Polaris Upgrade - February 2026

A New Computer System is on its Way!

Along with other members of the Valley Library Consortium, the Public Libraries of Saginaw is moving to a new Integrated Library System, called Polaris.

This is a major behind-the-scenes change for our libraries. This computer system touches most of our day-to-day operations.

At the same time, we are upgrading your experience to a new mobile app and website, so you will also be seeing changes in the way you interact with your online library account.

We will do our best to make this transition as painless as possible, but we appreciate your understanding as we experience some service disruptions during the migration. The result should be a more modern and stable system for everyone.

Here’s what you need to know over the coming weeks:

A cartoon of a woman sitting at a desk in front of a computer with stacks and piles of books surrounding and towering over her.

NOW – FEBRUARY 18:

  • Make sure you know where your library card is. 
    Account lookup by photo ID will be unavailable during the transition period of February 19-25, so you will need your card with you to check out library materials. Please be aware that the barcode on our current smartphone app may not be available during this period
  • We are extending due dates past the transition period, so you don’t need to worry about returning items right away.
  • Please save any reading lists, reviews and shelves that you wish to keep from your current online account. These lists will NOT automatically transfer to the new system. PLEASE NOTE THAT ACCESS YOUR YOUR LIBRARY ACCOUNT WILL CUT OFF AROUND 3 P.M. ON WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18.

Transition Period - FEBRUARY 19-25:

  • You may check out items only. Account lookup will be unavailable, so you will need your library card with you.
  • Items cannot be checked in. (Due dates have been extended until at least March 6.)
  • We cannot issue new library cards.
  • You will not be able to place any new holds, and we will not be able to process requested materials sent from partner libraries.
  • You will not be able to login to your online account. 
  • Existing users should be able to continue accessing Libby, Hoopla and Kanopy.
  • Library public computers are working 

FEBRUARY 26 AND AFTER:

  • Services should begin to return to normal on Thursday, February 26 
  • Your library card, account number and PIN will remain the same.
  • Your checkouts, holds and account information (including checkout history, if you have it enabled) will transfer automatically to the new system. 

  • What will not transfer:

    • Your Bibliocommons username
    • Any reading lists, reviews, or other shelves you created. (You will be able to recreate lists in the updated system.)
  • Our catalog website will look and act a little different than before
  • There will be a new account app

Thank you for your patience during this important transition! We will continue to share updates as the process moves along.


We hope the new system improves your library experience. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns.