Obtaining and Renewing a Library Card
1. Resident Cards
If you live within the Ann Arbor Public Schools boundaries (with the exception of Northfield Township), you may obtain a resident library card with no fee. You can get a Library card at the information desk at any location of the Ann Arbor District Library.
You can find out if your address is in the AADL district by using this map.
To apply for a new Library card, please bring a current photo ID and some proof of your current address. You can also print an application before coming in!
AADL also offers versions of its library card application in nine different languages. You can request a printout of a non-English application at any library, or print your own form and fill it out before coming in. Click to view our translated applications.
Current photo ID may be:
- a driver's license or state issued ID from any state
- a military ID
- a passport
- a current student I.D.
Proof of address may be:
- Current Driver's license or Michigan ID card issued by the Secretary of State
- Mail addressed to you and postmarked within the last month
- Lease or purchase agreement
- Car registration
- If you don't have any of these, ask at the information desk and we can mail a form letter to your local address.
2. Employees Who Work Inside the AADL District
Anyone who can show proof of employment at an address inside the AADL District is eligible for a library card for no fee.
Examples of employers within the AADL District whose employees are eligible for a free library card:
• Businesses
• Organizations
• Institutions
• University of Michigan Ann Arbor
• Ann Arbor Public Schools
• Household Employees
Proof of employment can be:
• a pay stub
• work badge
• presence on the entity's website
Proof needs to show a local address.
3. Non-Resident Cards
If you don't qualify for a no-fee AADL card but still want to receive the benefits, a fee-based card is available for $150.00 per year. You can pay the fee in 4 quarterly installments of $37.50 if you'd prefer. The fee must be paid at the time the card is issued by cash or check. When your fee-based card expires, you'll need to pay the next installment before you can renew.
Cards with no annual fee may be available if you own or rent property in the AADL District, teach in or attend a State approved K-12 school located in within the boundaries of the AADL, tutor for a literacy organization, or work for a business located in the Library District (and your business is willing to provide a card for you).
Non-resident patrons of the Washtenaw Library for the Blind and Print Disabled, and their family members living at the same address, may have the fee waived for their cards.
Using Your Library Card
You can use your Library card at any location of the Ann Arbor District Library. Library materials may also be returned to any location of the Ann Arbor District Library.
Creating an Online Account
Once you’ve gotten your library card, you can create an online account and use it to check your library record, place requests, and renew materials.
Renewing Your Card
Resident Library cards are issued for two years. All other cards are issued for one year. If you've provided an email address, you'll get a notice when your card is about to expire. You can renew your card in-person at any information desk at any location of the Library or online by sending your card number and current address to ask@aadl.org!
Report a Lost or Stolen Card Immediately
Contact us online, call us at 734-327-4200, or come to any information desk. Until you have reported your card missing, any use of it is your responsibility. Please protect your AADL card as you would a credit card.
Checking Out Materials
With your Ann Arbor District Library card, you may borrow:
Art Prints 8 weeks
Book Clubs to Go Kits 6 weeks
Books, Books on CD, Stories-to-Go, Kits 4 weeks
CDs, LP Records, Magazines 2 weeks
Videos 1 week
Tools, Express Shelf Varies*
*Due to subject or length, some designated materials circulate for extended loan periods.
Renewals
Library materials may be renewed online at aadl.org, by calling the Renewal Line at 734-327-4200 during library hours, or at any service desk. Materials may be renewed if there are no requests waiting. We reserve the right to limit renewals on in-demand materials. Art prints, Express Shelf and some Tools are not renewable.
Requests
Materials in circulation or on order (except Express Shelf items and some Tools) may be requested through our online catalog, by phone at 734-327-4200, or in person at any service desk.
Notices
As a courtesy, the AADL sends notices about requests ready for pickup, date due reminders (to email addresses only), overdue items, cards coming due for renewal, and other information. All of this information is also available through your My Account page.
The notices are sent by email (if we have your email address) on the following schedule:
Email:
• Due Date Reminder sent 3 days before the due date
• Overdue Notice send at 2 days and 8 days overdue
• Request Notification sent when a requested item is ready for pickup
Fees and Charges
There are no overdue fees on AADL materials. When an item is 45 days overdue, a bill for the replacement cost will be added to your account. This bill will disappear completely if the overdue item is returned.
MeLCat or ILL checkouts will accrue overdue fees of 25 cents per day.
Replacement costs will be charged for lost or damaged materials.
Payment Policy
Borrowing privileges will be suspended on any Library Card with $25.00 or more in unpaid fees. Unpaid balances of $25 or more for more than 45 days will be sent for collection and a collection fee will be charged.
Payment may be made at any circulation desk with cash or a check made payable to the Ann Arbor District Library. MasterCard, Visa, or Discover payments may be made online. Partial payments are accepted.
Additional Library Card Benefits
Instant Access to The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal
Enjoy instant access to The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal with your AADL card! Digital versions of the print editions, plus access to The New York Times Magazine and WSJ Magazine.
AudioBooks
Get access to libraries full of audiobooks and audio content through OverDrive and AADL-licensed content. All genres—including new releases and classics—including a giant collection of L.A. Theatre Presents performances of plays like August: Osage County, A Room with a View, and more!
Ebooks
Books for all ages, through OverDrive and licensed through the AADL (including 826Michigan, Cherry Lake Publishing, Project Gutenberg, Wayne State University Press, and more), for Kids, Teens, or Adults.
Streaming Video
In addition to hundreds of AADL-produced event video that anyone can watch anytime, cardholders can stream a collection of documentaries right from the catalog, including local documentaries, short films, and nature documentaries from the BBC.
Sleeping Bear Press
Our friends at Sleeping Bear Press rushed a collection of their most recently published ebooks into our catalog for users to read and download right in the comfort of their own homes. Unlimited access!
Creativebug for Arts & Crafts
AADL has licensed Creativebug for use by all Library card holders. Creativebug offers more than 1,000 award-winning video classes on painting, knitting, crafting, sewing, and more, taught by recognized design experts and artists.
Consumer Reports
Consumer Reports database is available to AADL cardholders. Read reviews and ratings on products, cars, and various services as well as articles from current and past magazine issues.
Genealogy Databases and Resources
Access to historical records, newspaper databases, obituaries, and more.