renewals can be made over the phone or online through your library account.

Reserves/Holds

If the title you want is not available, you may reserve it or place it on hold even if it is owned by another library. This can be done in person, by phone or, in some cases, through the library's online catalog by following the instructions on the screen.