About Your Library Account

Who can get a library card?

Any resident of the city of Saginaw, Saginaw Township, Kochville Township, Carrollton, Zilwaukee, Buena Vista, James Township and Tittabawassee Township are eligible for a free card. Minors must have a legal guardian present when signing up for a new card and must be able to write their name.

We also offer cards to many other associated areas - feel free to ask if your city or township is eligible for a free card! Anyone else can get a card to check out items from our libraries for an annual fee of $50, which does not include access to our digital resources.

What if I lose my card?

Let us know as soon as you realize that it’s missing so that we can prevent it from being used fraudulently. If you need a replacement card, it’s $1 at any branch.

What is my PIN number?

Your default library account PIN is the last four digits of the phone number you gave us when you registered.

If I forget my library card, can I still check out materials?

Using your library card to checkout helps ensure that your account is accurate. If you do forget it, we can access your account using a photo ID. 

Does my library card expire?

Your card will expire if you don’t use it for at least 3 years. 

Where can I return items I have checked out?

You can return materials that you have checked out to any of our four branches or the bookmobile.

Can I return items when the library is closed?

Many materials can be returned in a drop box that is accessible after hours. To help us keep our items in good condition, some materials have stickers indicating that they must be returned inside or in a separate dropbox slot.

Is there material in Spanish?

Hoyt Library has a collection of books and movies in Spanish.

Can I reserve a room for my event?

Meeting rooms are available to community organizations and non-profit groups for meetings that are educational, cultural or civic in nature. The rooms are not available for individual or commercial use. For more information and to book a room, please visit a library or go to: saginawlibrary.org/services/meeting-rooms

Where can I use my library card?

You can use your library card in any of our four branches, on our bookmobile, or to access any of our digital resources. You can also use your card at other One Card libraries:

• Coleman Area Library
• Gladwin County District Library
• Harrison District Library
• Pere Marquette District Library

Can I print or make copies at the library?

All branches have a copy machine and printing access from either our computers or through one of our mobile printing options for 15¢/page, black & white only: www.saginawlibrary.org/mobile-printing

Can I fax or scan at the library?

All branches have fax and scanning capabilities. It is $1/page to send or receive a fax. Please let the branch know if we should expect a fax for you, and have the sender include your name on the fax. We will hold received faxes for 24 hours. Scanning to email or USB is free.

Does the library accept credit card payments?

All branches accept credit/debit cards, Apple Pay & Google Pay for copies, prints, replacement books, and other purchasable material from the library. (Unless otherwise noted, items off the Friends of the Library ongoing book sale shelves are cash only.)

Do I need a library card to attend programs or use materials in the library?

No. Library programs and events are free and open to the public. Some may require advanced registration. Please check our events calendar to see what’s coming up and to register: saginawlibrary.org/events

Does the library provide services to the homebound?

Yes, through our Books by Mail program. Patrons 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.

Can I use a computer or my own device at the library?

Each branch has PCs available for your use. Your library card or a guest pass gets you 60 minutes of use, which can be extended if no one is waiting for the computer. We also have free wi-fi in our buildings and parking lots.

Do you offer computer help?

Basic technology assistance is available at all libraries, though we are unable to offer help filling out forms or typing. Libraries occasionally offer sessions for more in-depth tech help. Please check the events calendar or talk to a staff member for more information. 

Does the library accept donations?

Donations of books, magazines, and AV material such as CDs & DVDs are accepted at the Butman-Fish and Zauel libraries. Donated items will go to Friends of the Library groups’ book sales to help sponsor programs and other library needs.

Can my child come to the library alone?

All children age 6 or younger must be supervised by a responsible adult or adolescent of at least 13 years of age.

Do you have a mobile app?

Yes. The Saginaw Library app is available for iOS and Android and allows your to keep track of your borrowing, place holds, store your barcode and more! Search for VALCAT in your app store, or find a direct link on our website.

Find out more at: www.saginawlibrary.org/new-catalog-faq